Choosing the right worktop

When choosing the right worktop for your new kitchen there are several things you need to consider.

Midnight blue | HTH

A solid 30 mm Antique Oak worktop can be given a floating look using our unique VH-7 handle rails.

Harmony Dark | HTH

A 10 mm exclusive white CoreStone worktop contrasts beautifully with a Harmony Dark VH-7 kitchen.

Worktop is key element

The worktop is the most important element in your kitchen. Not only is it the most expensive component when you invest in a kitchen, it is also the one you will likely use the most.

Unsure about which worktop is ideal for you? Read our worktop guide (below) for tips on what to consider before you decide.

Midnight Blue | HTH Lacquer colours

Expert tips

If you have children who help with the cooking, it is a good idea to choose a worktop with surface structure. This makes greasy finger prints and any scratches less visible.

Midnight Blue | HTH Lacquer colours

Touch it

Touch the worktop before you decide! It may sound simplistic, but when you touch a worktop, you get an idea of how it will sound when you put things on it.

Midnight Blue | HTH Lacquer colours

Prioritise

All worktop materials have advantages and disadvantages: Price, design options, cleaning and maintenance. Decide what is important to you and base your choice on this.

WORKTOP GUIDE

How to choose the correct worktop

To find the right worktop for your kitchen, you need to think about what you expect of it.

 

Start by answering these three questions:

HOW DO YOU USE YOUR KITCHEN?

A big factor is what kind of family you have and how you use your kitchen each day.

Do you have children who help in the kitchen? Do you do a lot of baking, or use foods which release a lot of juice or colour? Are you willing to spend time on cleaning and regular maintenance?

All these things have an impact on which worktop you should choose.

MagicMoveID | HTH

A solid wood worktop adds
warmth and atmosphere to
a kitchen.

If you keep it maintained, it
will develop a beautiful patina
and can last for many years.

Focus | HTH
Focus Veneer | HTH

WHAT STYLE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

The right worktop gives your kitchen soul, and is a major contributor to your kitchen’s overall look. The material, colour, structure and thickness of the worktop have a big impact on the design, and the possibilities are endless.

If you want a classic kitchen with warmth and atmosphere, a solid wood worktop is a great choice. If you want your worktop to signal minimalism and simplicity, CoreStone is more for you.

It is up to you which style you want.

 

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

The cost of the worktop can be a large percentage of the total kitchen budget if you choose a very exclusive material. It is not unusual for a granite worktop to cost as much as the rest of the kitchen.

If you want an economic solution, it is good to choose a wear-resistant laminate worktop with a very competitive price.

It all depends on what your priorities are.

Which worktop is best?

Which worktop is best for you depends on a number of factors. We have therefore selected the six most common worktop materials and listed their advantages and limitations, to give you an overview.

Focus | HTH
You cannot go wrong with laminate
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Laminate

Info

Laminate worktops offer many advantages. These worktops do not need much maintenance or cleaning, and are very durable.

DESIGN OPTIONS

Laminate worktops are available in many colours and patterns, so you can choose precisely the look you want. Laminate is therefore not only the cheapest worktop option, but also an exciting choice.

WEAR RESISTANT

A laminate worktop is very wear-resistant and can withstand demanding daily use. However, the worktop does not tolerate hot objects placed directly on it, as this can damage the surface.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

The worktop is ideal for people who do not want to spend time cleaning, as it requires minimal maintenance. Cleaning each day using a tightly wrung cloth is often sufficient.

PRICE

Laminate is the most favourably priced material, located at the lower end of the price scale.

Corestone | HTH
CoreStone is elegant and easy to clean
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CoreStone

Tabletop | HTH

Elegant CoreStone worktops are made of solid, dyed-through composite material, and can be shaped and joined as you wish.

DESIGN OPTIONS

CoreStone is available in selected shades and in several thicknesses. See the range in the ‘Fronts and accessories’ catalogue.

WEAR RESISTANT

The special poreless material repels moisture and dirt.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

A CoreStone worktop requires minimal maintenance. Cleaning each day using a tightly wrung cloth is often sufficient. CoreStone can also be repaired and re-polished if the need arises

PRICE

CoreStone lies in the middle of the price scale compared to other worktop materials.

 

Keramikbordplade Trilium | HTH
Ceramic worktops are beautiful and resilient
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CERAMIC

Tabletop | HTH

Beautiful ceramic worktops set new standards for what a worktop can withstand.

DESIGN OPTIONS

Ceramic worktops are available in a wealth of beautiful shades that add an exclusive touch to your kitchen.

WEAR RESISTANT

The worktop has a unique durability that withstands hot saucepans as well as icy foods without damage.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

A ceramic worktop defies wear and tear. It cannot absorb any liquid or food residues, so you only need a wrung-out cloth for cleaning.

PRICE

The price of the worktop is at the high end of the price scale.

Scandinavian Classic | HTH
A solid wood worktop adds soul and warmth
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Advantages and limitations of solid wood worktops

Tabletop | HTH

A wooden worktop is one of the most classic elements of kitchen design. It is timeless, warm and inviting – and easier to maintain than many people think.

 

COLOUR OPTIONS

Various types of wood are available, each with their own colour interplay and hardness. See the range in the ‘Fronts and accessories’ catalogue.

 

WEAR RESISTANT

The various wood types have different degrees of hardness, but all wooden worktops can develop marks or scratches during daily use. However, these can be easily sanded down, and if you maintain the worktop it will develop a beautiful patina and last for many years.

 

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

A wooden worktop requires maintenance and must be oiled regularly to maintain the wood’s natural glow and make it resist moisture. It cannot handle detergent, acid or hot objects.

 

PRICE

Wood is roughly in the middle of the price scale if you look at all worktop materials, but cost varies greatly depending on the wood type. It is necessary to have a scale drawing of the worktop before the exact price can be calculated.

 

Book a meeting with your nearest HTH store for personal guidance on worktops and design options.

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Stainless steel is modern and practical
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Advantages and limitations of stainless steel worktops

Tabletop | HTH

Steel worktops are best known from large professional kitchens, but there is a clear trend towards stainless steel in private kitchens where people want an industrial look. The worktops can be joined with completely smooth surfaces, e.g. around the kitchen sink.

 

DESIGN OPTIONS

Stainless steel is very uniform in colour and is available in various thicknesses. The worktop can be tailored to your requirements.

 

WEAR RESISTANT

Stainless steel is extremely wear-resistant, and scratches form a natural patina which makes the worktop unique. The worktop cannot be damaged by water and common cleaning agents, and its antibacterial and fully sealed surface means nothing can penetrate the worktop. Stainless steel tolerates limited heat, and any dents can be difficult to straighten out.

 

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Steel worktops are hygienic, because they are easy to clean and maintain, as the surface is smooth and solid. Limescale can be easily removed using vinegar solution or another non-corrosive descaling agent. Stainless steel may also be polished as needed.

 

PRICE

Stainless steel is above the middle of the price scale if you look at all worktop materials. It is necessary to have a scale drawing of the worktop before the exact price can be calculated.

 

Book a meeting with your nearest HTH store for personal guidance on worktops and design options.

GET ADVICE AT HTH
Focus Veneer | HTH
Granite gives your kitchen an exclusive look
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Advantages and limitations of granite worktops

Tabletop | HTH

A granite worktop has been cut directly out of the rock, and is a natural material which radiates exclusive quality.

 

COLOUR OPTIONS

Granite is a natural material which is available in many colour variations, surfaces and thicknesses. Every worktop is unique, and to make sure that the colour and structure match, you must always order granite together. See the range in the ‘Fronts and accessories’ catalogue.

 

WEAR RESISTANT

Granite is one of nature’s toughest elements, and can handle almost anything. The worktops can withstand water, normal cleaning agents and moderate heat.

 

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Granite is easy to clean and maintain. Everyday cleaning merely involves wiping down the worktop with a wrung cloth. If you want to freshen it up, simply treat it with wax or polish and it will look as good as new again.  Cleaning agents such as descaling agents, chlorine, methylated spirits, etc. must always be immediately removed from the worktop, as they can damage the surface.

 

PRICE

Granite is an exclusive material at the upper end of the price scale if you look at all worktop materials. It is necessary to have a scale drawing of the worktop before the exact price can be calculated.

 

Book a meeting with your nearest HTH store for personal guidance on worktops and design options.

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Cooking island with focus on horizontal lines
The Rolls Royce of worktops: Corian®
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Advantages and limitations of Corian®

Corian | HTH

Corian® combines virtually all the benefits of all the other worktop materials in one. It is an exclusive homogenous composite product with exceptional durability, particularly ideal for kitchens where a worktop with a sophisticated design is desired.

 

COLOUR OPTIONS

Corian® is available in many colours and surfaces, making it easy to get exactly the style that suits your home. See our range at your nearest HTH store.

 

WEAR RESISTANT

A Corian® worktop is silky smooth, and yet hard enough to withstand everyday use.

 

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

A Corian® worktop is very practical and requires minimal maintenance. Cleaning each day using a tightly wrung cloth is often sufficient. Corian® can also be repaired and re-polished if the need arises.

 

PRICE

Corian® is an exclusive material at the upper end of the price scale if you look at all worktop materials. It is necessary to have a scale drawing of the worktop before the exact price can be calculated.

 

Book a meeting with your nearest HTH store for personal guidance on worktops and design options.

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Find inspiration for your choice of worktop

The ‘Fronts and accessories’ catalogue presents our standard range, so you can see which worktops you can choose between.

Visit your local HTH store to see samples of the entire range.

View the catalogue

Get help to choose the right worktop

You can see all of our worktops and options at your local HTH store. Our expert kitchen consultants can help you choose the right worktop to match your requirements.

Find your HTH store