Replacement kitchen worktops

mattatclc

They all have their pros and cons:

Granite
Needs occasional maintenance - really needs to be sealed every now and again (1-2 years depending on type) and you must adhere to any aftercare advice given. It does look fantastic once fitted however and might be worth the cost. Try Granite Zone, Universal Granite or PWS Worksurfaces.

Wood Butchers Block
Had this once myself some time ago. Looks great at first but over time it becomes a bit dull and worn looking to the point where it needs sanding down and re-sealed. Wood 'n' Beyond offer fairly low cost wood solutions but be prepared to top up the finish once a year.

Laminate
Great if you want something cheap to maybe sell your property on but IMO looks tired far too quickly and the gloss ones scratch up in no time. Then again, for the cost I suppose you could change it every year or so but could you be bothered with the hassle? Duropal and Odyssey would be about the best options.

Granite Overlay
This lays over your existing laminate worktops. It usually works out more expensive then getting the real solid stone worktops however there's a lot less mess when installing for an existing kitchen. Granite Transformations offer this service (they are a franchise company) as well as B&Q who offer something vaguely similar called Speedstone.

Quartz
Quartz doesn't have the same depth of shine as granite but it is more durable. It's about the same cost as granite but offers resistance to staining, heat and scratching. It's very modern looking, long lasting and hard wearing. Most companies such as Lunastone offer a 10 Year guarantee against staining which is great for piece of mind. Plenty of companies that offer a supply and install service but the ones with the best reputation would be AGM, Lunastone and Granite Zone.

Hope this helps.

abankerbutnotafatcat

How difficult granite is to keep clean looking depends a great deal on the type I.e. colour and grain. Gloss back is notoriously hard to keep shiny but most other types are more forgiving.

I have had a laminate (and it wasn't any particular brand) for 15 years and it still looks fine, I think you've been unlucky.