Worktop Express Information Guides

Earthstone is the latest addition to our expansive range of kitchen worktops. These attractive solid surfaces join our collections of solid wood worktops and laminate worktops to provide a stylish and practical alternative to quartz or granite.

STYLES AND FINISH

Our new range of Earthstone worktops offers a range of decors to suit every taste and interior style.

These composite surfaces are intended to replicate the look and feel of a quartz or granite worktop, but are both easier to fit and lower in price. Earthstone bridges the gap between laminate and granite, and are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of a hectic household.

The designs in our collection suit a vast range of kitchen styles, whether you need a paler surface to reflect natural light, or are looking for something a little more dark and luxurious. Each worktop features a matt finish that is an ideal low-maintenance choice for busy kitchens, though Earthstone can be polished to create a more glossy appearance, should you prefer.

COMPOSITION AND MANUFACTURE

Earthstone kitchen worktops are available in a variety of sizes up to 3.6 metres in length, or up to 900mm wide – ideal for creating a kitchen island or breakfast bar.

The surfaces are constructed by bonding a 6mm acrylic layer to the top and front edges of a 28mm chipboard core. This creates a hygienic, hard-wearing and impact-resistant surface that can be seamlessly installed to create smooth surface without obvious joins.

These acrylic surfaces can be sanded and polished, and are easy to work with when on site, as no templating is required. Coordinating jointing adhesive allows exposed edges to be finished with matching edging strips that are easy to cut to size.

Most of the Earthstone kitchen worktops in our collection feature a 3mm edge profile that creates a soft, subtle rounded look that’s ideal in busy homes. Some decors feature a bevel profile instead, which creates a premium look that replicates the design often seen on real granite worktops.

A moisture-resistant barrier on the underside of each worktops helps to protect the composite core from moisture ingress, meaning that Earthstone worktops can be used above “wet” appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines.

Softened Edge (Top and Bottom)

This is the most common edge profile for Earthstone worktops and features a soft, slightly rounded edge on both the top and bottom edges along the front of the worktop. Breakfast bar options (900mm wide surfaces) also feature this profile on each side of the work surface, so the edge profile continues the entire way around three edges of the worktop, with one end left unfinished and ready for fixing in place. The acrylic top layer covers the front side of the work surface and a moisture barrier meets this on the underside of the worktop to ensure it is protected against liquids.

Chamfered Edge Profile

A chamfered edge profile provides an extra level of realism for an imitation of a natural stone surface, such as quartz or granite. Chamfered edge profiles have a flat, 3mm thick edge that runs at a 135° angle from the top and side edges of the Earthstone worktop, with a square bottom edge. For 900mm wide breakfast bar options, the edge profile is on the top edges of both sides and one end of the work surface so it can be used in any orientation. At the bottom of the worktop, the moisture barrier meets the 6mm thick acrylic to ensure protection against liquids.

MATCHING ACCESSORIES

Coordinating upstands and splashbacks can also be purchased alongside our Earthstone countertops. These Earthstone accessories include upstands, which are a sophisticated alternative to using tiles all the way down to the work surface, and will give your kitchen a seamless look. These upstands also create a hygienic join between the worktop and an adjacent wall, helping to disguise any small gaps behind the work surface.

Our Earthstone splashbacks are another great choice for coordinating with matching worktops in your new kitchen. These splashbacks are ideal for protecting walls behind hobs and sinks, and can be easily wiped clean.

Matching edging strips are also available for finishing any exposed edges, which can be easily attached using the specialist adhesive.

AFTERCARE

These Earthstone worktops are constructed from an acrylic composite that requires very little aftercare once installed, but – as like any kitchen surface – they will undergo a vast amount of wear and tear from constant use, so the following instructions are intended to keep the worktops in great condition and have a long life.

• Remove everyday spills and substances immediately with a cloth and soapy water, though if a stain has dried, it may require a more abrasive cleaner.
• Remove any harsh chemical marks using a non-abrasive cleaner and the scouring-pad side of a kitchen sponge.
• Scratches on the surface can be removed by using a coarse sandpaper followed by wet & dry sandpaper, after which we would recommend polishing to bring back the shine of the worktop.
• To keep Earthstone worktops looking shiny and stain free it is recommended that solid surface worktops are regularly cleaned using an anti-static glass cleaner or solid surface polish.
• If you have an Earthstone modular unit with sink, it is recommended to occasionally fill the sink half way with bleach and dilute with water. Leave the mixture for 15 minutes and then rinse off.
• To prevent damage to the Earthstone surface, do not chop or cut directly onto the worktop. Use a worktop protector, cutting mat or our one of our solid surface chopping boards.
• Instead of putting hot pots or pans directly onto the surface, use a heat pad or route hotrod grooves into the surface.
• To prevent scratches from appearing, use mats under ceramic ware and avoid dragging heavy items across the surface.
• It is suggested to always run the cold water tap if tipping boiling water into an Earthstone sink as persistent high temperature may deform the surface.

PRICE

Worktop Express purchases all worktops in bulk, allowing us to offer the most competitively-priced Earthstone kitchen worktops on the market. All worktops are kept in stock wherever possible, allowing us to deliver directly to customers across England, Wales and Scotland in a quick and efficient manner via our in-house 2Man delivery service.

Our innovative online stock-ordering systems enable us to reduce the amount of unallocated stock that we hold, whilst our direct-to-public model means that we are able to maintain lower prices than our competitors.

Prices start from just £260.

WHY BUY EARTHSTONE WORKTOPS FROM WORKTOP EXPRESS?

When you buy Earthstone worktops from Worktop Express, you can be assured that you are investing in a quality product. What’s more, our Earthstone surfaces are sourced a suppliers holding the FIRA Gold Product certification, which offers our customers the peace of mind of knowing our worktops comply with all the relevant legislation and meet

the highest standards set for the industry.

PERFECT FOR…

Thanks to the broad range of decors we offer, there is an Earthstone worktop to suit every style of home interior. Whatever your taste, we are certain you will find a worktop that is the perfect fit for your kitchen at Worktop Express.

LIKE EARTHSTONE WORKTOPS? YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE:

Black Star Earthstone Worktops

Duropal Worktops – Glacial Storm

Coffee Earthstone Worktops

Grey Sparkle Worktop – Andromeda

Gemini Earthstone Worktops

“Which worktop types are best-suited to an office environment?”

Our very latest ‘Question of the Week’ was sent into us by Pete in Cirencester. He’s looking for information on the ideal worktop types to use in an office environment.

QUESTION:

“We’re currently planning an office re-fit and would like to know what worktop types you recommend for an office environment.”

ANSWER:

Hi Pete,

Many of the worktops in our collection are ideal for use in an office environment, but which option will suit your requirements is largely down to personal choice.

We offer a large range of solid wood worktops as well as new collection of laminate worktops which regularly features new decors.

Our offices are fitted out entirely with solid wood worktops of varying timber types. Solid wood creates a beautiful, tactile surface that can be easily customised to suit your office layout and requirements.

We wrote an information guide entitled ‘Using Wooden Worksurfaces in an Office’ which you might find helps you to choose the right kind of wooden worktops for an office.

To keep them looking their best, any wood worktop will require occasional oiling, though – when used in an office – not as regularly as it would be in a kitchen environment.

If you would prefer a surface that requires zero maintenance after installation, then consider our range of laminate worktops. These surfaces come in a variety of different decors, including wood-effect, stone-effect, quartz-effect and much more; you’re sure to find a style to suit your office environment in our collection.

Although laminate worktops are not quite as easy to customise and install as a solid wood worktop, they can still be installed without the assistance of a professional fitter with the guidance found in our dedicated Nutshell guide: ‘How to Install Laminate Kitchen Worktops’.

Both solid wood and laminate worktops can be customised by our dedicated fabrication team. Visit our bespoke kitchen worktops page to find out more about the services we can provide.

If you want to know more about the differences between a laminate and solid wood worktop, I would recommend reading the following guide: ‘Laminate Vs Real Wood Worksurfaces: What’s the Difference?’.

To take a closer look at any of our worktops, our Gloucestershire worktop showroom is less than 30 minutes away from Cirencester.

Otherwise, feel free to order worktop samples or get in touch if you have any further queries.

All the best,

Ben @ Worktop Express

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on , or send us a message.

“Which kitchen worktop materials require the least maintenance?”

Not every worktop suits all kitchens, and so when Christian from Minehead sent in our ‘Question of the Week’, we were happy to help him choose kitchen worktop materials that require little maintenance.

QUESTION:

“I’m looking for kitchen worktop materials that are low-maintenance. What would you recommend?”

ANSWER:

Hi Christian,

Choosing the right worktop materials is not only a design-led decision, but is also crucial to consider the practicalities of your decision to help ensure that your worktops last for many years to come.

It should come as no surprise that some worktops require more maintenance than others, but – above all else – we would make sure you choose a surface that fits comfortably in with your kitchen design.

In the Worktop Express collection, our laminate worktops require the least maintenance, specifically the range of AEON™ laminate worktops.

These surfaces feature Enhanced Performance Technology, which reinforces the top layer of the laminate worktop to make it up to five-times more resistant to scratches and ensure that it looks newer for longer. At present our collection of AEON worktops includes Calcutta Marble, Lunar Night and Winter Carnival.

Maintenance of our laminate kitchen worktops is easy – you need only keep them clean using a soft cloth and soapy water.

Our range of wooden worktops may seem high-maintenance by comparison, but in reality the only work required to keep the timber looking its best is a light oiling every few months. These solid wood surfaces do require a little more attention in the weeks following their installation, but if you follow the guidance in our ‘Solid Wood Worktop Aftercare Kits Nutshell Guide’, it really is quite straightforward.

If you want to compare laminate worktops and wood worktops further, we recommend reading the following guide: ‘Laminate Vs Real Wood Worksurfaces: What’s the Difference?’

To help make your decision, we would recommend visiting one of our worktop showrooms to see our range of kitchen worktop materials for yourself. Your closest showroom is currently located in Gloucester, but if you cannot travel this far, why not order a range of our worktop samples instead?

If you have any other questions for us, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

All the best,

Ben @ Worktop Express

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on , or send us a message.

“I’m trying to create a vintage kitchen design. Do you sell a grey wood worktop”

Anna from Chepstow emailed in recently to ask whether we sell a grey wood worktop. We’ve chosen this as our latest ‘Question of the Week’.

QUESTION:

“I’m trying to recreate the look of a vintage kitchen on a budget, and am looking for a grey wood worktop that would be hard-wearing enough to withstand a busy home. Can you help?”

ANSWER:

Hi Anna,

Thanks for getting in touch regarding a grey wood worktop for your new kitchen. Though no timber is naturally grey, you may find some oak, ash or maple products on the market that look almost grey, usually down to a limewash process.

At Worktop Express, we only sell wooden worktops in their natural state, or with a protective coating of Rustins Danish Oil (for an additional cost). The only wooden alternatives we have to grey are our black oak and wenge worktops, which – as the names suggest – are much closer to black than grey.

If you require a grey wood worktop, we would recommend looking at our grey oak laminate worktops. These surfaces are made from a hard-wearing laminate rather than real wood, but thanks to the textured matt finish, the appearance is very realistic.

Emulating expensive full stave oak worktops that have been stained with a grey finish, these laminate worktops have a square edge finish and look just like real mature timber.

At only £90 for a 3 metre worktop, our antique grey oak laminate worktops are great value for money, are perfect for a busy kitchen and will look great alongside vintage fixtures and accessories.

To see images of this worktop option, please visit the Grey Oak Laminate Worktops Gallery. Alternatively, pay a visit to one of our worktop showrooms or order laminate worktop sample pack B, which includes the grey oak decor.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us again.

All the best,

Ben @ Worktop Express

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on , or send us a message.

Whilst our main trade is in wooden worktops, using traditional timber doesn’t mean you can’t team up wood with other more contemporary materials in your kitchen.

In this information guide, we have collated some kitchen worktop ideas to help you combine the right materials from our range.

Combining Wood and Laminate in a Kitchen

If you are considering laminate worktops for your kitchen, but want an alternative surface for a kitchen island or breakfast bar, we recommend considering a wood worktop to complement almost any type of laminate decor.

In this combination, it is usually recommended that laminate is the primary surface, whilst wood is used as an attractive feature. You may, however, have other kitchen worktop ideas, and prefer to have solid wood worktops throughout the majority of the kitchen, whilst laminate worktops provide your kitchen’s centrepiece.

We recommend the following laminate worktops for a striking contrast against wood worktops:

Calcutta Marble

White

Stone – Ipanema Grey

Find out more about using wood or laminate worktops to create a breakfast bar in our dedicated information guide.

Add Colour to Your Kitchen with Painted Doors

Whilst our wooden worktops are innately beautiful, thanks to their unique grain and natural colouration, it’s important to choose the right colours for your kitchen so that you do not end up with a sea of brown shades.

The easiest way to add colour to your kitchen is to paint your kitchen doors. Pastel shades of grey, green and blue are all popular hues that complement the look of solid wood, but some of these colours can leave your kitchen feeling a little cold.

Instead, consider richer colours such as deep yellows, purples, dark blues and reds to bring some punchy colour to your kitchen. These bright choices don’t have to adorn your entire kitchen – they can be used as a feature on kitchen island doors and drawers, wall cabinet doors or on other features such as end panels, pilasters or upstands.

Accessorise to Add New Materials to Your Kitchen

When looking for new kitchen worktop ideas, the addition of new materials in your kitchen doesn’t have to mean changing the worktops or cabinets. You can add style and distinct character with the help of accessories such as appliances, kitchenware, lighting fixtures, handles and knobs.

Copper has become a very popular material for use in contemporary kitchens, and combines especially well with darker kitchen worktop choices such as black American walnut, wenge or black oak.

Alternatively, use a dark timber alongside chrome or stainless steel fittings to create a high-contrast kitchen with a timeless theme. There is a huge variety of kitchen appliances and other stainless steel accessories to choose from, so this is one of the easier ways to mix up the materials in your kitchen.