A properly chosen and fitted worktop can make all the difference to your kitchen – like no other room a kitchen has to be efficient, clean, functional and at the same time is probably the one people use to judge you the most. So, let’s put some effort into some ideas to make it look stylish, with no compromise over its cleanliness or efficiency.

A properly fitted kitchen can make the kitchen the true heart of the home (and let’s face it we all tend to gravitate there at parties …). For the purposes of this article I am going to be looking at the worktop, as it is, I would argue, the most important area of your kitchen, both aesthetically and functionally.

The first thing to consider of course is colour. Your worktop should of course coordinate with the rest of the kitchen, and there are different colour ranges available depending on the material you choose. Granite for example is limited to the colours of the rock where it was extracted, Quartz and Corian having a much wider gamut as they use man-made pigments to give them their colour. Other substances, like wood, are pretty much self-explanatory. So, if you have your heart set on electric blue or candy-apple red, Granite is not going to be for you.

If there is going to be many funky lines, curves and sweeps in your kitchen, then it may well be worth thinking of Corian, which can be shaped very much easier than either granite or quartz, and whose texture lends itself so much better to an ultra-modern look. For simple square surfaces, there’s probably nothing more beautiful than a big slab of granite.

Next you have to think about sinks. One with a separate drying basin? What sort of drainage grooves do you require? How to fit the sinks – seamless or classic, Corian, or stainless steel? It is well worth looking round the web to find examples of installations you like because the big limit here is your imagination!

Next upstands (also called splashbacks) protect your wall from knocks and stains, and has the quality of visually anchoring your surface to the kitchen wall. Suppliers give a few options for these so it is worth looking into before you buy to make sure you are getting the effect that you really want.

Edging is another facet of worktop choice that has to be factored. Most suppliers give many options on this, but common types are finishes like rounded, square, bevelled, grooved and so forth. These often have their own pricing and intricate edging can add to your cost. When you order your worktop, you will be asked how many sides need edging and how long the sides are, unless of course you get the whole thing measured and fitted for you.

So, back to materials. Wood and laminates are self-explanatory, but Granite, Corian and Quartz need a little explanation. Granite is the king of worktop surfaces: beautiful, natural and with a deep shine. Although more expensive, and requiring a little more upkeep, granite is most definitely the premium choice. Quartz is a partially synthetic material, made of 97% crushed stone (usually, erm, quartz) combined with man-made polymers and pigments so that it has a comparable hardness to granite, but with the advantages of being completely non-porous and is available in a wide array of colours and finishes. Corian is a completely synthetic material, basically a man-made stone, that can be joined seamlessly and invisibly, can be moulded at very high temperatures and and is available in a huge range of colours.

So, I do hope this helps with some of your choices for the kitchen. Of course, a trained and helpful staff will always be able to help further with your decision making, but this should be enough to set you upon the road of discorvery for your kitchen worktop.

Finishing Off The Kitchen With The Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Innova Classicor Wrought-Iron Oval Pot Rack $29.99 Wrought Iron Oval Pot Rack (12021); Dimensions 17″ x 32-1/2″; Includes: chrome plated grid, 4 – black ceiling hooks, 8 black “S” hooks, 12 black “J” hooks, 4 – 22″ chains….

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Del Monte Slice Carrots 14.5 oz $1.79 LessCare LP3R Designer Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink is hand crafted by LessCare of the premium quality 18 gauge, 18/10 chromium/nickel, 304 stainless steel to achieve a striking finish and provide durability and superior performance. An exclusive heavy duty sound guard coating and padding reduces disposal noise and vibration from dishes and running water for quiet performance. This unde…

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Kraus Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink with Grid $0 This Kraus kitchen sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling project. The sink is constructed from 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel. Mounting hardware, a stainless steel bottom grid and strainer are included.

Vigo 32-inch Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink/ Grid/ Strainer $317.99 This topmount kitchen sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling project. This sink features a single bowl design and is constructed from 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel.

Kraus 32-inch Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $369.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a unique and versatile undermount sink from KrausStainless steel sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling projectKitchen sink boasts stainless steel construction

Kraus 33-inch Farmhouse Apron Single-bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $439.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a unique and versatile under-mount sink from Kraus. This sleek and stylish farmhouse single-bowl sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling project.

Kraus Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink with Grid $169.95 This Kraus kitchen sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling project. The sink is constructed from 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel. Mounting hardware, a stainless steel bottom grid and strainer are included.

Kraus 30-inch Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $369.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen decor with this unique and versatile undermount sink from Kraus. This stainless steel sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling project.

Kraus 33-inch Undermount Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $399.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a unique and versatile undermount sink from Kraus Stainless steel sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling projectKitchen sink boasts stainless steel construction

Vigo Elongated Angular Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $0 Update your kitchen decor with this 16-gauge stainless steel sink from Vigo. This undermount sink features padding and undercoating to reduce clattering while in use.

Kraus 32-inch Undermount Stainless Steel 16-gauge Kitchen Sink $199.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a versatile under-mount sinkSleek and stylish sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling projectKitchen sink boasts 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel construction

Vigo D-shape Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Grid $0 Durable grid protects your kitchen sink against scratches from daily use Vigo sink grid is constructed of chrome-plated stainless steel Kitchen accessory comes with vinyl feet and bumpers

Vigo Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink and Faucet $411.99 If sophistication and style fit your taste, then show it with a Vigo stainless steel kitchen sink and faucet. This undermount kitchen sink and faucet offer a lifetime of function and style.

Kraus 33-inch Undermount Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $399.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a unique and versatile undermount sinkStainless steel sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling projectKitchen sink boasts stainless steel construction

Kraus 33-inch Farmhouse Apron Double-bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $469.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a versatile under-mount sinkSleek and stylish sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling projectKitchen sink boasts 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel construction

Kraus Stainless Steel Farmhouse Kitchen Sink, Chrome Faucet/ Dispenser $599.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with unique Kraus kitchen combo Kitchen sink boasts 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel construction Scratch-resistant commercial-grade premium satin finish

Vigo Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink, Chrome Faucet and Dispenser $481.99 Vigo delivers top quality and unique design with the fine detailing of this stainless steel farmhouse sink, chrome faucet and dispenser set. This kitchen faucet and sink combo creates an instantly updated look.

Kraus 30-inch Farmhouse Apron Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $429.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a unique and versatile undermount sink from KrausStainless steel sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling projectKitchen sink boasts stainless steel construction

Kraus 32-inch Undermount Stainless Steel 16-gauge Kitchen Sink $199.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a versatile under-mount sinkSleek and stylish sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling projectKitchen sink boasts 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel construction

Kraus 23-inch Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $329.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a unique and versatile under mount sink from Kraus Stainless steel sink is a great centerpiece for any kitchen remodeling project Kitchen sink boasts stainless steel construction

Kraus 36-inch Farmhouse Apron Single-bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $449.95 Add an elegant touch to your kitchen with a unique and versatile under-mount sink from Kraus. This kitchen sink features 16-gauge premium grade T-304 stainless steel construction.

Vigo 30-inch Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink $423.99 Vigo delivers top quality and unique design in this 30-inch farmhouse, stainless steel, kitchen sink, matching grid and strainer. This long-lasting sink is manufactured with 16-gauge premium 304 series stainless steel construction.

Kingstonbrass Stainless Steel Topmount 25-inch Kitchen Sinks (Pack of 12) $1054.99 These topmount sinks from Kingstonbrass features stainless steel construction and a scratch-resistant satin bowl. These 25-inch drop in sinks come in a pack of 12.Sink type: Kitchen Sink style: TopmountSink material: Stainless steelExterior dimensions: 25 inches long x 22 inches wide Interior dimensions: 21 inches long x 15 inches wide x 8 inches deepDrain opening dimensions: 3.5 inches in diameterScratch-resistant satin bowl finishIncludes: Basket strainer, template and mounting hardware Faucet holes are 8-inch centersetModel number: KK25228BNDZPack of 12Assembly Required

DeNovo Single-bowl Stainless Steel Undermount Bar Sinks (Pack of 4) $267.99 Enhance the modern look of any kitchen or bar with a stylish sink from DeNovo. Crafted of durable 18-gauge stainless steel, these sinks will give an updated look to any remodeling project or bar decor.Undermount stylingOne bowlEasy to cleanStoneguard undercoated over rubber padFinish: Stainless steelMaterials: 18-gauge stainless steelPack of four (4) sinksOffset drain with 3-inch drain openingInside dimensions: 10.75 inches wide x 13 inches front to back x 7 inches deep Overall dimensions: 12.75 inches wide x 15 inches front to back x 7 inches deep

DeNovo Single-bowl Stainless Steel Undermount Bar Sinks (Case of 10) $616.99 Enhance the modern look of any kitchen or bar with a stylish sink from DeNovo. Crafted of durable 18-gauge stainless steel, these sinks will give an updated look to any remodeling project or bar decor.Undermount stylingOne bowlEasy to cleanStoneguard undercoated over rubber padFinish: Stainless steelMaterials: 18-gauge stainless steelPack of 10 sinksOffset drain with 3-inch drain openingInside dimensions: 10.75 inches wide x 13 inches front to back x 7 inches deep Overall dimensions: 12.75 inches wide x 15 inches front to back x 7 inches deep

DeNovo Single-bowl Stainless Steel Undermount Bar Sinks (Pack of 10) $858.99 Enhance the modern look of any kitchen or bar with a stylish sink from DeNovo. Crafted of durable 18-gauge stainless steel, these sinks will give an updated look to any remodeling project or bar decor.Undermount stylingOne bowlEasy to cleanStoneguard undercoated over rubber padFinish: Stainless steelMaterials: 18-gauge stainless steelPack of 10 sinksOffset drain with 3-inch drain openingOverall dimensions: 23 inches wide x 17 inches front to back x 9 inches deep Drain assembly not included

DeNovo Single-bowl Stainless Steel Undermount Bar Sinks (Case of 28) $2297.99 Enhance the modern look of any kitchen or bar with a stylish sink from DeNovo. Crafted of durable 18-gauge stainless steel, these sinks will give an updated look to any remodeling project or bar decor.Undermount stylingOne bowlEasy to cleanStoneguard undercoated over rubber padFinish: Stainless steelMaterials: 18-gauge stainless steelCase of 28 sinksOffset drain with 3-inch drain openingInside dimensions: 13 inches long x 10.75 inches wide x 7 inches deepOverall dimensions: 15 inches long x 12.75 inches wide x 7 inches deep Drain assembly not included