Kitchen worktops

[Damo1176]

I am trying to keepthe budget down on a new kitchen. I have sourced MFC units through Benchmarx thanks to my friend but originally was going for Gloss Laminate but many people have said they are a bad idea.

CAn someone gives some suggestions of where to get some good value, good looking worktops without paying out mega bucks.

Any help appreciated people.

 

[Majjie]

Have a look at this web site:
http://www.worktops.uk.com/browse/Worktops

Even if you don't buy from them - it gives you a very good idea of the comparative costs.

If you want to keep the cost down, I'd go for a good quality laminate like Duropal or Axiom or Getalit and I too would avoid the high gloss finishes ... the textured ones are very much tougher. Go for the newer, squarer profiles though.

There aren't any really good looking - and tough - worktops ... that don't cost mega bucks - unfortunately!

If you like the look of them, you could go for Acrylic cut and edged laminate tops - they allow you to do some trendy curves with laminates. This company will do that for you - but only through the retail outlets they supply:
http://www.cotops.ltd.uk/acrylic.html

The next step up is to go for a thin solid surface which can be fitted by a good kitchen fitter, rather than needing to be templated ... like Maia or Getacore:
http://www.worktops.uk.com/browse/Worktops/Solid_Surfaced_Worktops/Maia_Worktops
http://www.worktops.uk.com/browse/Worktops/Solid_Surfaced_Worktops/Getacore_Worktops

They look smart because they have semi-invisible joins ... but they're nowhere near as tough as laminates. They're prone to scratching - especially if you want a high gloss finish - and they're not very heat resistant either.