B And Q Kitchen Worktops

My Journey to Find the Ideal Worktop to Complete My Kitchen Renovation

I’ve always dreamed of having a kitchen that looks like it belongs in one of those home design magazines. You know the kind – where everything is crisp, clean and cohesive. After years of pinning photos for inspiration, I finally decided it was time to take the plunge and renovate my dated and tired kitchen.

The first step was picking out all the big elements like cabinetry, appliances and flooring. I went with a classic Shaker style cabinet in a warm white, stainless steel appliances and grey wood-look tile. Once I had the bones in place, it was time to choose the perfect kitchen worktop to tie it all together.

Since I purchased all my cabinets and other supplies from B&Q, I decided to stick with them for the worktop as well. But with so many options to choose from, I’ll admit I felt a bit overwhelmed at first. Laminate? Wood? Quartz? So many materials, styles, colors and finishes to pick from!

After doing some research, I decided to document my journey here to help other DIYers looking to choose the ideal worktop from B&Q for their own kitchen projects. Whether you’re looking for something affordable and low-maintenance or a high-end showstopper surface, B&Q has plenty of worktop solutions to suit any taste and budget.

The Many Worktop Options at B&Q

B&Q offers an extensive selection of kitchen worktops in a range of materials, including:

• Laminate – Affordable and easy to maintain. Tons of colors and patterns available.
• Quartz – High-end material that’s stain, scratch and heat resistant.
• Granite – Natural stone that’s durable but requires sealing.
• Solid wood – Adds warmth but needs oiling to prevent water damage.
• Acrylic – Budget-friendly with molded edges but prone to scratches.

Within each main worktop category, there are different colors, finishes, thicknesses, edge profiles and more to choose from. It was good to know I had options, but also a bit paralyzing trying to determine which material and style would work best for my new kitchen.

How Much Do B&Q Worktops Cost?

Cost was a big factor in choosing my worktop, since this was a budget DIY renovation. Here’s an overview of price ranges for B&Q worktops by material:

• Laminate – Starting around £20 per linear meter for basic options, up to £70+ for higher-end finishes
• Quartz – £100-£500+ per linear meter
• Granite – £50-£200+ per linear meter
• Solid wood – £100-£300+ per linear meter
• Acrylic – Starting around £30 per linear meter

Of course, the total cost depends on the size of your kitchen and how many linear meters of worktops you need. I measured my space and planned my layout to get an accurate estimate before purchasing.

Laminate Worktops – The Affordable All-Rounder

To save money, I opted for a laminate worktop from B&Q’s wide selection. Here are the key benefits that made laminate the right choice for my kitchen:

• Cost – At around £30 per linear meter, laminate worktops won’t break the bank.
• Durability – Laminate is scratch, moisture and heat resistant for long-lasting wear, especially compared to natural materials that can stain or warp.
• Low Maintenance – Just wipe clean with soap and water as needed – no yearly sealing required!
• Design Options – From solid colors to exact replicas of materials like granite and wood, laminate offers tons of stylish options to fit any decor.
• Ease of Installation – DIY-friendly laminate worktops can be cut to size at home. No need to call in the pros!

The affordability and low maintenance of laminate made it the perfect choice for my budget-savvy kitchen renovation.

Choosing a Laminate Worktop Style from B&Q’s Selection

B&Q’s laminate worktop selection includes dozens of colors, patterns, finishes and edge profiles. A few that caught my eye:

• Marble and stone looks – For natural chic on a budget
• Woodgrain finishes – Warm and traditional
• Bright solid colors – Modern and playful
• Textured patterns – Extra depth and visual interest

I decided on the Oxford Ceramic White Quartz laminate worktop. The creamy white background with faint grey veining resembled natural quartz at a fraction of the cost. And the neutral color worked perfectly with my cabinetry, flooring and backsplash.

For the edges, I went with a simple square profile to complement the straight lines and minimalist look I was going for. B&Q offered a few laminate worktops with integrated drip edges, but for a built-in look I ordered my worktops oversized and cut the edges myself.

Precut vs Custom Cut Worktops

B&Q sells precut worktops for convenience, but sizes are limited. For complete flexibility in sizing, I opted to have my worktops delivered in full 4 meter lengths, allowing me to customize the installation myself.

Here are some tips if you plan to cut B&Q worktops at home:

• Use a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade designed for cutting laminates. Go slowly to prevent chipping.
• For clean joints, cut edges perfectly straight. Use a ruler guide on your saw.
• Cut worktops upside down for less chipping on the show side.
• Wear safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask – laminate dust is nasty!
• Make sink, stove and other cutouts before installing worktops using a jigsaw.
• Seal cut edges with laminate primer and touch-up paint to prevent moisture damage.

With some careful measuring and cutting, I was able to achieve a custom installed look for my new laminate worktops.

Installation Essentials for DIY Worktops

Once I had the worktops cut to size, it was time for installation. Here are the key steps I followed:

• Clean surfaces – Remove any dust or debris from cabinets and worktops.
• Mark plumbing – Trace the exact position of sinks, faucets and appliances on the underside of worktops for cutouts.
• Run a dry fit – Place worktops on cabinets without adhesive to ensure a good fit before permanently attaching.
• Apply adhesive – Run a zigzag bead of laminate adhesive along the top edges of cabinet bases.
• Install backsplashes – Attach cut-to-fit laminate or tile backsplash pieces prior to dropping in worktops.
• Carefully lower worktops – Line up edges and ease into place. Don’t slide around once adhesive is down.
• Clamp joints – Use G-clamps to firmly join worktop butt joints while adhesive dries. Keep joints tight and even.
• Clean up excess adhesive – Wipe away any squeeze-out before it dries using a putty knife and damp cloth.
• Seal seams – Once installed, run a bead of clear silicone caulk along backsplashes and worktop seams for water protection.

With good prep and care, I got my DIY laminate worktops installed with no major issues. The white quartz look was exactly what I wanted to tie my whole new kitchen together!

Living with My New B&Q Laminate Worktops

It’s been a few months now since completing my kitchen renovation, and I’m still really happy with my decision to use affordable laminate worktops from B&Q. Here are my thoughts after living with them:

• The white quartz-style laminate has held up great to daily use with no stains or scratches so far. It still looks freshly installed.
• I like that small scratches won’t show up too noticeably on the speckled pattern, compared to a flat solid color.
• The surfaces resist water, heat and humidity well. No issues cleaning up cooking messes or wiping away condensation.
• The molded square edges have a nice subtle profile that pairs well with my simple Shaker cabinet style.
• Cutting and installing the worktops myself saved on labor costs and allowed a custom fitted look.

While I took my time researching all the worktop options at B&Q, I’m confident laminate was the right call for achieving the kitchen of my dreams on a DIY budget. The affordable cost and low maintenance are perfect for my busy family life. And the white quartz finish gives me the contemporary look I was going for.

For other DIYers, be sure to measure your space, understand your lifestyle needs and compare all the worktop collections B&Q offers. There are so many options at various prices – you’re sure to find your perfect fit!