Best Kitchen Worktop Materials, Part 1 – Engineered Surfaces
October 30, 2025
ENGINEERED QUARTZ
Engineered quartz is a man-made material. It first emerged in the late 90s as an alternative to natural stone, offering a more practical but still “natural” look.
This engineered surface is composed of approximately 90-95% crushed natural quartz crystals mixed with 5-10% resin and polymers for binding. With colour pigments, quartz surfaces offer a great combination of aesthetics with functionality.
Unlike marble and granite, engineered quartz is almost non-porous, making it highly resistant to stains from coffee, wine, lemon, cooking oils and other usual culprits. This unique structure also makes quartz hygienic, as it does not harbour bacteria or mould.
The design of the quartz surfaces follows the fashion trends; worktops are available in an extensive range of colours and patterns. Some designs closely mimic natural stone.
Replicating the stone, quartz surfaces are available in the same thickness as natural stone slabs. This means we can have the same attractive edge profiles – a significant bonus to all design-minded homeowners!
LEADING MARKET BRANDS
SILESTONE by Consentino
When a posh salesperson is offering you a “silestone“, this is what it means – they are talking about this line of engineered quartz. It is a premium brand that prides itself on higher durability and heat resistance.
CEASARSTONE
Another major player, Caesarstone’s quartz worktops are only 5% porous, making them exceptionally durable. So much so that Ceasarstone offers a lifetime warranty on all domestic installations. Though I haven’t seen a 90-year-old kitchen yet…
When discussing engineered quartz, we must remember the issue of mineral silica. It is now being referred to as “the new asbestos”. Over 100 years after it was first introduced in construction, we are still uncovering its full detrimental effects. Mineral silica is found to be very harmful when inhaled. It is not an issue of a finished countertop, but a health risk during the manufacturing process. Australia was the first country to ban engineered quartz surfaces in 2024.
Silestone offers a low silica option and clearly marks the silica percentage on all their quartz surfaces.
LATEST INNOVATIONS
DEKTON
The High-Performance Engineered Surface. Dekton is also developed by Consentino.
It stands out as one of the most technologically advanced materials for worktops. It is highly resistant to scratches, heat, UV light, and stains, with virtually no porosity. This makes Dekton an excellent choice for high-traffic kitchens or outdoor use, all while maintaining a sleek, ultra-modern appearance.
My favourite feature of this material is its heat resistance. Dekton and Gaggenau produce an “invisible induction” range of hobs, which are just that – invisible!
NEOLITH
Neolith is favoured by architects for its wide range of applications and striking aesthetics. So much so that Neolith declare themselves “iconic”. They also pride themselves on the sustainable manufacturing process using “recycled raw materials”, though I am not sure what it is…
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