One of the most frequently asked questions in kitchen design: “Which worktop should I choose?” Natural stone (marble and granite), acrylic, quartz and porcelain worktops each have their own advantages and disadvantages. We have summarised what we explained in our video, watched 1.5 million times, together with what we have seen in practice.
1. Marble and granite worktops
These are among the most popular worktops in homes and are cost-effective.
- Pros: Natural look, affordable cost.
- Cons: Because they have a porous structure, they can stain. Marble in particular is sensitive to heat, acid and stains.
Granite is harder than marble; but not all granite is of the same quality. We explained why cheap granite can end up costing more in our article on choosing granite.
2. Acrylic (Corian) worktops
Commonly known as Corian.
- Pros: It can be cast in one piece together with the sink; since there are no joints, it is hygienic.
- Cons: It is not impact-resistant, scratches easily and doesn’t perform well against stains.
3. Quartz (Çimstone) worktops
Often known on the market by the name Çimstone, it is one of the most popular worktops.
- Pros: Mid-range cost; resistant to scratches and impacts, stain-proof and easy to clean.
- Cons: Good-quality quartz can be costly; it is sensitive to very high heat, so hot pans shouldn’t be placed directly on it.
4. Porcelain worktops
One of the worktop types we prefer most in our projects.
- Pros: High resistance to heat, scratches and impacts.
- Cons: More expensive than the other options.
Which one to choose?
The right worktop depends on how heavily you use the kitchen, your budget and the look you want. In a busy family kitchen where cooking happens every day, durability comes first; in this case porcelain or good-quality quartz stand out. In a less-used kitchen or one with a limited budget, granite can be a good start.
- Heavy use + long life: Porcelain
- Balanced budget + easy maintenance: Quartz
- Low budget + natural look: Granite
- Commercial spaces where hygiene is a priority: Acrylic
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the worktop before the kitchen cabinets?
They should be chosen together. The worktop’s thickness, colour and veining should match the cabinet doors; the measurements are taken on site after the cabinets are installed.
Does a white worktop stain?
It depends on the material. Quartz and porcelain don’t stain; on porous natural stone, light colours show stains more clearly.
If you’d like to choose the right material for your kitchen together, take a look at our interior design service or get a free quote.
