It goes without saying that kitchen surfaces should be hardy and resilient to withstand all the hard knocks they endure. Here’s what you need to know before choosing which surfaces to install in your prep space.
Engineered quartz
Ideal for: countertops and backsplashes
Made from a composite of quartz chips, polymer resins and pigment, engineered quartz is one of the hardest and most durable materials for kitchen surfaces. It is a popular option for modern homeowners for many of reasons: it is easy to maintain, scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant, and it comes in a variety of colours, textures and designs that emulate natural stone.
Image credit: Silestone
KompacPlus
Ideal for: countertops and backsplashes
This popular countertop material is made with paper pulp soaked with resins. Multiple layers are then set across each stratum to reinforce the panels. The 6mm-thick panel is then treated under high heat and pressure to fuse each layer into one solid piece. This high-tech process ensures that KompacPlus panels are highly durable and resistant to heat, scratches and pressure. What makes it appealing to design-savvy homeowners is that it looks just like real wood and comes in a variety of textures, patterns and tones to suit any interior style.
Image credit: KompacPlus
Tiles
Ideal for: countertops, backsplashes and floors
As one of the most common types of kitchen surfaces, ceramic tiles have a lot going for it. They are low-maintenance, durable, stain- and water-resistant, and come in a plethora of colours, patterns and textures. One thing to note when tiling kitchen floors is the anti-slip rating of the material. Choose tiles with slip ratings of R10 and above for a safe cooking zone. If you’re using tiles on countertops or backsplashes, it is best to choose larger format ones to minimise cleaning of grout lines.
Image credit: Hafary
Stainless steel
Ideal for: countertops and backsplashes
Easy to clean and heat-resistant, stainless steel is the material of choice in most professional kitchens. Essentially a steel alloy that includes chromium, this material is resistant to corrosion too, making it highly durable and long lasting. However, it is susceptible to scratches, dents and stains so if having a pristine kitchen is important to you, this is not the material to go for.
Image credit: KDOT Associates
Natural stone
Ideal for: countertops and backsplashes
As its name suggests, natural stone countertops are fashioned from raw materials like marble, quartzite and granite. No two slabs of natural stone surfaces are alike – with their unique veining, patterns and colour, natural stone countertops are prized for their elegant and sophisticated looks. As natural stones are not as durable as engineered quartz, periodic sealing to prolong their lifespan is required to maintain them.
Image credit: Minimo & Minimology
