Glass worktops
Glass Kitchen Worktops: Clear, Bold Surfaces For Modern UK Homes
Understand how toughened glass worktops perform, what they cost, and when they suit your new kitchen better than stone or porcelain
What Are Glass Worktops?
Glass worktops use toughened safety glass that has been cut to size, shaped, and then heat treated. Once glass is toughened it cannot be cut again, so sink cut outs, hob cut outs, drainer grooves, and socket notches all need to be planned before order sign off.
The surface is non porous, so it does not absorb liquids or harbour stains in the same way as some natural stones. High gloss glass reflects light and brightens darker kitchens. Acid etched or satin finishes reduce glare and fingerprints while keeping a contemporary feel.
Key Advantages And Practical Considerations
Advantages Of Glass Worktops
- Sleek, contemporary appearance that suits modern German style kitchens
- Non porous and hygienic surface that is easy to wipe down
- Large choice of colours, including colour matched RAL tones and back painted glass
- Printed and backlit options available for statement islands or breakfast bars
- Good stain resistance against coffee, wine, oils, and common kitchen spills
Points You Need To Think About
- Edges and corners are vulnerable to chips if heavy pans are knocked against them
- Sudden heat shock from a very hot pan on a cold area can crack the surface
- Gloss finishes show fingerprints, smears, and water marks more than matt options
- No scope to adjust cut outs later because toughened glass cannot be reworked
- Repairs are difficult, so serious damage usually means full replacement
Glass Worktops Compared With Porcelain
Most UK showrooms will present glass alongside porcelain or sintered stone as premium, design led surfaces. Both are durable and non porous, but they behave differently in daily use.
| Feature | Glass Worktops | Porcelain / Sintered Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Flat colours, back painted finishes, and custom printed designs. Very reflective in gloss. | Stone, concrete, and metal effects with more subtle reflection. Looks closer to natural materials. |
| Heat Performance | Heat resistant for normal kitchen use, but very hot pans should go on pan stands to avoid shock. | Handles high heat better. Hot pans are less of a risk, although trivets are still recommended. |
| Scratch And Impact Resistance | Surface is hard but can scratch and chip on exposed edges if hit by heavy cookware. | Very hard wearing. More resistant to scratching, but edges can still chip if struck. |
| Maintenance | Simple to clean with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. More frequent wiping needed on dark gloss colours. | Low maintenance, needs neutral cleaners. Matt finishes hide marks well. |
| Typical UK Supply Price | Around £350 to £900 per m² depending on thickness, colour, and shaping. | Often £400 to £700+ per m² for branded porcelain from known European manufacturers. |
Thickness, Joints, And Edge Details
Typical Glass Thicknesses
- Most glass worktops in UK kitchens use 15 mm or 19 mm toughened glass.
- Thicker options around 25 mm are used for feature islands and breakfast bars.
- Upstands and splashbacks often match the worktop glass for a continuous look.
Joints And Overhangs
- Long runs are split into sections and joined with neat, silicone bonded seams.
- Standard overhangs are similar to quartz or granite, usually 20 to 30 mm beyond the door front.
- Larger breakfast bar overhangs need steel support brackets or a framed substructure.
Edge Profiles
- Polished square edges with small arris are the most common in modern German style kitchens.
- Chamfered or slightly rounded edges reduce the risk of chips on exposed corners.
- Coloured glass shows a subtle green or grey tint through the edge which you should review from samples.
Day To Day Use In A UK Kitchen
Glass works well in real homes when it is treated in a similar way to quartz or solid surface. You still use chopping boards, trivets, and pan stands. The reward is a surface that looks very different to the more common stone or laminate choices.
Cleaning And Care
- Daily cleaning is simple with a neutral spray and microfibre cloth, followed by a dry polish.
- Avoid abrasive creams and scourers which mark the surface and leave dull patches.
- Limescale around taps lifts with standard bathroom limescale removers if the manufacturer allows.
Where Glass Works Best
- Feature islands where you want light reflection and a strong colour statement.
- Breakfast bar areas with bar stools where the worktop becomes a focal point.
- Contemporary German kitchens that already have glass splashbacks or glossy cabinet fronts.
Typical UK Investment Level
Price bands vary by colour, thickness, shaping, and total meterage. Small urban kitchens tend to sit at the lower end of each range, while large open plan spaces with complex cut outs move towards the top.
Standard Ranges
Roughly £350 to £500 per m² for single colour, standard thickness glass with simple shaping.
Premium Colours
Around £500 to £750 per m² for deeper colours, satin finishes, and more detailed cut outs.
Bespoke And Printed
From £750 to £900+ per m² for printed designs, thicker feature pieces, or highly shaped islands.
Is A Glass Worktop Right For Your Kitchen?
Glass worktops suit homeowners who want a strong design statement, high hygiene, and a finish that is different from the usual quartz or porcelain choices. They reward careful planning because every cut out, joint, and support detail must be confirmed before production.
If you are comfortable using pan stands, protecting the edges, and wiping surfaces regularly, glass gives you a bold, light catching worktop that links perfectly with German kitchens, glass splashbacks, and contemporary lighting schemes.