Tel: 01903 601362 / Fax: 01903 208807
Email: sales@betterdiy.com
|
Tel: 01903 601362 / Fax: 01903 208807 |
|
WorktopsArticle by Jane WellsWorktops Worktop or countertop: the flat working surface on top of waist level kitchen cabinets. Indeed, “worktops” is a word which immediately conjures up an immediate picture of a kitchen and a hive of activity. But this is only the tip of the iceberg, worktops are used in any number of situations, kitchens, yes, but what about bedrooms (for dressing tables or vanity units), studies, bathrooms, garages, dining rooms – particularly communal dining rooms, the list is endless. Not only is the list of situations where worktops can be used virtually endless, but the style of worktop can be varied widely to suit one’s tastes, budget and the situation in which it is to be used. Worktops are available in plain colours, textured, matt or gloss finishes, all shades of woodgrain, and to give the impression of marble, granite or slate. Worktops are generally sold in three standard widths, 600 mm, 665 mm or 900 mm. This lovely wide expanse allows for the creation of an overhang, either balanced by the units on which it is mounted or supported by two or three legs. This can then be used as a breakfast bar, ideal if space is limited in the kitchen and does not permit for a freestanding table and chairs. Even better is the breakfast bar as part of a cooking island in an open plan kitchen. It can also provide an informal division between a kitchen and a more formal dining area in an open plan situation. This means that the person doing the cooking can remain involved in whatever else is happening in the house – guests can sit at the counter and carry on chatting, children can sit there and do their homework whilst the evening meal is prepared. When you think of the treatment that worktops or worksurfaces are asked to put up with, you can understand why they need to be made of fairly resilient materials. Modern formica-type materials can now include an anti-bacterial treatment in the finishing process making them ideal for kitchens in the home, school, health centres, clinics, community centres etc as, combined with general good hygiene, this will help to limit the spread of micro-organisms, etc. Granite worktops look stunning, are easy to keep clean and are virtually indestructible. However they are not cheap and are not very forgiving. Anything dropped on them will almost certainly break, and as they are cut and ground to order, you cannot suddenly decide to change the position of the sink or where the tap hole should go. The same goes for counters made of any natural material such as stone or slate tiles. Kitchen worktops of solid wood also look very effective and give a warm, homely feel to any room. However they do take more care and need to be oiled or waxed regularly to prevent them drying out too much. Because wood is a porous material, it will also soak up any liquids that are spilt on it or juices from fruit, vegetables, meat, placed directly on it and mark accordingly. Over time this will give a warm, well-loved, well-used patina to the work surface but initially you might think, “aaah, my nice new worktop!” It is also important to use chopping boards on wooden worktops as sharp knives will easily mark the wood. An easy way out of the dilemma between wooden and granite or other natural stone worktops, and one which is also easier on the pocket, is to choose worktops finished in laminate such as the Axiom Worktops. These come in set lengths which can be cut to size and cut outs made for sinks, hobs, etc. You can still achieve the effect or appearance of wood or natural stone, but you have a wider choice of other colours and patterns as well. Laminates are easy to keep clean, and as previously mentioned, some now include an anti-bacterial treatment in the finishing which lasts for the lifetime of the worktop. Worktops quickly fill up with all sorts of bits and pieces, not necessary associated with the originally intended activity. Kitchen worktops often end up as the repository not just for fruit bowls, pepper mills, cups, plates, beakers, glasses, chopping boards, cake racks, mixing bowls, knife blocks, etc, but also for shopping lists, library books, post, lunch boxes, catalogues, paint brushes …..! However, if you do have room on your worktop, (and room in your cupboards underneath), in addition to cut outs for sinks and hobs, waste bins with pop up lids can also set into the worktop, or you could have pop up electrical socket blocks with two or three extra sockets. In fact, there is a worktop out there to suit every pocket, every room and every taste.
Article Source: BetterDIY |
|
| Powered by TandyUK Servers |
|
| Copyright © Better DIY 2009 |
Page Load Time: 0.0299851894379
Your shopping cart is empty!