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Original poster

Worktops what should I do!

18 replies

randomthoughts · 27/08/2017 08:24

I'm in the midst of redesigning our kitchen and after several hours of Wren negotiations have dedided that DIY kitchens is the place to go. We have a galley kitchen 277cm x 470cm (9'3 x 15'9) and are planning to incorporate a breakfast bar to maximise eating/worktop space (135 x 96cm). This will be solid oak. Our units will be shaker style (Clayton alabaster).
So here's where I need help, on the 2 main runs of worktops we can go with the duropal laminate worktops with a crystal stone effect for around £400 (including upstands) or we could have quartz or granite for £1,300/£1,100 (forgot to include upstands when I got the quote!)
I love the look of quartz but am afraid it will chip and I'll regret the outlay! I'm also quite a messy cook. The laminates look pretty good, and I've sent for some samples, it seems the most practical option. We want a working kitchen, as I love to cook.

My initial budget was £12k, to include Neff appliances, changes to electrics, plastering, fitting and a new boiler. Both options are within budget. Which would you go for and why? Do you have any worktop regrets?! Help please!!!!!

OP posts:

junebirthdaygirl · 27/08/2017 08:28

I have granite worktop in busy kitchen for over 14 years and it is still perfect. Not one thing has gone wrong. I hate to think what a less hardier tp would be like at this stage with 3 teens chopping and cooking for years. Plus a forgetful dh.

Original poster

randomthoughts · 27/08/2017 20:27

Thanks, I'm really tempted by quartz, and it would give me a dream kitchen for the space we have.

OP posts:

Ttbb · 27/08/2017 20:32

Laminates won't last very long-are you planning on selling any time soon?

GrockleBocs · 27/08/2017 20:38

We had Duropal laminate and it was fine.

niknac1 · 27/08/2017 20:45

We've had duropal laminate worktops for 13 years , they have lasted very well, if I had the money next time I have a kitchen I would probably go for a stone or composite worktop. That is unlikely to be in my budget for a long time, lucky you having the choice.

Bluntness100 · 27/08/2017 20:46

We also have granite. Black, it's so easy to maintain, just wipe it with daily granite cleaner from method, and it has a deep lustre you don't get with anything else. Granite makes your kitchen look much more elegant and expensive and it's difficult to damage and will out last any laminate. I'd recommend it.

LadyPenelopeCantDance · 27/08/2017 20:48

Very pleased you decided against Wren. They are absolutely appalling!

niknac1 · 27/08/2017 20:49

Just thought I'd mention our worktops aren't shiny or glossy, I seem to remember being told these types of worktops might show wear more but they could have made significant advances as last time I looked I think it was possible to have a small composite layer on the worktop which was cheaper than a solid stone or composite worktop but haven't looked for a while

Original poster

randomthoughts · 27/08/2017 22:06

Thanks everyone, we are very lucky to be able to afford the extra and I don't expect we will sell anytime soon. Our house is a perfect size and whilst there are minor things I would change about the location, we don't have any need/desire to move in the next few years. An identical house in a 'better' area would be around £100k more, and we would still be on a new build estate!
The kitchen is the one thing I want to get right, it isn't big enough to be a kitchen diner or have a family room, so adding the breakfast bar will bring more sociability than the current bistro table in the corner. We do, however, have a fairly good sized space to work with, plus a lovely lounge and separate dining room.
So quartz is a bit of a splurge, but I'm definitely veering towards it. Our neighbours are going with Wren for an identical layout, and are paying an equivalent amount for much less. I really dislike the lies and blatant use of scarcity sales techniques.

OP posts:

QuitMoaning · 28/08/2017 07:53

Quartz is meant to be more hard wearing than granite. Granite is a natural stone so you have to be careful not to crack it with extreme heat and cold. However it is natural and quartz is not (I can't tell the difference looking at them).
I am having quartz....

Iwantawhippet · 28/08/2017 09:00

I had quartz. Excellent for cooking as it is v tough. Can cope with hot pans, sharp knives etc. We had a creamy white stone appearance, no joins and looked really good. Easy to clean too. Looked good after 2 years of use when we moved out.

Some people find granite awkward to clean.

JoJoSM2 · 28/08/2017 12:05

If the fancier stuff is within budget, then I'd go for the upmarket worktops. They would look and feel that much more lovely and fancy ;) Having said that, a good laminate is indestructible although it does look a little basic/cheap.

WildCherryBlossom · 28/08/2017 14:08

I don't know about granite specifically, but I have a stone work top and I love that I can put hot pans straight on it. Previous kitchen was wood and couldn't do that. My mother has laminate and can't either. I also roll pastry directly on it. And it looks amazing. If you are able to afford it, go for it. You will enjoy it.

YorkshireTea86 · 28/08/2017 15:08

I loved the quartz when we went and looked around DIY kitchens unfortunately it's not in our budget. If it was I would definitely have picked it.

Original poster

randomthoughts · 28/08/2017 15:15

Think Quartz is going to be the best option. We live in quite an industrial area, so just found a place down the road who would do us a good deal. Yorkshiretea are you going for a DIY kitchen, I'm trying to decide between the Clayton and the Stanbury, not sure which to go for, one is lacquered and painted and the other painted mdf.

OP posts:

YorkshireTea86 · 28/08/2017 18:57

Yes we're getting a DIY kitchen. I want the carrera and had hoped it was going to go in the sale but it hasn't so considering Luca which is handleless. We went and had a look in the showroom because its not too far from us (about an hour) as I was torn between stanbury and carrera! I don't reallynunderstand the difference, just knew I didn't want foil wrapped! We're having the square edge laminate with a curved corner on the breakfast bar as a bit of a compromise since we can't get the quartz.

Original poster

randomthoughts · 28/08/2017 20:07

Sounds lovely. We're going to have ours done in january, so I'd love to hear how yours goes. Which colour and laminate are you going for? I've just ordered so sample doors. We're about 1hr 45 away, so could visit the showroom if needs be (in fact I think we may need to head down that way in November. I'm a bit put off by showrooms after what felt like an age sat in Wren? Did you look at them too and if so how did the quality compare?

OP posts:

buckeejit · 28/08/2017 21:02

Been through this & almost decided on granite as I want big pattern marbly look which you can't get with quartz. I'd be happy with wood but not as durable

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