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The kitchen is the heart of any home, and a well-designed worktop can add style and functionality to the space. With the start of a new year, it’s the perfect time to take a look at the latest kitchen worktop trends for 2023.

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or simply looking to update your worktop, this piece of writing will help you keep up with the latest design trends and choose the right worktop for your home.

Worktops in Colchester

Colchester is a historic town in the east of England known for its rich heritage and cultural significance. With its growing popularity as a tourist destination, Colchester has recently seen a surge in new home builds and renovations. This has led to an increase in demand for high-quality kitchen worktops, with homeowners looking for both class and durability in their kitchen surfaces.

Kitchen Worktops Shop

When shopping for kitchen worktops in Colchester, choosing a reputable kitchen worktop shop that can offer a wide range of options to suit your needs and budget is important. No matter if you’re looking for a classic, traditional look or a more modern and contemporary style, a good kitchen worktop shop will be able to provide you with a wide range of options to choose from.

The Top Materials to Consider for Your Kitchen Worktop in 2023:

The material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when choosing a kitchen worktop. With diverse options to choose from, including natural stone, engineered stone, and laminate, it can be difficult to decide which material is best for your kitchen.

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone that is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for kitchen worktops. This material is made from a mixture of natural stone and resin, making it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and stains. Quartz worktops come in various colors and patterns, making it easy to find a design that suits your style and kitchen decor.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that has been popular for kitchen worktops for many years. This material is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it a great choice for a busy kitchen.

Granite worktops are available in various shades, styles, and patterns, with unique veins and patterns that add character and style to any kitchen.

Laminate

Laminate worktops are a more affordable option for kitchen worktops, made from a combination of high-density paper and resin. This material is long-lasting and easy to maintain, with a wide range of styles and colors available. Laminate worktops are also resistant to stains and heat, making them a practical option for any kitchen.

Solid Wood

Solid wood worktops are a classic and timeless choice for Kitchen Worktops in Colchester. Made from a single piece of hardwood, this material is enduring and will last many years with proper maintenance. Solid wood worktops are obtainable in numerous kinds of wood, including oak, beech, and cherry – each wood with its unique character and grain patterns.

Design Trends in 2023

When it comes to kitchen worktop design, there are a few key trends to consider in 2023.

Bold Colors

Bold colors are becoming increasingly popular in kitchen worktops, with homeowners opting for bright, statement-making worktops to add a pop of color to their kitchens. Whether you choose a bright red, blue, or green worktop, a bold color can impact your kitchen and add a personality to the space.

Mixed Materials

Mixed materials are a growing trend in kitchen worktops, with homeowners combining different materials to create a unique and personalized look. You can choose to mix and match different types of stone, such as granite and quartz, or mix materials like wood and metal – a mixed material worktop can add character and interest to your kitchen.

Textured Surfaces

Textured surfaces are becoming more popular in Kitchen Worktops in Colchester, with homeowners opting for surfaces with an exceptional feel and touch. A textured stone, such as honed granite or rough-cut marble, or a textured laminate worktop, all surfaces can bring depth and dimension.

Minimalism

Minimalism is a growing trend in kitchen design – clean, simple lines and a more understated look. A minimal kitchen worktop can be achieved with a solid color, such as white or black, or by choosing a worktop with a subtle pattern or texture.

Natural Stone

Natural stone worktops, such as granite, marble, and soapstone, are becoming increasingly famous in kitchen design, with homeowners opting for these materials’ extraordinary beauty and reliability. Natural stone worktops are available in various colors and patterns and can add a touch of opulence and refinement.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing a kitchen worktop, there are a variety of options to consider, including material, color, and design. With the latest trends in kitchen worktops for 2023, it’s easy to find the perfect worktop to suit your style and budget.

Whether you choose a bold color, mixed materials, or a textured surface, a well-designed kitchen worktop can add both luxury and functionality to your kitchen.

Quartz worktops have recently gained immense popularity due to multiple reasons. The durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance are the major highlights of the material. These beautiful surfaces are nonporous, which means bacteria can’t grow on them. They’re also stain-resistant, which makes them an excellent choice for any space. Whether you’re replacing your kitchen countertops or installing a new one, you’ll find that quartz worktops are a great option.

To ensure the longevity and beauty of your quartz worktops, proper quartz care and maintenance are crucial. Here, we will provide you with essential tips and guidelines about how to clean quartz countertops to keep them in pristine condition for a lifetime.

How to look after quartz worktops?

If you’re considering installing Quartz Worktops in your kitchen, there are some tips you should follow to ensure they last for years. 

• First, you must avoid using abrasive quartz cleaner on them. Instead, use mild soap and water to wash the quartz worktops. 
• Cleaning quartz countertops once or twice a day is ideal. But the best way to clean quartz countertops is to wipe them off every time you use them. 
• You should also avoid cutting food on your quartz worktops. Even though it’s a natural stone, cutting food or hot items can scratch the surface. 
• Hot items can also burn the quartz resin, discoloring it.

Learn how to measure and install you worktops

Daily care for quartz: how to clean white quartz countertops?

To keep your quartz worktops clean and free from debris, perform daily cleaning routines. Consider the following steps if you’re eager to know how to clean quartz properly. 

Remove loose debris

Gently remove any lingering residue or crumbs from the quartz worktop using a soft brush or a microfiber cloth. It will prevent scratching the surface during the cleaning process. 

Wipe with a damp cloth

Soak your cleaning cloth in lukewarm water and wipe across the surface to remove all the crusted surface dirt and spills. 

Use a mild quartz countertop cleaner

For tougher stains and spills, mix a small amount of mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner for quartz counters with lukewarm water. Soak a sponge or cloth in the mix and gently scrub the stained area. Do this action until the surface comes out all clean and sparkly. 

Dry & Buff!

After cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe the surface and remove any excess moisture. Use a microfiber cloth for the final touches to buff the quartz worktop, leaving it with a spotless and lustrous finish. 

Does quartz stain? How to get stains out of quartz?

Despite their resistance to staining, quartz worktops can still become tainted if spills are left unattended. Here are some tips for dealing with common types of stains.

Food & Beverage Stains

These include stain sources like wine, coffee, tomato sauce, etc. If you experience such a spill, immediately clean the surface with a dry cloth. If there is still a mark left; create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the affected area, let it rest for a few minutes, and then gently scrub it off. 

Grease & Oil Stains

To remove grease and oil stains, use the best quartz cleaner specifically made for such surfaces. Apply the cleaning agent to the affected areas of the quartz countertops & wipe it. Rinse thoroughly afterward. 

Ink & Marker Stains

To get rid of such stains, take the best cleaner for quartz countertops available in the market, merged with rubbing alcohol. Move the cloth in circular motions until the stain fades away.  

What not to use on quartz countertops?

While quartz countertops are highly resistant to most household chemicals, it is best to keep harsh chemicals at arm’s length. Here are some kinds of chemicals you must steer clear of: 

Abrasive cleaners

Do not use potent cleaners having huge amounts of synthetic chemicals. Skip the use of tough scouring pads and sponges that may conceive scratches on the surface.

Strong acids & alkalis

Do not use detergents containing ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or acidic or alkaline elements, as they can be a reason for quartz etching, discoloration, or surface corrosion. 

Harsh solvents

Will acetone damage quartz? Yes, it will. Avoid using solvents like these; for instance, paint thinners on the quartz worktop surface. They can dissolve the resin binders, causing permanent damage. 

Learn how to maintain and clean a granite worktop

Protecting the quartz worktop surface

If you want to maintain the longevity of your quartz worktop, it is crucial to take precautions and shield the surface from potential damage. Here are some guidelines to follow. 

Use cutting boards & trivets

Always use a base or cutting board while chopping your fruits or veggies or anything of the sort. Do not directly cut on the countertop, as your knife may leave unsightly scratches. 

Handling of hot objects

Do not place hot pans, pots, and baking sheets directly on the quartz counter. It is recommended to use heat-resistant pads or trivets to make a barrier across hot utensils and countertops.

Use coasters & placemats

When placing beverages or serving food on the quartz worktop, use coasters, placemats, or heat-resistant mats to prevent water rings or heat-induced damage.

Final verdict

In a nutshell, maintaining your kitchen worktop is not much of a struggle if you follow proper cleaning techniques, avoid chemicals that are not recommended, and take proper preventative measures. Regular care for quartz will help prolong their lifespan and ensure that they continue to be a stunning focal point in your home. 

About Solid Worktops

Want to know more about the best quartz worktop maintenance secrets that benefit for a lifetime? Come & check out Solid Worktops’ ultimate products & services. Our experts are here to assist and guide you through the process of care & maintenance. Contact us to get a quote!

Bathrooms and kitchens are entirely different settings. Compared to the kitchen, a bathroom is more humid and constantly exposed to wetness too. The worktops should be chosen with extreme care so that it is suitable and durable in any aspect it is used. Some key factors should be considered before choosing a worktop. 

Let us also explore some popular bathroom worktops in Essex, such as Quartz, Granite, and more. This way, we can take a look at multiple bathroom worktop ideas and get to know which one is the best counter for the bathroom.

Humidity and moisture – why does it matter?

Worktops, whether it is for the kitchen or the bathroom, are typically made of natural stones, engineered, and other materials. While kitchen worktops may be exposed to moisture and liquids of various natures, the environment within a kitchen is not as humid as that of the bathroom. The worktop for the bathroom can stain and can even be weakened because of water absorption over time. 

While you can protect the worktops from water throughout the year via sealed laminate bathroom countertops, you can also choose a countertop for the bathroom that is resistant to water. 

Most areas of a bathroom are protected with waterproof membranes to ensure there is no leak into other areas of the house. This is not possible without a worktop bathroom. While moisture and humidity may not be extremely damaging, they can still cause quite a bit of damage to bathroom sink countertops over the years.

Bathroom worktop materials and options

When it comes to the worktop, we only think of their use in the kitchen. The bathroom vanity and cabinets are also placed with a worktop which we often tend to forget. Most people end up choosing the same material, make, and colour of worktop throughout the house, wherever it may be needed. In comparison, others pick different options for different areas.

Thanks to globalisation, many ideas are spreading around the world, helping to improve the conveniences around us. As such, worktop materials, kitchen and bathroom designs, etc., are changing. It should be appreciated!

With that said, now one has a variety of materials available for use in the bathroom as well as the kitchen. Some of the more popular ones remain the wood bathroom countertop, marble bathroom countertops, bathrooms with granite countertops, and so on! These are some of the classics and have been around for a while. A newer trend is the growth of wood worktops, laminate, and metal. Concrete worktops are another new trend, mainly due to their rustic look. With all these options available out there, it has become quite easy to choose the right worktop for your space.

Water proofing the worktops for the bathroom

Let us take a look at some of how your worktop for the bathroom can be protected from water and moisture.

• The bathroom sink countertops can be sealed regularly to protect them from water damage. Normally, kitchen worktops of some materials need to be sealed at regular intervals to keep them waterproof and protect them from stains. The same can be done for the counter for the bathroom.
• Wipe away water and other liquid spills from the worktop bathroom surface as soon as possible to protect it from staining. The water can be cleaned before it can be absorbed by the worktop. 
• Put a layer of transparent and waterproof material over the damage-prone surfaces like a wood bathroom countertop. This is not a very common method and is quite rare; nevertheless, it is also an option. You can go for ultimate laminate bathroom countertops for best results. 

Important factors to consider before choosing a countertop for the bathroom

Like a kitchen space, there are equally important things to consider when opting for some bathroom worktop ideas. Both locations possess different surroundings; hence the material chosen should be aligned with that as well. 

• One of the most important facts to check is to see how the worktop for the bathroom will react to humidity, moisture, and prolonged exposure to water. This is because, unlike the kitchen, bathrooms are damper and constantly humid. 
• They may also be exposed to heat in the form of heated water, hair dryers, hair straighteners, etc. Materials such as laminate cannot withstand these and may melt a little at a time. Marble bathroom countertops or bathrooms with granite countertops are much-suited options. 
• Unlike the kitchen, bathrooms are cleaned using harsh chemical bleaches and detergents. So how the worktop will endure these products must be observed. Discoloration and smell are the top issues in such cases.

Learn granite vs quartz

A final word

To summarize, you should always choose bathroom worktops with great consideration. The bathroom is quite a different environment than your other house spaces, and therefore the countertop factors to take into account must be different as well. It is highly recommended that you keep the above-discussed things in mind when going to choose a counter bathroom. 

Solid Worktops – your one-stop destination for bathroom sink countertops

Elevate your bathroom experience with us! Our extensive range of bathroom worktop ideas will not only uplift the visual appeal but also boost the functionality of your bathroom. You can find all countertop materials here, including granite, marble, quartz, wood, and so on. A huge assortment of designs, shades, and textures are available for you to choose from. 

Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction ensures the delivery of exceptional products and services that exceed expectations. Let’s join hands to create the bathroom of your dreams. 

Visit our website now to explore more. Feel free to contact us!

Designing and planning a kitchen format may feel complicated at times. When it comes to organising a kitchen, one of the key decisions you will face is picking a style – a modern contemporary kitchen or a classic traditional one. 

With so many Kitchen designs available today, there are so many choices to make. The kitchen is one of the most usable parts of your home, which makes this decision an even more important one. While designing and planning can be challenging, durability and maintenance should be factored in as well, increasing the complexity of kitchen creations.

Modern contemporary kitchen design has surely come a long way from traditional kitchens. Traditional kitchens are as good as they are different in the very essence of their designs from that of a modern style kitchen. We can have a clear distinction between the two and deal with 

What is considered a modern and contemporary kitchen design today?

A contemporary modern kitchen means the layouts that are the latest, trendy, and most preferred today due to their visual appeal as well as functionality. When we are talking about contemporary kitchen ideas, we mean to refer to the manias that are popular today. 

A quick summary of modern styles for homes, in general, are clean and clear and, most importantly, clutter-free designs. They usually include polished and smooth looks with minimalistic shades and formats. It would not be wrong to direct to modern designs as clean, either. The simple, straightforward, and spacious arrangements are ideal for the modern world and fit in with the latest trends.

Another factor is functionality. ‘Make-do’ is not a part of contemporary design; making the max and best use of every space while maintaining its minimalism is the crux of a contemporary kitchen design statement.

Elements of a modern and contemporary kitchen design

The heart of a modern and contemporary kitchen design is its minimalism – whether it is being adapted as a lifestyle choice or not is a whole other matter, be it for the kitchen or any other room!

Choosing shades, lacking or reduced structures, and downsizing clutter by removing any decor and items that have no purpose than to look pretty are key elements of a modern style kitchen. It is not only about removing unnecessary things but also getting rid of designs and items that are no longer useful. A very clean look to the kitchens!

Learn how to choose the right kitchen worktops

The lack of excessive belongings and the major lack of designs and hues create a good impression on the mind too.

What to consider before deciding on a modern-style kitchen?

A modern style kitchen means an empty or mostly empty worktop. It also means smart storage systems that make use of space more cleverly. It is more like making the storage space more efficient so that there is a space, a functional space, for each item. 

One of the more common problems with traditional kitchen storage space is the large space allocated for the repository. The result of this is utensils and kitchen items just stuffed one on top of the other haphazardly without accessibility concerns. But a contemporary modern kitchen makes innovative use of such space so that there is a proper place to store each item so that it does not end up being forgotten due to difficult access. 

A truly modern cooking area with contemporary kitchen cabinets creates a smart and efficient storage space for everything necessary.

Traditional vs. Contemporary kitchen ideas

Conventional/traditional designs for kitchens are all about having extra decorative pots and pans, serving strays, and various utensils. But with a modern style kitchen, it is reduced to bare necessities or the very same decorative items in minimalistic colourings and arrangements. This is something to consider for those looking to get a modern and contemporary kitchen design in their homes. Modern kitchens mean having no extras and leaving space only for essentials. 

The benefits of modern kitchen designs

A modern kitchen style is largely beneficial at multiple ends. Various benefits of a modern kitchen should not be ignored. 

A modern, minimal arrangement with a well-chosen and simple colour palette can be soothing to the mind. It is well proven the advantages of having the right colours around us. 

Another major benefit that the home chefs are going to love is all of that extra workspace! There is no need to clear the worktop to begin cooking a feast anymore, as almost all the worktop surfaces will be free and available to work on. Everything has a place with complete accessibility. Moreover, no utensils, pots, or pans remain forgotten due to having been stuffed in the open storage spaces. 

Conclusion

Wrapping things up, a modern and contemporary kitchen is always a great option as it seamlessly integrates into your home, no matter what theme or style you are looking for. With clean lines, minimalistic looks, and the use of sleek and durable materials, this layout style can elevate the overall look and feel of your home.

Also read kitchen solid surface worktops: how to measure and install

It embraces simplicity and emphasizes functionality, creating ample storage solutions and efficient layouts. 

About Solid Worktops

Visit Solid Worktops and get your hands on our modern and contemporary kitchen worktops to create a cohesive and appealing space for cooking, entertaining, and an unforgettable get-together! 

We provide materials as well as installation services. 

Worktops are now a part of every kitchen, especially those made of granite. This gives the space a glistening look, and the kitchen looks more attractive than ever. Because of their toughness and strength, they will not be prone to deteriorate. But in fact, rough and careless use can hurt their dandiness. So, to make them everlasting, you have to treat them with care and not put too much pressure or heavy objects on them.

We will explain to you the best way to clean granite worktops and how you can increase their tenure and sparkle.

Cleaning granite worktops: coat the pores!

Cleaning granite countertops can be tricky sometimes, as it has pores that absorb liquids, stains, and detergents. When excessively absorbed, the detergents can dry out inside the pores and cause cracks in the granite slab. Even moisture can cause fungus in the corners if not cleaned properly, and without a protective coat, cleaning cannot be easy.

Seals or lamination, which can stay up to months or a year, are the best for this type. You can ask your supplier to tell you which type of lamination is suited for your granite kitchen top because all cannot be protected by the same one and for the same amount of time.

Learn to choose worktops for the kitchen

Your black granite worktop may differ from the rest and require less or more coating, depending on its nature of formation.

How to clean granite worktops? Is daily cleaning necessary?

This question comes to mind when you read that too much moisture is not good. But we are not talking about washing them. Just heat some water, take a sponge, and then clean the slab using a kitchen worktop cleaner to remove marks of spills. After that, take a dry piece of cloth and rub it on the surface to absorb the moisture.

If you encounter a stain that is not easy to remove, use a granite worktop cleaner, just a drop or two, or a spray to soften the tint, and then wipe it with the dried cloth piece. We shall remind you that dry cloth will remove the water lines on the surface because if left unattended, they can also cause smears on the slab’s surface.

The corners on the inner side

While cleaning worktops in a hurry, you may miss the inner corners, and the grim or dirt may stick there and accumulate for months. After a while, black granite worktops will start looking dull and untidy. This can also cause health hazards if you have kids in your home because it will include bacteria which can be harmful. What we do is use the granite countertop cleaner and granite worktop polish to deep cleanse the countertop every weekend and make sure the inner corners on the downside get adequately cleaned.

Can you put hot pans on granite?

Depending upon how you use the hot utensils or pots, placing them directly or with tri-stands, you can observe how they impact your granite countertops.

You definitely would have heard that cutlery or hot pots and pans do not affect the slabs of granite, but the pans can leave rustic stains or marks if you do not be careful enough. When the seasons change, the impact of things changes too. We recommend using heat-resistant mats, tri-stands, or even boards on the granite worktops where you directly place your heated-up cookers or dishes or cut your veggies to avoid any risk to their look.

How to clean granite countertops? How to look after quartz worktops?

Those who will provide you with the granite for your kitchen will also tell you tips to act upon. If you doubt their use or protection, ask your supplier, or if you plan on using some strong alkali for cleaning purposes, ask the experts. Experimenting by yourself can leave you with regrets in the case of your granite slabs.

Another pro tip is to give a bit of steam to the spills so they can soften, and then wipe them off because scrubbing is not good, and strong alkalis can leave marks if used again and again in the same area.

Here is a short list of what to do & what not to do for granite cleaning

Do’s

• Act promptly to prevent stains from setting into the surface. Blot spills immediately with a paper towel or cloth instead of wiping through the surface.
• Ask the seller where you need to use a quartz worktop cleaner and polish it before buying.
• Hire a quartz worktop cleaner services provider company if things go out of hand.

Don’ts

• Do not delay the coating; the more you postpone the granite cleaning, the more you risk your health because of the germ sticking on the worktops.
• Don’t experiment with acids to clean their surfaces, as they tend to eat away the granite. If you accidentally spill anything of this nature, wash it off quickly.
• You better not use a net or a wire object to scrub off the leftovers which you think are stuck on the surface.
• Also, try not to use Tide pods or powders or anything having bleach as its main ingredient. This will make more mess than cleaning.

Conclusion

By following proper practices for cleaning granite worktops and using good-quality kitchen worktop polish, you can keep your granite worktops looking clean, shiny, and beautiful for years to come. Regular cleaning, choosing the best granite cleaner UK products, and addressing stains promptly is the key to maintaining their pristine condition.

Also, read which kitchen design fits in my house

Remember to take preventative measures and seek professional help when needed to ensure the longevity of your kitchen countertops. 

About Our Services

If you’re looking for the best quartz worktop in the UK, Solid Worktops is your best shot! 

We provide an extensive range of worktops to uplift visual aesthetics as well as functionality. Our skilled team manufactures and customizes worktops by employing state-of-art technologies in the plenitude of attractive designs, alluring shades, and enticing textures.  

Solid Worktops stands for quality excellence and 100%  customer satisfaction!