Which worktop?

[EDmummy]

We're having an all white gloss kitchen installed shortly and had been considering a white Corian worktop. I've subsequently heard differing views and am also a little concerned about the cost. We're not keen on marble or granite. Anyone have experience of any other materials for a white worktop?

[lightweight]

Go for Corian - you won't be disappointed, it's really lovely stuff!

[RoLo1]

Bit retro, but I am trying to convince my husband on retro sharp edge worktop. Comes up if you Google 1950s worktop, I am tempted by a soft colour... WWW.worktops.UK.com They also do soft contoured edgek. Worth getting a sample. I am also unconvinced by Corian, sorry lightweight.

[Pickle]

We looked into having Corian, then my inlaws had their kitchen done and used it, and I really didn't like how it looked. To me it looked cheap, despite being far from it. Theirs is very pale, just off white, against a white gloss kitchen.

We ended up using quartz, it has been great.

[oimissus]

we have a white gloss kitchen with a solid beech worktop. Tis lovely.

[reren]

Coriander is really really expensive - a similar look can be achieved with a very much cheaper alternative http://www.maiaworksurfaces.co.uk/

We splashed out on a composite stone (cheaper than corian but much more than maia or butcher block) and I think it's much nicer than the Maia worktops - but they are worth a look depending on your budget. John Lewis kitchen store has them installed last time I looked and will give you a good sense of colors...

[jenc]

We used Hanex which is very similar to corian. We went for plain white with white gloss units and although I was sceptical beforehand and worried it would look too white and clinical I'm really happy with it now. It's hard wearing and even though it's white it's easy to keep clean.

[sarahf]

We had walnut on white gloss in the old house, which looked lovely but a bit high maintenance. We now have white corian on white gloss, which I really live although send longer than I would like wiping down surfaces to ensure that it is still mostly white (tricky with 2 small children). Found a co that did it very cheaply as they wrap the corian around mdf rather than it being solid. So we have our worktopd in double thickness at a cheaper price to our old solid wood. The co is based in Yorkshire but they work in and around London a lot. Google 'Interstyle, Castleford' and it should come up. PM me if not!

[Piaf]

Just had our kitchen done ( white gloss) and have used white quartz with a little sparkle in it (!) and it looks great and really easy to keep clean, hard wearing and cheaper than corian etc... Fine with kids ... Got it through dulwich kitchen design. Good luck!

[Piaf]

If money no option, I fancied brushed concrete...

[melbourne groover]

We used Staron (Samsung version of corian but much cheaper) a few years ago, with white gloss cabinets. Both have held up really well. We used Mr Worktops in Camberwell.

[EDmummy]

I knew I could rely on you all for some great suggestions! Now, if anyone has suggestions of a source for Moorish wall tiles (not the boring Fired Earth ones - more vibrant) let me know.

[DRUDUK]

I used http://www.whittonworktops.co.uk They were great value, and were quite a bit cheaper than the other quotes I got.... I found them by accident as they look to be based on the Westminster Bridge according to google maps.

[KattyKit]

We have brushed concrete and it's a nightmare. Staines really easily. Not as hard wearing as you would think. If we get our kitchen done it will be the first thing to go!

[Smiler]

I am feelng major kitchen envy here, my worktop is 1980s beige!

[amydown]

We have just had black leathered granite installed and I love it. We used to have shiny jet black granite and it showed up mess really easily. Really happy with the leathered granite. Far more forgiving and beautiful texture.

[se15mum]

We went for corian and love it. Shopped around and bought online. Was loads cheaper than high street sellers and quick too - 1 week between template and fit

[ClareC]

I went for granite first time round, black with a bit of sparkle. Nowhere near as hard wearing as your led to believe and shows up marks so you spend your whole time wiping it. Second time around I went with oak, looked lovely, but high maintenance!

Third time lucky (I hope) and I am erring towards quartz.....

Great thread, watching with interest...... :)

[EDmummy]

We ended up going with stainless steel around the hob and the main working area and lovely rich Sabelle wood (African red wood). Looks amazing and has softened the stark white kitchen units. Lashings of Danish oil on the wood and all still looking fab.

[Gubodge]

Try Alhambra on Kirkdale for your tiles.