With the current trend of people improving as opposed to moving, the kitchen is often top of the list to receive a makeover. Upgrading a kitchen doesn't necessarily have to mean ripping the whole kitchen out. Sometimes just adding a stylish worktop can lift the overall look and add value to a property. However, knowing where to start in selecting the right worktop can be tricky. Paul Mullee, MD of Cargo Granite says “The first thing you need to consider is how much work you want to put in to maintaining the look and finish of your worktop. If the idea of regular maintenance puts you off it’s better to choose something more robust. The right choice is an investment and will give any kitchen an instant face lift.” Natural stone remains a firm favourite as its inherent style adds instant elegance to a kitchen. Currently, there is an increase in creativity in design with a demand for mixed materials. For example, mixing wood with granite. Texture is becoming as important as colour. So how do you know which surface is the right one for your kitchen?

Engineered Stone Composite stone, such as Silestone, is made from a high percentage of crushed quartz mixed with resin. Available in a large range of colours, this is a very resilient option and is really low maintenance. However, like natural stone you will probably still need the professionals in to fit the surface. Silestone is the smartest choice for hygiene conscious homeowners as it delivers both unique beauty and extreme durability. With built in Microban™ technology Silestone is the only quartz surface to provide the ultimate in kitchen hygiene