Worktops

A beautiful worktop puts the finishing touch on a beautiful Kitchen. Natural materials, such as granite and marble, have become much more accessible and have grown in popularity.

Granite is an igneous rock formed deep within the earth. It has a speckled, grainy appearance and is available in a wide range of colours. Granite is very durable and resistant to stains. Most granite is available in 30mm thickness, but can be built up to create a thicker worktop, if desired. Its vast range of colours makes it particularly attractive when used with Underwood’s solid wood kitchens.

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is transformed under extreme pressure. Although pure marble is white, the impurities in many marbles create special colours and patterns. Marble is softer and more porous than granite but is often used as a surface for making pastry and bread. Because of its porous qualities it is not always recommended for kitchens.

Corian is a composite of natural materials and pure acrylic polymer. It has a smooth appearance and is very easy to clean. In addition to being quite scratch and stain resistant it is non-porous and very hygienic. Corian is available in over 100 colours and offers extraordinary design flexibility. It can be used for worktops, splash backs and integral sinks.

Wooden worktops add warmth and charm to a traditional kitchen. Hardwoods such as Maple, Oak, Iroko, Cherry and Walnut are frequently used for worktops. To preserve the life of the wood, prevent water marks and other stains, woods must be treated with oil or lacquer.