How to Prevent Kitchen Worktop Damage — Tips from Surface Repair Specialists

After thirty years of repairing kitchen worktops, we have a clear picture of how damage occurs and what can be done to prevent it. Here are the most effective preventive measures for the most common worktop materials.

Granite and Quartz Worktops

Prevent chips: the most vulnerable points are front corners and edges. Soft-close kitchen drawers and doors reduce the chance of impact from hardware. Be cautious with heavy cast iron pans near the worktop edge.
Prevent burns: quartz contains resin binders that can be damaged by sustained high heat. Always use a trivet or heat mat. The same applies to granite, which can crack under thermal shock.
Prevent scratches: quartz and granite are very scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Never use the worktop as a cutting surface. Some ceramic knives are as hard as quartz.
Prevent staining: seal granite annually. Quartz is non-porous and does not require sealing, but acidic cleaners can etch the surface.

Laminate Worktops

Laminate is the most vulnerable worktop material to heat and impact. Always use a heat mat for hot items. Never cut directly on laminate. Keep the area around sink and hob cutouts dry and reseal annually.

Corian and Solid Surface

Corian is highly repairable but prevention is still better than repair. Use chopping boards, heat mats and non-abrasive cleaners.

What to Do When Damage Occurs

Address chips promptly. A fresh chip is easier to repair and gives better results than one that has accumulated staining over months or years.