The counter is an essential aspect of most catering establishments. Commonly counters are made from particle-board covered in a plastic laminate, but are also often made from toughened glass, stainless steel, hardwood or natural stone such as granite, quartz and marble. Toughened glass and stainless steel counter-tops are naturally hygienic and perfect for food preparation. Natural stone is also very good but needs to be properly sealed to stop it from staining, especially from acidic foodstuffs such as oranges and lemons. Plastic laminates are also easy to wipe clean, but are more prone to scratching and scoring.

When choosing a counter top, most people tend to put aesthetics first. In a catering establishment such as a delicatessen, bakery or coffee shop, image is important. And all counter tops are hard wearing by default, although some more so than others. So long as you properly care for whichever material you choose, it should give you many years of reliable service. Where a counter top is subject to actual food preparation as opposed to a serving counter, then you should always use a chopping board rather than the surface of counter itself.

With so many choices to choose from, such as polished or brushed steel, natural stone, glass, laminates and hardwood, it’s worth seeking the advice of a professional shopfitter. If you’re going for a more traditional look than slate, granite of hardwood styles will fit the bill. For more up to date establishments, steel, glass or even Formica is popular. Shopfitters design and install hundreds of shop counters and will be able to offer sound advice which will match your existing décor and suit your needs.