kitchen worktops

[Joso]

Any suggestions? Just trying to suss out the best one to go for. Really wanted solid wood but have heard it's a pain to look after. (or does anyone think different) Can't afford granite (unless anyone knows a cheap supplier!) and so I guess I'm looking at good ol' laminate but I'm not sure about that shiny black laminate so was thinking about a real matt black finish or maybe that would look dodgy. Need help. Oh the units are just simple cream shaker style and the floor is wood. Any suggestions much appreciated.

Well I've got solid wood, and yes it is a bit of a pain in that it really needs a good oiling every now and then which is messy and makes the house stink of fumes. But I still love it and wouldn't swop it.

glad you posted this.....would love granite but too espensive next choice would be solid wood but worried about the upkeep too. will check up later on the advice you get!

there's a previous thread on just this subject here - hope it's useful.

i run a mile from anything that needs a lot of maintenance - with both us working ft, it just ain't gonna happen. joso, i think a "granite" or "slate" style formica type worktop would look very good in the kitchen you describe - as long the pattern were subtle and the colour v. dark grey/black. i've seen this in other kitchens and i think it is a very stylish budget option. hth.

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Don't go for High Gloss Laminate unless you are really careful type of person and always use a board to cut etc. They do scratch easily. However how soon are you looking to buy? The reason why I ask is that I know there is some new granite coming into the market from China, but it probably won't be avavilable to the consumer for 6 months. I work for a magazine in the industry hence I know! Otherwise you can get nice Axiom (brand name) worktop which is a non shiny 'slatey' looking one which will hide the dirt and scratches better. I have cream shaker and black granite and even at trade prices I spent £12k on a kitchen (gulp )

I have the shiny black effect laminate. I really like it as a budget option. Not too difficult to keep clean if you wipe it down at night with a wet clean cloth and then dry off with teatowel. It seems to keep pretty clean during the day then. I worried initially about scratching but we use boards for everything so we have not had any problems.