which kitchen worktop-wood or granite??

[fluffy apple]

I like the look of bespoke handmade tradiational kitchens. But have heard of all different down sides to granite. But is there much difference to wood or a granite top???

[Ethel]

Granite is hugely expensive and hard to keep looking nice.

You will probably chip every piece of crockery you own on it.

It will quickly date and become unfashionable.

[fluffy apple]

Great thankyou etthel

[parkesquay]

In addition, granite work tops are very very heavy.
There are some composite tops that look just like granite and cost significantly less.

[barb1314]

I had this dilemma about a month ago and went for oak after madly questioning everyone I know.I didn't really want granite as I live in a very old cottage and wasn't sure if it was too modern.The wooden worktop owners all said not to be frightened of it.It needs oiling once a year and if you scratch it you can sand it down.I had 2 big chopping boards made from the sink cutout so am chopping on them.So far so good and they look gorgeous.People who had granite said they had all smashed plates on them and chipped glasses too.Also granite is quite easily marked with knives.Hope that helps.By the way my husband is a chef and the kitchen is really used and not a show kitchen!

[PaulSabin]

I had decided against wood once as I heard it warps after a while especially at the sink side.

[Pirate1]

I'm looking for a heat resistant surface and so was considering granite but then saw the price. Since then I haven't found anything where I wouldn't have to use a trivet....and I forget.

[barb1314]

I'd also heard that happens if you have a belfast type sink as the water wrecks the wood but I went for an inset ceramic so the edge is well protected.Good point!

[fluffy apple]

Thanks everyone your replies have really helped.

Barb-did you find there was a big difference in price between the granite and wood? Ours to will be a very used kitchen..So like you thats why I wanted to make sure about right worktops.

[BenDToy]

Our granite worktops are 5 years old and heavily used. They are as good as when they were new and we use them as chopping boards, and they have had hot saucepans, spillages of every kind of liquid, burning brandy and almost everything else you can imagine (and many things you possibly can't). We have never broken any crockery on it, although we have come close a few times. It is the hardest wearing material imaginable, and the only drawback is the price.

[sense4all]

Granite can get citrus burns make sure you chop acidic foodstuffs on a board. I have beech tops and they are fine, I am considering mixing and matching as we are not a terribly cautious in our kitchen there is some very minimal water damage, they are three years old.