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Granite, fake granite or Wood?

74 replies

HinnyPet · 25/01/2010 16:13

A real granite worktop is going to cost about £900 in our kitchen, a "laminate granite effect" one about a quarter at £300 and a solid oak one from IKEA was £470.

Which would you have? Kitchen units will be white, not glossy, the oven will be black and huge fridge will be white.

I really wanted coloured glass splashback but now it's sadly out of budget, so need something really nice instead on the worktops in the kitchen!!

OP posts:
oldenglishspangles · 26/01/2010 00:01

We have blue pearl granite - actually a dark grey colour. I polish it soap and water and kitchen towel or if I am pushing the boat out a soft cloth. Best decision we made. Why dont you get some samples and put them in your kitchen seen how they look - the lighting makes a big difference. You have to ask your self will you really sand out stains in the wood and how much hassle is re oiling if you are not particulary handy.

NotAnOtter · 26/01/2010 00:09

i moved into this house with lovely wooden worktops

i put a new kitchen in 18 months later but after 18 months of wood i went for granite

polishes up to shiny and brand new looking

no splash worries etc

wood + kitchen= constant stress and inevitable ruination

GrendelsMum · 26/01/2010 08:42

I think I discussed this with Gaelicsheep on another thread, and I got the impression that she was unusually good at looking after her kitchen? I think most people might not keep their workshops in as pristine a state as she does. Sorry if it's not you, Gaelicsheep.

warthog · 26/01/2010 10:08

wood is fantastic if you're prepared to do all gaelicsheep suggests. for the rest of us - granite!!

cece · 26/01/2010 17:20

I agree with gaelicsheep. Wood great and any problems, just sand it down and re oil. I would add that I am definitely very slack with my housekeeping skills. The oiling process is quick and actually really therapeutic! Very satisfying too.

gaelicsheep · 26/01/2010 20:40

T'wasn't me Grendelsmum but yes I (and DH) do look after our kitchen, as we do anything that we've saved up our hard-earned cash for. I think it's really nice to have something really hard wearing that will reward a little care and attention with years of long service. It makes such a change in today's disposable society.

gaelicsheep · 26/01/2010 20:41

And cece's right, there's nothing to it. A bit of sanding and a coat of oil every few months. It's not onerous!

Warthog - what do you do if you scratch your granite worktop?!

LadyBlaBlah · 26/01/2010 20:43

Def not wood - total pain in the arse dampness

I got white gloss with.....wait for it..............white granite

Looks fab, even if I say so myself.

HinnyPet · 26/01/2010 20:49

Awww.... thank you everyone. I have loads of ideas now, but still no closer to making a decision haha!

OP posts:
NotAnOtter · 26/01/2010 21:03

granite - you know you want to

weegiemum · 26/01/2010 21:08

And when you do sand the wood, even lightly, the whole house smells amazing!

Wood! Wood! Wood!

LadyGaga · 26/01/2010 21:22

Honest to god I haven't met any chefs with wooden worktosp in their 'home' kitchens. I started to look on the net for pics of UK chefs eh voila!

Gordon Ramsay has granite worktops at his home kitchen

Delia Smith has granite worktops at her home kitchen

Nigella does not have wood in her kitchen-Mind you lots of the promo photoshoots she is pictured on a kitchen with a wooden worktop but never on the series she is seen preping food on a wooden worktop.

Blumenthal development kitchen-- granite worktop

I had granite, I had corian, I had wood and the one I rate the best is granite 100%.

Wood needs loooooots of maintenance,
Corian stains and not that good with hot pans....ah, I don;t work for the Granite Council

gaelicsheep · 26/01/2010 21:45

"Granite kitchen and bathroom worktop care and maintenance

How should I clean my granite worktop?

Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a chamois leather or special granite cloths, which we can supply if required.

Can I use abrasive cleaners on my granite kitchen or bathroom worktop?

Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive materials (such as metal pads, scouring detergents and wire wool or alkaline and chlorine based cleaners or bleach). Instead, wash with clean warm water to which a non-abrasive light neutral detergent. Drainer grooves can, however, be cleaned using wire wool.

What liquids may cause damage to my granite kitchen or bathroom worktop?

Granite is waterproof and highly durable but the surface does need sealing on a regular basis. All spilt liquids should be mopped up immediately.

The greatest risk is from highly alkaline or acidic liquids (such as lemon juice or vinegar), oil based substances (such as butter and cooking oils ? hot oil splattering from cooking pans around the cooker), wine, detergents and alcohol.

Do not allow any build up of salt or detergent on your granite worktop. Avoid strong acids or chemicals, including paint stripper, brush cleaner, oven cleaner, nail varnish remover, degreasing or similar products.

Should I treat my granite worktop to ensure it lasts longer?

For a longer lasting finish, the surface can be sealed to reduce its natural porosity. Surface treatments should be reapplied every four months after cleaning with a neutral detergent.

Can I damage my granite worktop?

Granite is very tough, but do not hit your granite worktop with something blunt and heavy. It can crack, chip or even break. The edges are the most vulnerable areas. Any damage, within reason, can be repaired.

Should I use a chopping board?

Granite is highly scratch-resistant and is likely to dull your kitchen knives. However we would advise the use of a chopping board as a preparation centre to reduce the risk of damage to your granite worktop. We also supply chopping boards to minimise damage to your new work surface.

Can I put hot pots and pans on my granite kitchen worktop?

Granite is heat resistant and is not likely to be damaged however you should not expose your granite worktop to excessive heat and we advise the use of a tripod or similar to place your pans on when taken directly from the hob.

How do I remove stains from my granite worktop?
Use water based stain remover for the removal of stains of an organic nature, such as wine, coffee, nicotine, fruit juices etc. We can advise on the correct cleaners and sealants to use.

Use alkaline degreaser for removal of dirt of an organic and greasy nature ? spots, grease, pollution, smoke stains, lamp black, wax coating etc."

It doesn't sound any less hassle than wood tbh (not that wood is any hassle at all). And sooo much more expensive!

cece · 26/01/2010 21:49

Yes pricewise the granite I got a quote for was twice the price of the wooden worktop I got in the end. TBH I went for one of the more expensive woods. Things like oak were quarter of the price of the granite.

Those who say wood takes a lot of looking after? What are you doing so much? It need oiling every few months. It is the same as wiping it over with a damp cloth. Put oil on cloth, wipe over worktop. Done.

NotAnOtter · 26/01/2010 21:52

granite just needs soap and water ime
my wooden worktops looked shabby within 6 months not so granite

Owls · 26/01/2010 22:03

Granite is just horrible. Never looks clean, always smeary. You stand over it - it looks good. Stand to the side - smears. Hate it. I am not house-proud but so wish I'd never had it.

Next kitchen re-fit - beech worktops again like I had in the last house, no contest.

gaelicsheep · 26/01/2010 22:03

One person's "shabby" is another person's "character"

wubblybubbly · 26/01/2010 22:04

We've gone for the IKEA wood and I'd defo recommend it.

It's not hard to maintain, the oiling literally takes minutes and it needs doing every couple of months or so, really no hardship. In between oilings, it just gets wiped down with a warm, soapy cloth, so no nasty chemicals sprayed around everyday.

We've had a couple of stains, from soap products (washing detergent) rather than grease or anything and they just come out with a quick rub over with sandpaper before re-oiling.

Another consideration you might want to bear in mind is the natural anti-bacterial properties of wood.

But best of all, wood is just so beautiful and warm. It looks fab with white units, clean and fresh but not clinical.

Then there's the price.....

NotAnOtter · 26/01/2010 22:11

gaelic but NO

i ruined it including dripping an oven tray with caustic soda over it...not a good look

gaelicsheep · 26/01/2010 22:17

Would caustic soda be good for granite I wonder...?

kickassangel · 26/01/2010 22:42

granite.

i just HATE having to bother with trivets/stands etc, and then they look messy if you leave them out between cooking. i have polished granite & do no maintenance, just wipe after tidying up from dinner. never looks smeary, always shiny & i can put anything on it without a worry.

love it.

and it was in the house when we moved in, so not something i chose, but tis the best thing in my kitchen

NotAnOtter · 26/01/2010 22:42

hmm - let you know - it's sure to happen

warthog · 27/01/2010 11:37

well i just wipe my granite and it looks fantastic!

with wood you can't put a fking TIN CAN on it. you have to SAND it. and OIL it. and wipe it every time a drop of WATER gets on it. it's a friggin KITCHEN fgs! you are going to have your work cut out for you...

HinnyPet · 28/01/2010 13:06

OK. I think Granite it is.
Where can you buy it from cheaply??!

OP posts:
noddyholder · 28/01/2010 13:28

I have wood and cook a lot and its been in 18 months and is spotless.I rub it lightly with wire wool and oil it every 2 months v satisfying.