Eco-friendly Kitchen Countertops and Solid Worktops

Kitchen cabinet solid worktops are the crown of a well thought of and well laid out kitchen interior. They finish off the units just as a hat compliments an outfit. Countertops come in various forms, materials colors and textures but nowadays with the ‘eco-friendly’ craze, people seem to, more than ever opt for the natural materials to get solid worktops of their dreams.

There is a clear and distinct move towards the use of natural and ‘green’ solid worktops for kitchen units. Hard and solid materials such as;
– Granite
– Hardwood
– Slate
– Marble

These eco-friendly solid worktops, though sometimes pricey – especially if required for a large kitchen – has great aesthetic beauty, unsurpassed durability, and long-lasting quality that in the long run, is well worth the expense.

Natural Eco-friendly Materials As Kitchen Worktops

Granite

Granite is a popular choice of many for solid worktops requirements when planning for their kitchen remodeling works, and granite kitchen tops come in various shades and colors, depending on which part of the world the granite originates from.

The hard, cold surface of granite solid worktops is great for making and rolling pastry. It is ideal as a clean food preparation surface as it does not harbor bacteria, and most importantly, it’s so easy to clean. Granite is stain resistant.

A suitable combination of wood and granite solid worktops in a cut inset form will reduce the costs of using complete granite kitchen tops. Such wood surfaces could be used for chopping or cutting tasks, just as one would use a chopping board.

Hardwood

If you need a little eclectic warmth in the kitchen, then solid worktops made from hardwood is a good choice. Wood has a way of adding warmth and comfort to a space and solid worktops made from wood have a long-lasting appeal that the owner never tires of for many years of use.

If you are thinking of embarking on home improvement works to ‘up’ the value of your property, start with your kitchen and use hardwood worktops for your kitchen cabinet units.

If you require something more unique and exotic, check out sites online whose specialty is the production of solid worktops using rare and exotic woods that will not be found at localized home improvement shops. They will build your solid worktops to your specifications, to any shape and up to 18ft in length.

Examples of exotic hardwoods include the following:

– Tasmanian blackwood
– Sapele wood
– Jarrah
– Redgum
– Rosewood

Slate Solid Worktops for Kitchen Units

Slate is one of the finest traditional solid worktops and is fantastic when it comes to complimenting either a contemporary or classic kitchen units. Especially the blue-black colors will transform any kitchen, large or small, into a sophisticated food preparation zone.

Traditionally used for worktops over the centuries, slate is known to have an extremely low absorption rate, so like granite, it is stain resistant and does not harbor bacteria, making it anti-bacterial kitchen worktop material.

There are numerous cheap slates which have the main disadvantage of staining, fading and delaminating. To get the best quality that will stand the test of time, it is best to buy the natural eco-friendly slate which when smoothened with a machine(using fine diamonds in cases), gives a beautiful matte finish.

Slate is not a material that can be shined to a gloss finish as is the case with marble or granite. The beauty of slate is in its rustic traditional feel. Scratches, when they occur, are easily rubbed out and no chemicals are used in the production of slate solid worktops.

To maintain this great solid worktop, just clean it like you would any other counter surface with dish-washing liquid or a grease-cutting detergent.

Marble Solid Worktops

Marble, though ‘softer’ than granite is natural enough to become shaped to any design.

It is durable and heat resistant like granite, and comes in a vast array of excellent natural colors.

Many homes have marble worktops mainly in the bathroom, but it is also a popular choice for solid worktops around the house and as kitchen countertops.

Marble possesses a beautiful glazed sheen when polished, and its natural colors and hues make it a popular choice of solid worktops for furniture in hotels, restaurants and convention centers.

Durable Man-Made Solid Worktops

Asides the natural elements mentioned above, if one has a tight budget and still desires something strong and durable, a good choice are the worktops produced from polyester resins. Corian is a great example.

They are very attractive and come in a vast variety of subtle colors. They are resistant to burning and staining. And can be custom made into any shape or contour without visible seams or joints. Quite easy to clean and anti-bacterial.

Bamboo Kitchen Countertops

Bamboo countertops are very sturdy and strong. The grain generally runs in a lengthwise direction although there are parquet designs available as well. Because manufacturers have learned ways of laminating bamboo without the use of formaldehyde. These new countertops are great for the environment both inside and out.

Bamboo counters have the same warmth and charm as the butcher block without the environmental impact. They are laminated and finished with non-toxic and food-grade materials to make them not only beautiful but completely safe.

Prices range from about $30.00 to $50.00 a square foot.

So, if you are planning to purchase a smaller more affordable home due to the recession’s ‘bite marks’ or you are thinking of upping the value of your home, give the kitchen a good thought and top it up with some eco-friendly solid worktops. Stone, wood or a combination of both.

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