Being a business owner or a manager of commercial property means that you are responsible for the design and layout of any officers. The demands for these properties are different to that of residential buildings – from the floor space to the air conditioning and the same can be said for any home comforts that you wish to include. Many offices now have full kitchens were staff can make cups of tea and coffee throughout the day, prepare food for their lunches and enjoy spending their break time. It is these amenities that can help your office staff feel more welcomed into their office space and supported. When designing or renovating your office, it is important to think about the type of material that you are using for your countertops, as some can be easier to clean and upkeep than others. Let’s take a closer look at our list of the best to worst office countertops.

1. Quartz
   Our top choice for countertops that are easy to keep clean and look great in an office space is quartz countertops. These countertops have a smooth and sleek texture that is great for a modern and professional office.
   The material is already used in many restaurants and bars due to the fact that the material is durable, but at the same time, more affordable than options such as granite or marble. Quartz is a great choice for office countertops as it is easy to both upkeep and clean. Its surface is non-porous meaning that it is easy to prepare food on without leaving stains that are hard to get rid of. It does need sealed, and can simply be wiped with a microfibre cloth, warm water and dish soap. For stains that are a little harder to clean there are glass cleaners that can help remove stains and leave the surface clean and shiny.
   
   For cleaning any countertop, however, it is important not to use cleaners that have particularly high or low pH levels as this can damage the surface over time. Avoid using stronger substances too such as turpentine.
   
2. Granite
   When it comes to countertops, most people think of granite as being the best material to use for a modern look. Granite does look great in both homes and offices alike and is hardier than other materials on our list meaning that it can withstand some hot objects and sharp objects without marking or scratching badly. When it comes to cleaning, granite can be easily wiped with disinfectant and a wet cloth, and does not stain easily, making it high up on our list of countertops. When cleaning granite you need to be especially careful with the pH levels of your cleaners as they can easily damage, meaning that they would need to be replaced which can be costly.
   
   Why did it not reach the number one spot? It requires a level of upkeep that quartz does not, with the surface having to be sealed every so often to stay in good condition.
   
3. Marble
   While Marble is a classic choice and would be a sign of a high-end office due to its smooth texture and elegant patterns. Marble countertops are fine for residential households where there will be far less wear and tear as there are fewer people using it daily. In an office, however, it may not be the best option.
   
   First, an office kitchen may be much bigger than a residential one and therefore, the area of marble you will require will be larger and this can be costly. Second, compared to granite and quartz further up on our list, marble is more likely to become discoloured with stains. This may not be suitable in an office where the countertops will be used often every day. The marble texture is more porous and softer, so it can be scratched easily. Due to this, it will need to be cleaned more regularly and will have to be sealed every so often to prevent damage. You may not need this type of upkeep when running an office.
   
   Instead, if you are searching for a countertop that looks like marble but is more durable, there are many granite designs that look similar.

4. Laminate
   One popular choice for countertops is a laminate material. Many choose this for their office countertops as it is a more cost-effective option than others on our list and it does not require a treatment or sealing to help upkeep it. However, the surface is not durable compared to others on our list and can be prone to dents and scratches if it is knocked.
   
   When cleaning laminate, it is important not to use too many liquid products, and to wipe the surface dry any time there are any spills on it (which can be hard in an office!) This is because any kind of liquid can make its way underneath the top layer of the laminate, causing it to lift and become warped. Therefore, laminate may need to be replaced sooner than other countertop options, costing more in the long run.
   
5. Plastic
   Plastic counters are by far the most affordable on our list, but this may not mean that they are right for a commercial space. As plastic is a weaker material than the other countertop options on your list, it is prone to cracking, can be marked with knives, can burn easily and become stained. Stains can be difficult to clean off, especially if substances are left on the surface for a long time before being wiped.
   
   As your countertops will be used frequently by many people in an office, plastic is more likely to become damaged due to it being a high traffic environment. This will lead to the countertop having to be replaced more often as cleaning alone will not keep it looking fresh and new.