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Help & advice
Materials that require low energy to produce, or natural materials delivered without intensive mining, have the least impact on the planet. Look for certification and information on sourcing and manufacturing processes when you are making a decision.
Choosing the right surface materials for your kitchen is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. We've pulled together a summary of each of the popular kitchen surface materials you might consider using for worksurfaces, upstands, splashbacks or floor tiles, each with their own set of pros and cons!
A popular choice for kitchens, known for its luxurious unique appearance and durability. When considering Marble be mindful that it can be pricey, susceptible to scratching and will need periodic sealing.
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A good alternative to marble with its aesthetic versatility and durability. Quartz can be costly compared to other alternatives, however it is cheaper than marble and its non-porous surface makes it low maintenance.
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Prized for its unique aesthetic, durability, and heat resistance. Natural stone does however present challenges such as regular sealing for water resistance, varying costs, and installation complexities.
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Praised for its inherent water resistance, versatile design options, and durability, porcelain is particularly hard so more difficult to cut during installation and unforgiving to any brittle items dropped on it.
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Admired for its warm tones, eco-friendly nature, and customisation potential, terracotta is porous so needs regular sealing and has a tendency to chip or crack easily.
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Standing out for its affordability, low maintenance, and design versatility, ceramic has durability concerns like with porcelain, being hard and less forgiving on dropped items.
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Encaustic cement tiles are handcrafted tiles made from a mixture of cement, sand, and pigments.
Unlike ceramic tiles, where the pattern is on the surface, the design of encaustic cement tiles is created by pressing different coloured pigments into the body of the tile. This process results in a distinctive and visually appealing pattern that extends through the thickness of the tile.
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Zellige tiles are a form of glazed ceramic or terracotta tile originating from the Moroccan tradition. They are handcrafted using a unique process that involves shaping, firing, and then glazing the tiles.
The glazing process imparts a glossy and irregular finish. Zellige tiles are known for their vibrant colours, uneven surfaces, and the way they reflect light.
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Linoleum is a resilient flooring material made from natural components such as linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and pigments.
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Cork flooring is crafted from the bark of cork oak trees. The bark is harvested without harming the tree, making cork an environmentally sustainable material.
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Bamboo flooring is made from the fast-growing bamboo plant, which is a renewable resource. Bamboo is harvested and processed into planks for flooring.
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You should also consider the weight of the material used. Stone, marble and porcelain tend to be particularly heavy, although this depends on the thickness chosen. You might need to check the structural integrity of the wall or floor to make sure it can handle the additional weight, and consider how the material will get into the kitchen – you might need an extra pair of hands!
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