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28th January 2021

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Top five tips for selecting your worktop

Expert comment provided by Stephen Moss, managing director of Max-Top UK

When it comes to choosing materials for a kitchen, worktops are a key consideration. Modern consumers expect high quality surfaces that look great, are hard-wearing and complete the look of their kitchen.

The range of colours, styles and finishes can be a little overwhelming, so it is worth being aware of the top five considerations for consumers that are choosing a kitchen worktop.

1. Cost
Budget is of course a key factor in the decision-making process. At the lower price points, laminate worktops offer a cost-effective solution and are available in a range of colours. However, increasingly consumers are opting for natural wood or stone worktops as they offer an aspirational finish and complement both contemporary and traditional interiors. Wood is difficult to maintain and needs regular protective surface treatment, which makes stone a more popular solution. However, solid stone is a costly material and due to the weight of a solid stone product - delivery and installation costs are higher too. It is therefore wise to offer other, off-the-shelf alternatives that have the same stunning finish of real stone, but are easier to fit and better value for money.

2. Installation
Once a consumer has selected a kitchen, waiting for delivery and installation can be a real frustration, as can sky-high installation costs. Therefore, it is wise to offer surfaces that can be installed with a short lead time and for a cost-effective price.
The heavier the worktops, the more people will be needed to manage the installation, which obviously drives costs up. Not only this, but heavy materials need to be pre-cut off site, which is also time consuming.
Laminate and composite surfaces on the other hand can be installed by just one person and can be fitted on site, making the process much quicker and more cost effective. This can obviously heavily influence a consumer's decision-making process.

3. Finish
Although a rugged, natural appearance is most popular when it comes to worksurfaces, a smooth finish is essential to provide a hygienic and low-maintenance worktop solution. Even tiny imperfections, which can occur with natural materials, can be difficult to clean.
By offering pre-finished ranges with a smooth finish, your consumers are less likely to encounter any problems cleaning their surface once it is installed.

4. Colours
We are noticing an emerging trend for different coloured surfaces. As consumers are creating statement kitchens, they are looking for various colour options, to compliment their own colour palette.
Complimentary colours can also be used to differentiate between areas, for example with a slightly different coloured worktop in the kitchen and utility room.
In order to appeal to these wide-ranging consumer demands, we would recommend offering a variety of colour options.

5. Maintenance
Caring for a kitchen worktop should be easy. A solid, quality work surface should be durable and 100% waterproof, with neat edges and a seamless finish. This provides peace of mind for any prospective buyer, but also ensures a low-maintenance after sales service too!
As a retailer, you can build your relationship with consumers by offering simple advice about caring for their worktops. This helps to ensure they remain happy with the product and also provides reassurance that their investments will last.

New to the UK market for 2014, Max-Top Quartz offers the beauty and strength of solid quartz, without any of the drawbacks of a traditional solid stone surface including the price.

The patented interior structure is a non-wood based honeycomb that offers 100% moisture protection.

These pre-finished worktops offer undeniable strength and surprising lightness - meaning that installers and consumers get maximum benefits with minimum fuss.

Max-Top Quartz offers the aesthetic benefits of a solid stone surface, but with the unique advantage of a deeper 40mm profile. Every surface is edged with 8mm solid quartz to give a perfectly uninterrupted look.

Design options are further enhanced by a choice of 10 natural decors, so there's a finish ideal for any kitchen.

T: 0161 224 0333
W: www.maxtopquartz.co.uk

24th October 2014