With the growing number of interior design programs coming to light, no doubt inspired by the likes of Kevin McCloud’s ‘Grand Designs’, more and more members of the public are beginning to fancy themselves as designers.
New perspectives and creativity are great things to have when designing living spaces, but what many self-styled designers tend to lack is a formal training in materials. Architects spend years learning about and understanding the materials used in design and construction and the same is true of anyone who designs homes and interiors on a professional level. These people understand which materials are most suitable for which roles, recognising their merits and drawbacks whereas many members of the public are only aware of what they’ve seen on TV or in their local kitchen showroom.
The selection of materials available to these people is actually much wider than you’d imagine. Typically, many will be aware of your typical MDF surfaces, solid woods, wood veneers and steel coverings. There are a whole host of other surfacing materials however; solid woods and particle boards are easily obtained and are fairly inexpensive, which is especially true of coated MDF, but there are other common alternatives that may perform better depending upon your needs.
Stone is reasonably common, it is incredibly hardwearing and adds character to any installation as no stone block is the same. It is also heavy and can be difficult to fit and so expert kitchen fitters should be consulted should you wish to use it as part of a fitted kitchen installation. The stone types on offer may vary and can include marble, granite and more. Joins in stone tend to be quite noticeable and should be avoided by those looking for sleek, minimalist looks unless they use single, un-joined slabs. Stone also comes in limited sizes unless customised to order, thus making it expensive.
Reconstituted stone, or cast stone is usually a more common choice. It retains all the great properties of stone, whilst also being available in a wider range of colours and textures. It can be made to order and is available in a wider range of sizes. Joins with this type of stone are noticeable, but less so than with natural stone.
Corian has recently become a more popular choice. In architectural design, Corian serves a variety of purposes and is certainly not limited to kitchen fitting. Made from super tough resin, it can be formed to any shape; this ease of manufacture makes it less expensive than its stone counterparts and it also allows for greater creativity, allowing for sinks to be moulded into the worktop itself out of the same material. This ease of moulding means that fewer lines break up the surface, eliminating the need for joins, so fewer cracks are present to clean. In the event of a burn or damage to the worktop, it can be finished again with exactly the same resin to produce another flawless finish, perfect for fitted kitchens that see a lot of use.
Toughened glass is another popular alternative, often used in modern and minimalist kitchens. Glass is non-porous and easy to clean with the right sprays. Some come back painted so you can add a dash of colour to your kitchen and countertops of this variety come in a variety of sizes and are much easier to install than heavier stone worktops. Unlike stone however, glass is more prone to scuffs and scratches and must be looked after as it’s harder to get a good finish after filling in scratches. Glass tends to be a more expensive option.
Stainless steel is a more common material featured in fitted kitchens. Since gourmet cooking became more popular, the industrial look of steel in the kitchen has been more broadly welcomed. You can have panels made to be corrosion resistant; they are generally quite durable and will last a long time. As you might expect however, steel is not scratch resistant and requires special care and attention whilst in use and during cleaning if you wish to maintain a flawless finish. Steel is better used for cabinets and drawers for those averse to marks on their counters.
Tile is a less fashionable alternative, but it can provide a characteristic finish that some other surfaces cannot match, what’s more, damaged tiles can be replaced. This is a cheaper alternative, but the grouting used to keep it together can be difficult to keep clean; this is usually reserved for splash-backs where it’s harder for dirt to settle.
The above list is not exhaustive by any means, but it serves to illustrate some of the pros and cons of some less considered kitchen design materials. For more information on kitchen fitting and which materials would best suit your lifestyle, it is always best to consult with an experience kitchen planner or a team of kitchen designers before making a purchase.
