The kitchen worktop: a guide to choosing the right one for your furnishing needs

The kitchen worktop is one of the most important components of the furnishing structure of the room where meals are prepared. In modern kitchens equipped with an island or peninsula, the kitchen top takes centre stage. But even in wall-mounted kitchens it is the absolute protagonist, both from an aesthetic and functional point of view.

The ideal kitchen worktop is strong, durable, practical and functional. The great variety of styles and materials available allows everyone to find the perfect model for their project.

The requirements of the most suitable kitchen worktop for your furnishing needs

The perfect kitchen worktop is one that combines both practicality and aesthetics. This surface must in fact be able to be both a worktop and a support surface, and must also withstand a long series of stresses. The resistance of the worktop is the most important requirement.

In the kitchen, non-porous materials that do not absorb moisture or grease, that do not stain, that are heat-resistant and that do not change colour when exposed to the sun are preferred. Humidity and temperature changes can also be the enemy of kitchen furniture: a durable worktop must also resist this type of threat. If the kitchen top is used as a work surface, the risk of scratches or abrasions in case of contact with rough surfaces must also be taken into account.

The hygiene aspect must not be neglected. The materials used for kitchen tops must be antibacterial and mould-resistant. And they must be easy to clean to ensure a high level of safety. An easy-to-clean kitchen worktop also offers practical advantages and is generally low-maintenance. This is certainly an additional advantage.

Pros and cons of the main materials used for kitchen tops

Kitchens are available on the market with a wide variety of countertops. Each material has its own set of advantages, which should be carefully evaluated and compared with those offered by alternative solutions. In this way, you can compose your ideal kitchen, being sure that its top has the desired characteristics of resistance, aesthetics and durability.

Let’s take a few examples. Natural stone kitchen tops have long been a popular solution. The most commonly used stones are quartz, granite and marble. All of these materials are appreciated in terms of aesthetics and ease of cleaning. Porosity is one of the main defects of stone, especially marble, which risks staining if it repeatedly comes into contact with water, oil and other liquids.

In recent years, kitchen manufacturers have come up with innovative materials made from a mixture of natural stone and resins. This solution mitigates the defects of stone and produces kitchen countertops with an excellent degree of resistance, in addition to the natural elegance offered by stone.

Steel is another material often used in kitchen tops, especially in minimalist and contemporary style models. The main advantage of steel is that the surface is easy to clean and hygienic. The downside is a high risk of scratches.

Ceramic is another option to consider for a kitchen countertop. As with natural stone, there are modern ceramic-based materials, so-called technical ceramics, which retain the aesthetic characteristics of ceramics and increase their strength and durability. The most important advantage of ceramics is the great variety of colours and designs that can be achieved.

How to choose the right kitchen worktop?

When choosing the best kitchen worktop, the first factor to consider is the layout of the room. In an open-plan space with a kitchen equipped with an island or snack top, the top becomes even more important and must be in harmony with the other furniture in the house.

In wall-mounted kitchens, it is important to decide whether to opt for the same material for the kitchen top and the scullery or whether to combine different materials and colours. Again, the balance between the colours and finishes of the main elements in the kitchen should be considered.

When choosing the design of the furniture and the kitchen worktop, the material aspect of the various materials must not be underestimated. The kitchen worktop in particular must be pleasant to the touch and must be consistent with the desired style of furnishing the environment.

Traditional materials, such as stone and laminate, are excellent for kitchen tops in homes furnished in a classic or retro style. On the other hand, modern kitchen tops made of steel, resin or other innovative materials fit perfectly into a contemporary design.

Il Piccolo, a second-generation family-run joinery, opens its own 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 numerous interiors designed and furnished throughout the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents the most prestigious brands of furniture worldwide. Il Piccolo designs, produces and sells the best of the interior design made in Italy, following the customer from the design to the realization, delivery and installation of the work, integrating the process with a precise and professional assistance service. CONTACT US!