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Kitchen worktop: Materials and what to look out for

    24/06/2025

    5 min.

    werkhaus küchen/ Kizil Interior Services GmbH

The choice of the right material for your kitchen worktop has a decisive influence on functionality and design. 

 

Whether natural stone, wood or modern composite materials - each option has its own strengths and challenges. The guide gives you an overview of the most popular materials and helps you choose the right solution for your kitchen. 

The essentials at a glance

    The material of a kitchen worktop determines the look and functionality

    Ideally, the worktop is easy to clean, robust and scratch-resistant

    The thickness of the worktop can be varied depending on the material and the desired look

    The choice of colour and decor is just as flexible: It ranges from plain, muted tones to warm wood grains

Easy-care, stylish and robust: Kitchen worktop materials at a glance

The material of a kitchen worktophas quite a lot to endure: At best, grease and water splashes, hot pots and sharp kitchen knives do not affect the worktop at all. It also matches the look of the cupboards, back panel and floor and is durable and robust. Numerous materials fulfil these properties. These are the most common: 

 

  • Wood The natural material radiates warmth and cosiness and is also very hygienic. 

  • Natural stone: The elegant look and high stability make the material a favourite for high-quality kitchens. Seal natural stone after installation to make it resistant to stains. 

  • Ceramic: Ceramic worktops are similar to natural stone in terms of look, feel and functionality. Ceramic is very smooth and dense- liquids roll off. Ceramic is harder than many metals, but frequent cutting without a base can leave minimalmarks . 

  • Stainless steel: Thanks to its smooth structure, stainless steel is hygienic, does not absorb odours and is heat-resistant. Caution is advised when cutting: The material is not scratch-resistant. 

  • Composite materials such as Dekton: Minerals such as glass, ceramic or quartz are used for the kitchen worktop material. They are compressed under high heat. The solid surface material is therefore very stable, heat- and scratch-resistant and available in numerous designs.  

 

Good to know: An alternative to Dekton are compositefaworking boards made from minerals, polymer resin, binders and colour pigments. Basicaversions are made of wood-based material with a laminate or melaminebcoating. 

 

Kitchen worktop material in comparison: Advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Dekton or stainless steel, natural stone or wood? The various materials for kitchen worktops all have both advantages and disadvantages.

 

Kitchen worktops-MaterialAdvantagesDisadvantages
Wood
  • Natural look
  • Hygienic
  • Large choice of decor
  • Regular maintenance required

  • Not scratch-resistant

  • Not heat-resistant

Natural stone
  • Rugged and durable
  • Heat-resistant
  • Noble look durable
  • scratch-resistant
  • heat-resistantnoble appearance

  • impregnation necessary

  • sensitive to acidss

  • heavy

  • high priceceramic

  • hygienic

  • heat-resistant

  • durable

  • easy to clean

  • high prices

  • heavy

  • risk of breakage under point load

limited colour choice
  • stainless steel

  • hygienic

  • heat resistant

  • easy to clean

  • stylish

  • not scratch-resistant

  • fingerprints quickly visible

  • cool appearancemay

become dented with heavy use composite materials (
  • Dekton& Co.)

  • can also be installed seamlessly in long formats

  • heat-resistant

  • hygienicp easy to cleanand

  • scratch-resistant

  • high price

  • no more adjustments possible after cutting

  • cool appearance 

    Tips for choosing the material for kitchen worktops

    Whether you opt for a kitchen worktop made of plastic or real wood depends on the look of your kitchen and your habits:

    • If you prefer to cut directly on the worktop and often place hot pans on it, opt for hard materials such as natural stone, ceramic or Dekton.

    • Ceramic and Dekton stand for luxurious design with a modern flair. Depending on the design, natural stone can look both classic and modern.

    • Real wood worktops harmonise with country-style kitchens and parquet floors.

    • Composites with a laminate/melamine coating are a good choice for a colourful kitchen design. They are available in countless designs.

    Which material suits you? Your path to the perfect kitchen worktop

    Your BORA dealer will advise you on the optimum look and feel of your kitchen worktop. 

     

    FAQ on kitchen worktop materials
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