Kitchen worktops

JIL

I have a fairly good idea of what I want for my kitchen units, no handles and an off white colour. 
However I'm stuck on what kind of worktops to buy. DIY kitchens have some duropal  laminate tops, they look ok. They have some solid wood ones that I have always liked. However I understand they need a lot of care and attention, so I'm a bit put off.
I still need to do a lot of work on the house so im looking for something that will be economical but also looks good and wears well.
Also I have an area that I would like to use as a breakfast bar but its 110cm wide, is it possible to get a top this wide?
Any thoughts or advice please? 

jennifernil

We put in Beech worktops when we built this house 32 years back, we still have them.  They are in need of refinishing at the moment, that just involves some sanding and applying  2 or 3 new coats of oil, which is easily done.  I think I have refinished them twice previously.

The trick is to spend time finishing them properly before installation, especially underneath and all cut outs, as you will never reach those places again, and not to let water sit on them for long.  Never leave pots on them, they will leave rings, use the hob or sink drainer.  Get a sink with a proper drainer, not those drainer grooves.

A glass worktop saver is good for placing damp dirty dishes on.

Somepiddy

I can tell what is not best. Marble! It is absolutely beautiful when new. But you quickly learn how easily it gets etched by anything acidic. 

babyblade41

I have oak worktops , I've been through the plethora of them all and the care of the oak is so much easier than others.

Would always have them whilst living in a hard water area 

JIL

Thankyou. Talked it over with the kitchen fitter, he will talk us through how to care for them so oak worktops it is.

couriervanman

Another vote for wood........iroko looks good and has high oil content

JIL

couriervanman said:

Another vote for wood........iroko looks good and has high oil content

Thankyou for this, I was looking at the oak worktop on diy kitchens but I may go for iroko. 

couriervanman

As already mentioned take the time oiling them before installation and they don't need much looking after.

JIL

Thanks again. 
The kitchen fitter had suggested that we oil them before he fits them and he can give his advice.  I'm actually feeling relieved at settling on a worktop.

fenwick458

I vote quartz!
looking after a wooden worktop is like a second job. sure if you really like the look of wood, go for it. but if you want the most durable top go for quartz.
I am 100% certain that the little veneer strips they stick onto the sides of laminate worktops will never pop off after a few years, because I don't have any
I'm 100% certain that water wont get into the joints around the sink/corners/hob and cause the worktop to swell
and i'm 100% certain that it won't stain or discolour from any puddles of water or food

jennifernil

It is however not kind to dishes and glasses if they get knocked over!