10 Alternative Materials for Your Kitchen Worktop
Brass, bamboo, recycled paper... Here’s why a new raft of kitchen worktop choices are worth checking out
There are some well-loved kitchen worktop materials that come up again and again in kitchens on Houzz – oak, quartz, solid surface… Yet, if you go a little off-piste, you could get something unusual and striking, budget-friendly or green that you hadn’t thought of. Let these kitchens inspire you.
2. Reuse with recycled paper
Paper is an interesting material in the eco worktop world. It can be manufactured in various colours and finishes, including the dramatic matt black seen in this kitchen.
The heat-resistant product is made from either recycled or – sometimes – FSC-certified paper, or a combination of both, combined with resin, and can be refinished to maintain it and repair wear and tear.
More: Which Alternative Materials Could I Use to Insulate My Extension?
Paper is an interesting material in the eco worktop world. It can be manufactured in various colours and finishes, including the dramatic matt black seen in this kitchen.
The heat-resistant product is made from either recycled or – sometimes – FSC-certified paper, or a combination of both, combined with resin, and can be refinished to maintain it and repair wear and tear.
More: Which Alternative Materials Could I Use to Insulate My Extension?
3. Add warmth with copper
Copper will add character to any kitchen. It’s eminently recyclable and can be used over and over again (should you tire of the look). It’s also extremely durable, so the chances of you wanting to upgrade because your work surface is worn out are slim.
A worktop like this one will typically be made by gluing a thin sheet of copper onto wood in your desired thickness, so it can fairly easily be tailored to all sorts of kitchen layouts and designs.
Be warned, though, copper will stain easily. You’ll either love the lived-in patina that comes with this or it’ll drive you nuts.
Copper will add character to any kitchen. It’s eminently recyclable and can be used over and over again (should you tire of the look). It’s also extremely durable, so the chances of you wanting to upgrade because your work surface is worn out are slim.
A worktop like this one will typically be made by gluing a thin sheet of copper onto wood in your desired thickness, so it can fairly easily be tailored to all sorts of kitchen layouts and designs.
Be warned, though, copper will stain easily. You’ll either love the lived-in patina that comes with this or it’ll drive you nuts.
4. Be bold with brass
As with copper, a brass worktop will be a talking point. It has many of the same properties, meaning it’s also a surface that will stain easily. To prevent this, you do have the option of sealing it.
Shiny sealed brass versus brass that’s been allowed to stain and age over time each have their merits; which you’ll prefer will depend on your style.
Be aware also that, while harder than copper, brass will still scratch and dent.
For all of the above reasons, you might want to consider restricting your chosen metal to a small part of the kitchen, as seen in this scheme, which has an antique brass inlay in the island work surface.
More: Should I Have a Copper or Brass Worktop in My Kitchen?
As with copper, a brass worktop will be a talking point. It has many of the same properties, meaning it’s also a surface that will stain easily. To prevent this, you do have the option of sealing it.
Shiny sealed brass versus brass that’s been allowed to stain and age over time each have their merits; which you’ll prefer will depend on your style.
Be aware also that, while harder than copper, brass will still scratch and dent.
For all of the above reasons, you might want to consider restricting your chosen metal to a small part of the kitchen, as seen in this scheme, which has an antique brass inlay in the island work surface.
More: Should I Have a Copper or Brass Worktop in My Kitchen?
5. Mix and match
This retro-look worktop combines the warmth and interesting texture of birch ply with the colour options of laminate – in this case Formica.
A number of design firms will supply and fit a worktop like this for you. One consideration with laminate worktops is your sink: over-mounted are generally recommended to avoid the risk of water reaching the raw edges of the worktop.
This retro-look worktop combines the warmth and interesting texture of birch ply with the colour options of laminate – in this case Formica.
A number of design firms will supply and fit a worktop like this for you. One consideration with laminate worktops is your sink: over-mounted are generally recommended to avoid the risk of water reaching the raw edges of the worktop.
6. Try terrazzo
More and more kitchens (and bathrooms for that matter) on Houzz are employing a work surface or two made from terrazzo.
This traditional and newly fashionable material, which the Italians began making five centuries ago, is often used as an alternative to marble or granite. Indeed, the composite contains marble chippings, set into cement or resin, which is then polished.
It’s extremely hardwearing and can vary greatly in appearance, depending on the colour and size of the chippings used.
More and more kitchens (and bathrooms for that matter) on Houzz are employing a work surface or two made from terrazzo.
This traditional and newly fashionable material, which the Italians began making five centuries ago, is often used as an alternative to marble or granite. Indeed, the composite contains marble chippings, set into cement or resin, which is then polished.
It’s extremely hardwearing and can vary greatly in appearance, depending on the colour and size of the chippings used.
7. Breathe new life into old glass
At first glance, this flecked surface resembles terrazzo. However, this worktop is made from chips of recycled glass, bonded together with resin.
A number of UK manufacturers now make worktops using recycled glass and the material comes in some fairly non-traditional colours, including pink, green and bright red, as well as white, grey and black.
Shop around, as there are lots of different finishes and effects to choose from.
More: 8 Gorgeous Kitchens With Reclaimed or Recycled Worktops
At first glance, this flecked surface resembles terrazzo. However, this worktop is made from chips of recycled glass, bonded together with resin.
A number of UK manufacturers now make worktops using recycled glass and the material comes in some fairly non-traditional colours, including pink, green and bright red, as well as white, grey and black.
Shop around, as there are lots of different finishes and effects to choose from.
More: 8 Gorgeous Kitchens With Reclaimed or Recycled Worktops
8. Dabble with Dekton
Dekton – this material’s brand name – is made from a combination of glass, porcelain and quartz. It’s hardwearing, fireproof, difficult to scratch, stain-resistant (even the light colours) and does not require sealing.
If you’re considering a sleek kitchen design, bear in mind that this matt material can also be used to make excellent slimline worktops without its strength being compromised.
Dekton – this material’s brand name – is made from a combination of glass, porcelain and quartz. It’s hardwearing, fireproof, difficult to scratch, stain-resistant (even the light colours) and does not require sealing.
If you’re considering a sleek kitchen design, bear in mind that this matt material can also be used to make excellent slimline worktops without its strength being compromised.
9. Salvage from the science lab
There’s a bit of a microtrend for reclaiming old teak science lab tables and turning them into worktops. And you can see why… The finish is rich and characterful, bringing warmth to a newly built kitchen.
Your fitter will thank you for seeking out wood that’s already prepared for domestic use. Alternatively, contact a professional with a passion for salvaged materials, as some will be more game than others to restore the wood.
Find carpenters or joiners in your area.
There’s a bit of a microtrend for reclaiming old teak science lab tables and turning them into worktops. And you can see why… The finish is rich and characterful, bringing warmth to a newly built kitchen.
Your fitter will thank you for seeking out wood that’s already prepared for domestic use. Alternatively, contact a professional with a passion for salvaged materials, as some will be more game than others to restore the wood.
Find carpenters or joiners in your area.
10. Celebrate building materials
When you think of solid wood worktops, you might think: expensive. However, with the right professional to help you, a wooden worksurface made from scaffold planks can look as beautiful as the timber one in this country-style kitchen.
Choose from new boards or source pre-loved ones that can be sanded down. The latter will probably have a little more character, but wood is wood and fresh boards will equally age beautifully.
For a professional carpenter or joiner, turning the boards into a solid surface is not a complicated job. Consider how you’ll have the surface sealed – a coloured oil or wax means you can tailor the shade of your finish. Suitable oil or wax will condition the wood while rendering it water-resistant, while varnish will coat the surface. Ensure any finish you choose is suitable and safe for food preparation.
To see more from any of the designers featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
Tell us…
Have you used one of these materials in your kitchen? How is it working out for you? Let us know in the Comments section.
When you think of solid wood worktops, you might think: expensive. However, with the right professional to help you, a wooden worksurface made from scaffold planks can look as beautiful as the timber one in this country-style kitchen.
Choose from new boards or source pre-loved ones that can be sanded down. The latter will probably have a little more character, but wood is wood and fresh boards will equally age beautifully.
For a professional carpenter or joiner, turning the boards into a solid surface is not a complicated job. Consider how you’ll have the surface sealed – a coloured oil or wax means you can tailor the shade of your finish. Suitable oil or wax will condition the wood while rendering it water-resistant, while varnish will coat the surface. Ensure any finish you choose is suitable and safe for food preparation.
To see more from any of the designers featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
Tell us…
Have you used one of these materials in your kitchen? How is it working out for you? Let us know in the Comments section.
An excellent way to go eco with your worktop is with bamboo ply. Fast-growing and hardy, this woody grass can be a highly sustainable crop. If you prefer a darker shade, look out for carbonised bamboo.
As with wooden surfaces, a bamboo worktop will need re-treating from time to time to keep it watertight and in tip-top condition.