Kitchen worktops

I have laminate surfaces in a wood block look. They are 10 years old and still in excellent condition. Four large glass cutting boards provide plenty of protected surface for chopping etc. And they only need a wipe with Flash.

We stayed in a cottage this summer with granite worktops - they were very unforgiving.

I'm watching too!

Our work tops are wood effect with a sort of dresser effect on one side of the kitchen which is still looking good as it's not the business bit of the kitchen and only house bottles, fruit bowl, radio etc. However, the L shaped bit that includes the cooker, sink and the working area is definitely showing signs of wear.

We'd like to keep the 'dresser' bit but cannot decide what to do with the other area. Our kitchen is square (ish) so the two areas are not very far apart.

I am also joining the followers for the same reason.

Friends of mine have a huge kitchen and the wooden surface is very high maintenance so I would not have that or granite it would appear. I did not realise that granite needed to be maintained to that degree.

I'm following too as thinking of changing mine to granite.......

WE bought a house with black granite everywhere too. All very smart but needed upkeep and was far too masculine for me.

In this house I chose a 'corian' like surface that is cut to fit when installed, in a pale creamy white with subtle light speckling. It has a slight matt look so does not need to be polished just kept clean as usual and then surface treated once a month or so to condition it. Am very happy with it. However I never EVER slice or chop on it but have two very large Ikea chopping boards permanently in place either side of the cooker almost as if that part of the surface is wood.

I wouldn't have wood again!

I have black granite with sparkly bits. It looks great but is hard work! It shows all the crumbs and smears and calls for lots of polishing.

I shall watch this thread with interest.