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Kitchen worktop

Worktop - Find inspiration for your kitchen

The worktop is a central and extremely important part of the kitchen design – not only because of its functional role, but also thanks to its impact on the overall aesthetic expression of the kitchen. When choosing a worktop, it is important to take into account the different properties and qualities of the material, so that it is not only stylish but also functional and practical in everyday life.

Below we go through what materials countertops can be made of, which ones are extra durable, scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant and heat-resistant, what color and surface treatment options are available and give you our best tips on style choices and care.

Artificial materials
Natural materials
Composite solutions

What materials are used for kitchen worktops?

A wide range of materials are used to make kitchen worktops, and each material has its unique properties, benefits and aesthetic qualities.

These can be divided into three main categories:

  • Artificial materials (laminate, HPL panels, acrylic)
  • Natural materials (wood, natural stone)
  • Modern composite solutions (stainless steel, ceramic, concrete and other technological mixtures).

This variety offers great opportunities for both design and functionality in the kitchen.

Stylish - Two stylish spice bottles sit on a kitchen counter, sunlight casting playful shadows across the surface.

Artificial materials

Laminate and HPL (High Pressure Laminate) worktop

Laminate worktops are a popular solution often used to create stylish but budget-friendly kitchens. These surfaces can imitate various textures, including wood, stone and concrete. They are resistant to dirt but cannot withstand high temperatures. These worktops usually have a thickness of around 20-30 mm.

Benefits and advantages

  • Affordable
  • Wide range of designs and textures
  • Easy to clean: just wipe with a damp cloth
  • Relatively resistant to moisture (within reasonable limits) and dirt

Disadvantages

  • Cannot withstand high temperatures
  • Less resistant to mechanical damage (scratches, chips)
  • Cannot be repaired in case of damage, such as deep scratches or cracks
Stiligt - Ett glas vatten och en svart skål står på en bänkskiva av trä framför en vit marmorvägg.
Stiligt - En mattsvart kopp står på ett matchande fat bredvid en metallsked, allt placerat på en mörk, strukturerad bänkskiva till kök för en modern kökslook.
Stiligt - En mortel och stöt, vikt duk, texturerat konstverk, pepparkvarn i trä och skål är arrangerade på en mörk bänkskiva till kök mot en ljusbeige vägg.

Acrylic worktop

Acrylic worktops are made from acrylic resin with added minerals. They have a smooth, seamless surface that makes them attractive for modern kitchens. These worktops can be easily sanded to restore their appearance in case of scratches. The thickness of acrylic worktops is usually 12, 20, 25 mm.

Acrylic countertops can be integrated with sinks, which retains the seamless design and is great for minimalist interiors.

Benefits and advantages

  • Seamlessness and possibility to integrate sinks and other elements
  • Repairability – scratches can be sanded or polished
  • Hygienic: the material is non-porous, preventing the build-up of dirt and bacteria
  • Easy to care for and durable

Disadvantages

  • More expensive than laminate
  • Less resistant to scratches and high temperatures compared to stone or ceramic
  • Can be affected by chemicals and pollution
Stiligt - En vit tallrik med en gaffel och kniv i kors ovanpå, bredvid ett glas vatten, står på en mörkprickig bänkskiva till kök.
Stylish - A modern stainless steel kitchen faucet and soap dispenser are installed in a beige kitchen countertop, with a small dark vase on the left.

Both options can withstand short-term exposure to cold temperatures, but to protect the surface from possible damage, it is better to use coasters, mats or protective coatings.

Countertops made of artificial materials can lose their color over time if exposed to UV rays and chemicals. Although acrylic is not as prone to fading as laminate, UV rays can still affect its appearance, especially on light or dark shades. With proper care, this is not affected during its normal lifespan.

Care advice

  • Regular cleaning and protection against chemicals: Clean the worktop with a mild detergent and water, avoid abrasive cleaners
  • Protection against high temperatures: use coasters and mats for hot objects
  • Protection against UV rays: Limit direct sunlight, use protective coatings with UV filters for acrylic and laminates
  • Protection against mechanical damage: use cutting boards and coasters to prevent scratches
  • Preventive treatment: Regularly check the joints and use protective agents to prolong their life.

Worktops made of natural materials

Granite worktop

Granite is one of the most popular and durable natural stones for countertops. It is composed of crystals of quartz, feldspar and other minerals, giving it excellent hardness and resistance to mechanical damage.

Benefits and advantages

  • Very durable and long-lasting material
  • Highly heat resistant – you can place hot pots directly on the worktop
  • Low maintenance: it is enough to clean the surface regularly and seal it if necessary
  • Wide range of colors and textures – from black and gray to red and green, with veins, inclusions and patterns

Disadvantages

  • Higher price
  • Heavy material that requires a stable base
  • May be susceptible to microcracking if not properly processed
  • Sensitive to acids – lemon, vinegar can leave stains on prolonged contact
Stiligt - En bänkskiva i terrazzo med en beige skål och två träbägare ovanpå, placerad ovanför ett ljust träskåp med ett horisontellt handtag.
Stiligt - Närbild på en ljusgrå bänkskiva till kök med slät yta, monterad på ett skåp med naturlig träådring.

Marble worktop

Marble is an elegant and beautiful stone, known for its unique patterns and shades. It is ideal for classic and luxurious interiors.

Benefits and advantages

  • Sophisticated look
  • Variety of colors and patterns
  • Heat resistant
  • Marble is a good choice for pastry chefs or those who like to work with dough, as it has the property of cooling products

Disadvantages

  • Marble is more porous than granite, which requires regular maintenance and sealing
  • Easy to scratch, especially in areas of intensive use
  • May react to acids, making it sensitive to products such as lemon juice or vinegar
  • Marble is porous, so it can absorb liquid, leading to stains, especially from oil and wine
Luxury kitchen with Greek marble countertop
Stylish - Stylish modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, marble backsplash and island. Features a stainless steel faucet, black bowl with green apples and cutting boards along with subtle under cabinet lighting.
Stiligt - En modern köksö har en svart induktionshäll som är sömlöst integrerad i en bänkskiva i vit marmor, perfekt placerad framför ett öppet fönster.

Quartzite worktop

Quartzite is a natural stone that in durability and resistance to scratches and damage is similar to granite, but looks like marble. One of the most popular examples of quartzite is the Taj Mahal stone.

Benefits and advantages

  • High resistance to mechanical damage and chemicals
  • Beautiful, natural look with textures similar to marble
  • Heat resistant

Disadvantages

  • Like granite, quartzite is quite heavy and has a higher price
  • May require more careful sealing to avoid liquid absorption
Stylish - A modern kitchen and dining area features stylish design with wooden cabinets, marble countertops, cooktop, wine, fruit bowl and ceiling lights illuminating the dining table. Neutral tones and minimalist decor reinforce the elegant atmosphere.
Stiligt - Modernt kök med snygga skåp i mörkt trä, en marmorö med en klar kanna, taklampor och inbyggda apparater. En skärbräda syns på en annan bänkskiva.

Travertine worktop

Travertine has a unique texture with natural cavities and porous areas, making this type of stone excellent for creating rustic and Mediterranean-inspired interiors.

Benefits and advantages

  • Unique texture and aesthetics
  • Easy to machine, allowing the creation of different shapes and finishes

Disadvantages

  • -The porosity of the material makes it more vulnerable to dirt and damage from liquids
  • Requires regular sealing
  • Less resistant to scratches and impacts compared to granite and quartzite
Stiligt - Minimalistiskt kök med ljus stenbänkskiva, integrerad spishäll, träskåp och beige texturerad stänkskydd. Två eluttag syns på väggen.

Onyx worktop

Onyx is a stone with a stunning visual effect, consisting mainly of calcite. It is distinguished from other natural stones by its transparency and clearly marked layers, reminiscent of marble but with even more expressive and dramatic texture.

Benefits and advantages

  • Thanks to its transparency, onyx can be illuminated from below, creating an incredibly beautiful and cozy atmosphere. This is often used on bar counters or kitchen islands
  • Onyx is softer and lighter than granite or quartzite, making it more malleable when cutting, drilling and installing. This is important when creating non-standard shapes and design solutions
  • The onyx surface can be sanded and polished if scratches or wear occur over time.

Disadvantages

  • Higher price
  • Fragility: Onyx is quite fragile and can be easily damaged
  • Onyx can be susceptible to scratches and damage if used incorrectly
Stiligt - En bänkskiva i vit marmor med grå ådring, delvis med en keramikskål, ett träfat och ett ljus i kanterna.

Slate worktop

Slate is a metamorphic rock formed from clay and volcanic ash. It is dense, durable, with a natural texture and a matte, slightly grooved surface. Its natural texture, matte finish and deep, dark colors make it particularly suitable in modern minimalist interiors as well as in industrial style and Japanese Wabi-sabi.

Benefits and advantages

  • Durability: Slate is resistant to impacts, scratches and wear. It is also widely used in laboratories – it is that durable
  • Does not crumble or crack with temperature changes
  • Does not deform with heat and does not fade
  • Slate is a dense and slightly porous stone. Moisture, grease and dirt penetrate it much more slowly than in marble or travertine
  • More affordable than granite or marble
  • Does not require frequent sealing (depending on the variety), easy to clean with mild agents, resistant to acids and alkalis in reasonable quantities

Disadvantages

  • Limited color range. Mainly dark shades: graphite, dark green, brown, gray
  • Difficult to work: Slate is quite difficult to process and may require more specialized installation
Stylish - A handsome metal kettle sits on a marble countertop next to a black bowl filled with figs.

Care advice for natural stone worktops

Natural stone requires careful care to maintain its beautiful appearance and functionality for many years:

  • Clean the surface regularly with mild detergent and water – avoid harsh chemicals
  • Use special protective treatments to prevent liquids from being absorbed and stains from forming
  • Carry out impregnation if necessary, especially on porous stones such as marble, travertine and onyx
  • Avoid prolonged contact with acids (e.g. lemon juice, vinegar), especially on marble and other sensitive materials

Natural wood worktops

Solid wood

The worktop is made entirely from whole wooden elements that are glued together. This is the most “real” wooden worktop.

Benefits and advantages

  • Natural and high aesthetics
  • Long shelf life with proper care
  • Possibility of multiple grinding and restoration

Disadvantages

  • Higher price
  • May deform over time with changes in humidity

Glue joint

Consists of small pieces of the same wood species joined together with a “finger” pin and glued into a uniform panel.

Benefits and advantages

  • More stable geometry
  • Usually lower price than solid wood
  • Looks natural

Disadvantages

  • Visible joint structure (can be an advantage for those who like industrial style)
  • Slightly less durable than solid wood

Oak worktop

Oak is one of the most popular wood species for worktops thanks to its durability and longevity. It has a clear structure and beautiful grain with characteristic annual rings.

Benefits and advantages

  • Highly resistant to mechanical damage
  • Withstands moisture well, especially if the worktop is treated with protective oils
  • Long life: can last for decades

Disadvantages

  • Can be heavy, making installation and transportation a bit more complicated
  • Requires regular maintenance to preserve the color
Stiligt - En vas i klar glas med gröna bladgrenar står på en bänkskiva till kök i trä i ett minimalistiskt, modernt kök med ljusa väggar.

Walnut worktop

Walnut is a dark wood with a beautiful, deep shade, dense grain and soft lines.

Benefits and advantages

  • Very strong and resistant to mechanical damage
  • Retains its shape and appearance well over time

Disadvantages

  • High cost, as walnut is considered an expensive wood
  • May be more prone to scratches if not properly treated
Elegant kök i en lyxig duplex-lägenhet i Karlatornet, med mörka trädetaljer, en modern bokhylla med glasluckor och en stilren spiraltrappa.

Beech worktop

Beech is a lighter wood with soft and even grain. Very dense and durable

Benefits and advantages

  • Holds its shape well and rarely deforms
  • More affordable than oak and walnut
  • Easy to process and grind

Disadvantages

  • May be less resistant to moisture if not properly treated
  • Prone to mechanical damage (scratches, dents)
Stiligt - En bänkskiva till kök i trä med en växt i solljus, vitkaklad vägg, en trähylla och en vit duk med färgglatt broderi hängande till höger.

Teak worktop

Teak is a very dense wood that is ideal for use in high humidity environments. Teak has a golden to brown color and characteristic oily properties.

Benefits and advantages

  • Highly resistant to water and external influences
  • Long life span

Disadvantages

  • High cost and requires more maintenance
Stiligt - Modernt kök med en stor träö och snygg bänkskiva till kök, två stoppade barstolar, en glasvas med grönt, en skål med äpplen och ett glas på bänkskivan.

Maple worktop

Maple is a light-colored wood that often has characteristic stains and stripes. It has an even grain and good strength.

Benefits and advantages

  • Durable and resistant to damage
  • Ideal for creating countertops with minimal visible joints and cracks
  • More affordable than oak and walnut

Disadvantages

  • Despite its durability, maple tends to absorb moisture quickly and can be prone to deformation, especially in high humidity
Stiligt - En liten vit vas med stjälkar av torkad bomull står på ett ljust träbord i ett modernt kök med vita skåp och en snygg bänkskiva till kök.

Ash worktop

Ash is a wood with a clear grain and light shade, close to oak. It is softer than oak but still strong enough.

Benefits and advantages

  • Holds its shape well and does not deform
  • Fits well in modern interiors and is often used in minimalist styles
  • Affordable and easy to process

Disadvantages

  • Less resistant to moisture and dirt than oak and walnut
Stiligt - En krukväxt i en trådkorg står på en ljus träbänkskiva till kök, med fler köks- och matmöbler synliga i bakgrunden.

Pine worktop

Pine is a softer wood with light shades and clear growth rings.

Benefits and advantages

  • Very good value for money
  • Easy to machine and grind, especially if you need flexible shapes
  • Fits well in “rural” or “country” style

Disadvantages

  • Pine is soft and prone to scratches and dents, which makes it less durable for kitchen worktops that frequently handle sharp objects and hot surfaces. Therefore, it is not recommended for kitchens with high daily traffic

How to choose the right wood for your worktop

  • Demanding durability: If the worktop will be exposed to a lot of mechanical damage (e.g. in the kitchen), we recommend stronger wood species such as oak, walnut or teak.
  • Aesthetics: For stylish and luxurious interiors, walnut and teak are suitable. For lighter and more cozy interiors, maple and ash are suitable.
  • Moisture resistance: If the worktop will be exposed to a lot of moisture, we recommend teak or oak.
  • Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, beech or pine is a good choice

Care instructions for natural wood worktops

The care of wooden worktops is important to maintain their beauty and durability for many years.

  • Clean the surface regularly with a soft cloth, water and mild detergent – avoid strong chemicals that can damage the wood
  • Apply oil or wax at regular intervals to protect against moisture and dirt, especially on high traffic surfaces
  • Always use a chopping board when cooking and a trivet for hot objects to avoid scratches and heat damage
  • Gently sand the surface if necessary to remove scratches – finish with a new treatment to restore protection
  • Protect the wood from direct sunlight to preserve color and luster over time – use curtains or blinds in bright light

Countertops in modern composite materials

Modern materials such as stainless steel, ceramics, concrete and engineered composites offer innovative solutions to create stylish and durable workspaces.

Technological composites for countertops

Engineered composite materials are man-made surfaces composed of a mixture of natural minerals, resins and/or pigments. They are developed to combine the aesthetic properties of natural materials with improved practical durability. Some of the best known are engineered stone, acrylic-based surfaces (e.g. Corian) and ultra-compact materials (e.g. Dekton, Neolith, Laminam).

Quartz composite worktop

Consists of 90-95% finely ground quartz and 5-10% polymer resin.

Benefits and advantages

  • Very hard material with high resistance to scratches, stains and moisture
  • Available in a wide range of colors and finishes
  • Often mimics natural marble or granite but often has better practical properties
  • Does not absorb liquids, withstands acids and is easy to clean
  • Available in matte, satin and high gloss finishes

Disadvantages

  • Cannot withstand extreme heat directly on the surface – always use coasters
  • Can crack under very hard impacts
Stiligt - Modernt kök med en stor bänkskiva i marmor, två pallar med trådram, mörka underskåp, inbyggda diskhoar och pendellampor som hänger ovanför bänkskivan.

Acrylic-based surfaces (Corian, HI-MACS, Staron)

Made from a mixture of acrylic resin and minerals, which can be molded into different shapes.

Benefits and advantages

  • Seamless assembly
  • Possibility of integrated sinks
  • Easy to repair and sand
  • Can be shaped and bent, allowing for rounded edges and special designs

Disadvantages

  • Less resistant to scratches and high temperatures than quartz composite
Stiligt - Modernt kök med träskåp, en marmormönstrad grå bänkskiva till kök, öppna hyllor med burkar, en skål med frukt, böcker och en vas med torkat gräs på den vita bänkskivan.

Ultra-compact surfaces (e.g. Dekton, Neolith, Laminam)

Made by sintering natural minerals (pressing and heating them to very high pressure and temperature). Dekton is one of the most well-known in this category and is made using the Technology of Sinterized Particles (TSP), which simulates nature’s own processes – but in just a few hours.

Benefits and advantages

  • Extremely resistant to scratches, stains, heat, UV light, chemicals and moisture
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use – including outdoor kitchens
  • Very wide range of colors and patterns, from industrial concrete look to marbled surfaces

Disadvantages

  • Higher price
  • Requires professional processing and assembly
Stiligt - Modern diskho med mattsvart kran, beige bänkskiva till kök och stänkskydd, och två dekorativa vaser på vänster sida.

Stainless steel worktops

Stainless steel worktops are a modern and functional choice, often used in professional kitchens, but also popular in homes thanks to their durability and stylish aesthetics

Benefits and advantages

  • Hygienic – Stainless steel is a non-porous material where bacteria, mold and dirt do not stick. It is easy to clean and very hygienic when cooking
  • Moisture and temperature resistant – Withstands water, steam and high temperatures without damage. You can place hot pots directly on the surface without a trivet
  • Highly durable – The steel is very durable and resistant to impact, bending, wear and chemicals
  • Modern aesthetic – Gives the kitchen an industrial, minimalist or high-tech feel. Pairs well with wood, concrete and glass
  • Seamless design with built-in sink or hob – It is possible to weld the sink or other elements directly to the worktop for a completely seamless surface

Disadvantages

  • Scratches – Over time, the surface can become finely scratched and lose its shiny finish. Some people find this adds character, while others prefer a more pristine surface
  • Noise level – Stainless steel can be perceived as noisy when handling kitchen utensils or when something is dropped
  • Fingerprints and stains – Shiny surfaces are prone to fingerprints, water splashes and grease. Regular cleaning is required
  • Cold surface – Like stone, steel can feel cold to the touch, especially during the winter months
Stiligt - Minimalistiskt kök med en brun stol, ljusa träskåp och en vit bänkskiva till kök. Enkel inredning med två vaser, ett glas och en skål mot ett ljust stänkskydd.
Stylish - A stylish modern kitchen has wooden cabinets, two stools at the counter, sleek black countertops, a large window and minimalist decor.

Concrete worktop

A stylish and durable solution for those seeking a unique and industrial look for their kitchen. Concrete is perfect for creating worktops with character, which can become real eye-catchers in the interior.

Benefits and advantages

  • Durability and strength: Concrete worktops are extremely durable and resistant to mechanical damage such as scratches and chips. They can withstand high stresses, making them ideal for kitchens with intensive use
  • Heat resistance: Concrete resists high temperatures well, making it a good choice for those who often use hot pots and pans
  • Surface versatility: The surface of concrete can be treated in different ways, from smooth and matte to rough and textured. You can also use different pigments and add stone, glass or metal inlays
  • Ecological: Modern concrete worktops are often made with ecologically clean materials and technologies

Disadvantages

  • Susceptibility to moisture: Concrete can absorb water, leading to stains and damage if not properly protected. Therefore, special sealants and coatings need to be used to protect the surface
  • Regular care required: To keep concrete worktops in good condition, they must be regularly treated with protective agents to prevent stains and cracks
  • Can crack: Despite its durability, concrete can crack, especially if it is not installed correctly or if it is subjected to hard impacts.
  • Heavy material: Concrete worktops are quite heavy, requiring a reinforced construction and careful assembly
  • High price: Concrete worktops can be more expensive than other materials, due to the manual work required and the weight and installation requirements of the material
Stiligt - En bänkskiva till kök i marmor bildar köksön, omgiven av tre svarta stolar, en mugg, en skål med frukt och en vas med vita blommor på det ljusa trägolvet.

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Stiligt - Modernt kök med träskåp, en marmormönstrad grå bänkskiva till kök, öppna hyllor med burkar, en skål med frukt, böcker och en vas med torkat gräs på den vita bänkskivan.