The applications of a Zenith worktop

Over the last few years it’s apparent that laminate worktops remain the most popular selection for kitchens in the UK given their affordability and versatile choice of designs. Choosing your worktop can be an arduous experience. Not only do you need to consider the look and feel of your worktop, but you need to ensure you’re worksurface is going to stand the test of time and represents good value for money.

Shoppers strive for higher end materials such as solid surface, granite and quartz but they cannot always stretch their budget to the premium price tag that goes with these surfaces.

But fear not. Wilsonart’s array of innovative Zenith solid core worktops fit the price gap perfectly between these materials and laminate. Zenith will give your kitchen a premium look which will help revolutionise your design.

Let’s read on.

The applications of a Zenith worktopThis guide will help you understand the benefits of a Zenith compact solid core worktop and how you can use these worktops to transform your living space.

Contents

What is Zenith?

The benefits of a Zenith worktop

The applications of a Zenith worktop

What kind of sinks can be installed with Zenith?

Can I apply drainer grooves to the worktop?

Can you use Zenith with different types of hobs & oven combinations?

Design inspiration

The different ways you can use Zenith compact laminate

Zenith Design Inspiration - Sleek & Contemporary

Zenith Design Inspiration - Classic Country

Zenith Design Inspiration - Urban Industrial

Although not a new material, compact is a new player within the worktop market and provides the perfect solution to the thin worktop trend we see today.

The Zenith range is made up of a black, white or grey core material created from layers of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin, a decorative design is then applied on either side along with performance overlays to create a durable, waterproof and stylish worksurface.

With three collections to choose from; Zenith Classic, Zenith Pure (NEW) and Zenith Revolution (NEW), there is a dynamic portfolio of stunning designs suited to a wide range of trends and kitchen styles, all of which are certain to create a statement. This is a worksurface solution without limits.

The benefits of Zenith solid laminate worktops:

• At only 12.5mm thin, Zenith creates an unrivalled design like no other

• The solid core offers complete flexibility to incorporate curves and other features

• It’s 100% waterproof allowing undermount sink installation and drainer grooves

• The sleek double-sided surface makes it perfect for cabinet framing and co-ordinated shelving

• Installation is completed onsite with standard tooling – reducing fitting complexity and time

• Zenith worksurfaces benefit from built in performance properties, making them resistant to heat, water, wear and impact

• Realistic and sensual surface textures augment the stunning decors offered

• A cost-effective and practical alternative to natural materials

• Splashbacks and upstands are available for a high-quality overall finish

What is Zenith?

Wilsonart’s Zenith range is a collection of on-trend compact solid core worktops available in a varied range of decors and finishes.

Caldeira

How can Zenith worktops be used?

Zenith has wide-ranging applications throughout the kitchen and the wider living space in addition to being used as a worksurface – especially in comparison with traditional laminate worktops.

• Undermount sinks can be installed with Zenith as the material is 100% waterproof, creating a streamlined design effect. You can even install drainer grooves into the surface due to its solid core which creates a sleek finish but also becomes a modern design feature as the colour core is visible.

• Zenith can be used as cabinet cladding due to the decorative design on both sides and its thinness – simply use silicone and clamp in place while it sets.

• Coordinated open shelving is also a popular option to fit with modern open-plan designs, make use of any offcuts or purchase additional material to achieve this look.

• Upstands and splashbacks are available for a fully coordinated design effect and quality finish - as a contemporary alternative to tiles – and they’re easier to install too.

• Zenith can be used for kick plinths due to its waterproof qualities, so it can stand-up to the testing environment of the kitchen avoiding any problems with water ingress.

What kind of sinks can be installed with Zenith?

When it comes to installing sinks with Zenith solid core worktops there are no limitations due to its 100% waterproof properties, so both inset and under mount sink types can be used.

All under mount sinks must be cut out using a jig and centre support to avoid tipping, then plunge in increments of 3/4mm with router - never use a jigsaw to freehand on the compact material when creating the sink cut out.

The applications of a Zenith worktop

Pyla

Can I apply drainer grooves to the worktop?

If applying drainer grooves into the surface, then the sink cut out and drainer grooves must be done at the same time. This allows the inserts to be drilled and placed at the thickest point of Zenith between each groove, this is important to avoid a hole appearing and the insert being seen. The sink can then be attached. Never make the drainer grooves deeper than 6mm.

Can you use Zenith with different types of hobs & oven combinations?

All hob types including ceramic, gas and induction are compatible with Zenith worktops, however there are some specific fitting requirements to make sure the hob is fitted correctly depending on the hob depth.

If installing an oven under a hob you may need to lower the oven and move the filler panel from the bottom to the top of the oven, to create a ventilation gap between the two appliances.

The applications of a Zenith worktop

Lave

Design inspiration Inspiring ways you can use Zenith in kitchen designs with doors, appliances and accessories to create key trend styles.

So, how can you use a Zenith solid core worktop throughout your kitchen designs to create striking and on-trend interior design styles that will transform kitchen spaces?

We have compiled three design recommendations for inspiration which can help give a kitchen the wow factor.

Sleek & Contemporary Quirky Classic

Country

Urban IndustrialRouille

Pyla

Alaska

With their monochrome tones, decors such as these pair particularly well with more minimalist designs so they’re a perfect fit for contemporary spaces. Zenith can also be used with modern features such as induction hobs and undermount sinks with built-in drainer grooves thanks to its 100% waterproof solid core.

The core also means that curves can be created simply onsite, slight radius curves add to an on-trend finish. To boost this modern look-and-feel splashbacks are also available for the Zenith range as a contemporary alternative to tiles, helping to extend the stylish decors throughout the kitchen and bring it all together.

Consider using these monochrome designs as an accent colour contrasted against extra matt plain cupboards. For an even more sleek and modern look, opt for streamlined handless door frontals alternatively if you prefer a handle option add a square black handle for a truly state-of-the-art kitchen design.

Design 1 Sleek & ContemporaryThe slim design with its solid core lends itself naturally to modern styles. Decors including Lave, Magma and Alaska complement contemporary kitchen designs spectacularly, providing a sleek and stylish design effect.

Caldeira Lave

Simply choose more authentic style decors to create that classic country feel. Pyla, Topia, Colorado and Rouille are great choices to match this timeless kitchen design and are perfect for a chic kitchen environment.

Combine with shaker style doors to really create that country look, but why not opt for a grey tone frontal for a more modern take on this loved kitchen style.

Since Zenith can be fitted with a wide range of hobs and sinks, you can incorporate traditional sink styles such as Belfast and Butler. Also, maybe think about the addition of stand-alone range cookers like the classic Aga for a really authentic design that has the wow factor. Finish the kitchen design with pretty pastel accents or floral prints through the appliances, wall decor and furnishings.

Design 2 Quirky Classic CountryIf you’d prefer to go for something a little less contemporary, then rest assured there are Zenith worktop decors available to suit too.

Rouille

Topia

Try combining woods with natural, exposed elements such as brick walls or stone floors and mixed metals for a really urban feel - be imaginative with the different materials and textures available.

Although there’s a wide range of Zenith decors Woodstone and Caldeira complement innovative industrial designs particularly well.

Backsplashes are a great alternative to tiles here too, expanding the industrial warehouse styles across the walls of the kitchen space. You may even want to consider cabinet framing or coordinating shelving for a consistent look-and-feel across the open plan space. Finish the interior design with metallic accessories think copper and brass or even brushed stainless steel.

Design 3 Urban IndustrialIf you’re feeling a little more adventurous you may have set your sites on an open-plan, industrial kitchen.

Caldeira

Woodstone

Wilsonart Ltd, Lambton Street Industrial Estate, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 1PXTel: T: +44 (0)1388 774661Email: customerservices@wilsonart.co.uk

For more information go towww.wilsonart.co.uk