Decoration & Inspiration: Features - Kitchen

Worktop know-how

Keep your worktop looking its best
Changing your kitchen work surfaces is one of the easiest ways of upgrading and updating your look. There's a huge variety of materials and colours available to suit both your budget and style, from stunning high-gloss solid surfaces to laminates in a huge range of colours and textures. Whichever you choose, it's important to prepare, install and care for your worktop correctly to keep it looking its best for longer.

With any worktop, it's always important to wipe away spills as soon as possible to avoid stains, and never use abrasive cleaners or scourers. Never place hot saucepans and oven dishes directly on the work surface, especially over any joins, invest in an oven proof stand or trivet. Never cut directly on the surface to avoid scratches and marks.

The options:

Solid wood
Hardwood worktops require sealing several times with oil during installation, as well as twice a year to prevent it from drying out and looking dull. This will make your worktop last a long time, as well as protect it from liquids. But it isn't waterproof so it is important to mop up spills immediately to prevent black staining. For everyday cleaning, only use a slightly damp, soapy cloth. Although it is prone to scratches, they can be sanded out with fine wire wool.

Granite
Virtually indestructible, granite can withstand incredibly high temperatures, and will resist most stains, although wine, tea, coffee and citric acids must be cleaned up immediately. Granite requires an initial sealing, and then another about 10 years later, but other than that it is maintenance free.

Laminate
Resistant to most household spills and chemicals apart from bleach, tea and coffee, laminate surfaces are hardwearing and wipe clean with a mild detergent. They are not resistant to heat and steam, and are not tough enough to be used as a cutting surface. Choose a thicker, high pressure one to ensure a tougher finish.

Composite
Composite is very tough and more durable than many natural stones. As the colour runs right the way through the material, any scratches can be sanded out by a professional. Composite is very easy to maintain, simply keep it clean with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.

Stainless steel
Never use abrasive cleaners or scourers on stainless steel as it will scratch, simply wash with mild detergent solution and buff to a shine with a soft cloth. Or use a stainless steel cleaner and baby oil to keep it looking its best.

Image: B&Q