Kitchen worktops: a guide to choosing the right worktop for your kitchen

When it comes to having to choose a worktop – that is, we are talking about worktops for the kitchen -, it is advisable to consider several options among the various possible ones. By weighing up the pros and cons of different materials and configurations, you can more accurately identify the solution that is best for your needs.

In particular, when making your choice, it is important to balance both aesthetic and functional aspects, not only checking the appearance of the worktop  in relation to the rest of the furniture in the room, but also considering its design and its place in the furniture structure.

What are the best materials for kitchen worktops?

The list of materials with which kitchen worktops can be made is very long indeed. They range from the most common materials, such as solid wood and natural stone, to materials that have only recently made their appearance in the kitchen, such as concrete, steel or technical materials.

When choosing the material to be used, there are many factors to be considered in order to achieve a suitable design. In addition to aesthetics, the strength, durability and ease of maintenance of each option must be considered.

Natural stone countertops are among the most versatile solutions of all. Beautiful worktops can be made of marble , granite or quartz, for example. All these materials are suitable for elegant and refined kitchen designs. Moreover, they fit perfectly into both traditionally furnished and more modern environments. When considering the purchase of kitchen worktops made of one of these materials, one must consider that they are porous surfaces. They are therefore prone to staining in contact with water or greasy substances.

Those who like versatile solutions can also consider ceramic worktops. Although it is a delicate material, it is appreciated for its ability to give an original and intriguing look to the room – and it is also used for its ease of cleaning.

An alternative to natural stone and ceramics are technical materials. Perfect for contemporary kitchens, these surfaces have an optimal level of resistance and a well-kept appearance. They can be made by agglomerating the waste from stone and ceramics and eliminate their weak points.

In kitchens decorated in a natural style or in classic kitchens, solid wood worktops are frequently found. While this material gives the room a warm appearance, it is also prone to scratching and can be affected by moisture and heat.

In modern kitchens, concrete or steel worktops can also be installed. The former solution is ideal when you want to give the room a rough look, while the latter is perfect for a design that aims to emphasise smooth, shiny surfaces.

How to choose the design of kitchen worktops?

The choice of material is certainly a priority, but it is not the only aspect to consider when deciding which worktop to install in the kitchen. The design of this surface must also be chosen carefully, to ensure that the room is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

For an optimal result, one should first identify the location in which to install the kitchen worktops. Only then should you proceed to define the structure.

Depending on how you have decided to organise the room, you may have only one worktop, generally positioned between the area occupied by the sink and that occupied by the hob, or there may be more than one, as in the case of a kitchen with an L-shaped layout. The same can be said for kitchens with an island.

Do kitchen worktops influence the style of the room in which food is cooked? How?

A general tip: the type of worktop you decide to install should be consistent with the furnishing style chosen for the room.

In this sense, those who have opted for a Nordic style, for example, could opt for a solid wood or marble top in light shades. Both of these solutions guarantee a harmonious result with the simple, light-coloured furniture, which characterises Scandinavian interior design and emphasises the functional character of the kitchen.

For a more classic style, granite or solid wood are good choices. How so? The warm colours of these materials blend in with the tones of the furniture and give the kitchen a cosy, timeless look.

On the other hand, those who wish to convey a more contemporary style may decide to install an industrial kitchen, for which stainless steel or concrete worktops may be ideal.

We have reached the end of this guide to kitchen worktops. Now it’s your turn: choose the worktop that best characterises the room in which you prepare and consume food!

Il Piccolo, a second generation family business, opens its showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the many interiors designed and furnished around the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents many of the best international luxury furniture brands. We design, manufacture and sell the best in design. Also with regard to La Cornue kitchens, we follow the customer from the design to the realisation of the project, integrating the whole process with a precise and professional service.