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What can worktops and wall panels do for your kitchen?

How can worktops benefit my kitchen?

Adding or changing a kitchen worktop is a simple and inexpensive way of updating and smartening up your kitchen without needing to be a major renovation project.

Worktops, which are durable and hard-wearing, and provide a waterproof and heatproof surface for preparing food, can be easily cut to your desired length and installed on top of kitchen units as a practical and functional workspace.

How can wall-panels benefit my kitchen?

Wall panels are usually designed to be fitted at the back of kitchen worktops and breakfast bars to provide durable and waterproof splashbacks in place of tiles. They can be used effectively on kitchen walls, providing an easy-to-clean, grout-free surface.

When used as splashbacks behind ovens and sinks, wall panels instantly add colour as well as protecting your walls from stains. For more on what can work in your kitchen,see our Top 10 Kitchen must-haves.

What are the pros and cons of worktops?

Kitchen worktops are hard-wearing and strong, particularly surfaces made from granite and stainless steel. Granite is highly resistant to heat and water damage, and sink inserts and draining grooves can be cut-in if desired.

However, granite can be very expensive, and requires a good deal of looking after as it is easily stained by liquids. Stainless steel is also a waterproof and heat resistant surface, but can scratch easily, meaning that you should not cut directly on to it.

It is important to choose a worktop surface which suits the style of your kitchen as well as your budget – for example, stainless steel is a relatively inexpensive option for those who prefer their kitchen to have a clean, contemporary look, as long as you are prepared to look after it appropriately.

Choose a chopping board to protect your worktop when preparing food

What are the pros and cons of wall panels?

Wall panels are both durable and flexible, and can be cut to your desired size to fit in to your room. They are resistant to water, heat, grease and dirt, and are suitable for protecting the walls behind sinks, kitchen worktops and hobs.

However, it is important to remember that certain wall panels, such as those made from acrylic, can melt if exposed to direct heat from kitchen hobs or if installed near boilers. In these situations, it is better to use ceramic tiles in particularly hot areas and put kitchen panels up in the rest of the room.

View the IKEA range of worktops and wall panels

What are my choices when it comes to the look of my kitchen worktops?

Worktops can be made from wood, laminate, stainless steel, quartz, or granite to name a few, so there is a wide variety of choice. However, although how your kitchen worktop looks may be your priority, it is also equally important to consider how you are going to use the surface, and whether the material you choose will be appropriate for this.

Ideally, your worktop would be both heat and stain-resistant, easy to clean, durable and well priced. If you are finding it difficult to find a worktop which matches all of these qualities, consider what factors are most important to you, and be prepared to possibly make a compromise.

Get great ideas for kitting out your kitchen here

Want to know how to fit worktops and wall panels? See our How do I?: Kitchen fitting article.