Choosing a material for the main work surface- a responsible business. You need to take into account both durability and resistance to moisture, and beauty, and, of course, cost. Eyes scattered about options? Today we will focus on the pros and cons of two of them: classic solid wood and popular laminate. If you have already decided on, it's time to choose a material. Now there are a lot of options: glass, steel, quartz, even concrete, etc. But the classics of the genre are a natural and beautiful solid wood massif and sometimes successfully imitating it, laminate, chipboard covered with melamine film. Let's take a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages. Olga Lesina, interior designer: - Laminate and solid wood are two very different materials. Let's start with the fact that the laminate is very dense and durable, it can only be broken with a hammer. Its top layer successfully imitates both marble and stone, and absolutely fantastic textures of different colors. Wood is more of a decorative material. Of course, it is very beautiful, but it is so exposed to water, heat and sharp objects that it is advisable to use it not on the entire work surface, but only on parts. For example, as a bar countertop. Wood mass is a beautiful and capricious material, unique in its natural beauty, with a unique pattern. Hard varieties of wood are suitable: alder, oak, birch, larch. In case of damage, careful restoration is possible - the material, unfortunately, is still quite capricious. Hot pots can leave marks on it and the surface can darken over time. The guarantee of a long service life is impregnation with special oil-based compounds during production and proper care. , for example, are known for the quality of such processing: solid oak or ash is polished and covered with a protective solution and wax with a pleasant smell of linseed oil. During operation, you will only have to use neutral cleaning agents and sometimes renew the coating. 
Kitchen Divo factory EWE, salon "Kitchen interior" 
One of the types of wood countertops known inIn the West, as a butcher`s block - "butcher's table" - is assembled from planks. Even a combination of different types of wood is possible. Such a surface looks very beautiful, ideally combines with steel and glass, fits into any interior and ennobles the space with its old-fashioned warm texture. Unfortunately, another drawback of the material is the price, which starts from 4,000-5,000 per running meter. You can save money by trimming only part of the work surface with wood, for example, an island or a bar counter, which are extremely popular in elements. Inga Azhgirey, interior designer: - A wooden tabletop is not a budget option. But the aesthetic advantages are obvious: they are beauty, a pleasant-to-touch surface, environmental friendliness, elasticity - the table will not split from a heavy object falling on it. Now for such countertops they offer a fairly wide range of wood species. If you choose strong wood, you may experience early cracks and warping, since such wood does not have ductility. And too soft and fibrous, alas, will not withstand constant pressure during cooking. Here are the optimal ones: oak, walnut, ash, cherry, teak, wenge. An alternative to solid wood is glued tabletops made of layers of wood of one or more species. Thanks to the use of glue, the strength of such a finished surface is much higher. A special point is leaving. Any natural material requires attention and regular careful maintenance in order to serve for many years. During the manufacturing process, countertops must be coated with special antiseptics and impregnations to reduce their susceptibility to moisture and high temperatures. The varnish coat should be renewed regularly to maintain its beauty. Oil impregnation can be renewed less often, but the wood will darken faster. I personally like the look of the "aged countertops", they are very cozy, but even these should be cleaned, protected from moisture and protected. If only because hygiene is never superfluous. inga-art.ru 
Kitchen Ultimo factory EWE, salon "Kitchen interiors" 
Laminate - popular, but not eternal This is probablythe most popular material for finishing kitchen worktops. He is loved for its low cost and an endless number of color and pattern options. The pressed shavings are covered on top with decorative paper with the desired pattern and "sealed" with melamine or resins. Such a tabletop is quite resistant to damage and easy to clean, and there are a lot of texture options - matte, glossy, mirrored, imitating wood, stone, marble. 
Kitchen Trail of Varenna factory, interior "Kitchen interiors" 
Problems begin if not properly protectedduring the production and installation of laminate board joints. Moisture leads to swelling and deformation of the countertop, and it is almost impossible to repair it. But if you follow the rules of care - keep dry, wash with non-aggressive means - the surface will serve you faithfully for at least 10 years. Given the low cost of the material, this can be a very profitable investment. Inga Azhgirey, interior designer: - The main advantage of laminate flooring is the low price and a variety of patterns and colors for every taste. There are even prints of paintings, and wood imitation looks good. Light-colored countertops may lose their appearance a little over time; after a couple of years, barely noticeable spots may appear on them. Damage is less noticeable on dark surfaces. Choose patterns neutral or natural: marble, wood, stone. Sharp objects can leave marks, so be aware of cutting boards. But the laminate is not too afraid of hot. Matte or glossy texture? If you cook a lot and often, then it is better to opt for matte, on which the dirt is not so noticeable. It is also less susceptible to damage. Laminate countertops are afraid of vinegar - stains from this liquid can remain on the surface forever, so be careful about cleaning, do not use aggressive "chemicals". Another problematic point is the end edge. In my opinion, a rare manufacturer can make it aesthetically pleasing. But the advantages of laminate are obvious - low cost, reliability, the ability to experiment with design. inga-art.ru 
Kitchen Horizon factory Zeyko, salon "Kitchen interiors" 
So which should you choose? The choice is not easy. Let's take another look at the main parameters that are key to a pleasant use of the kitchen surface.
- Reliability: the advantage here is laminate. It will retain its appearance, whereas the tree will inevitably change if it is constantly exposed to water, heat and sharp objects. However, some designers do this "chip", using in the finishing of countertops is the wood used in the construction of boats, sheds, chests - effectively shabby.
- Easy maintenance: again laminate has the advantage. Its surface is "sealed", so it will withstand a slight negligence in cleaning. However, this does not mean that it is worth neglecting simple rules, we remind: to remove immediately stains and water, do not use hard brushes and aggressive "chemistry".
- Price: laminate is much cheaper. The cost per meter starts from 1 000-1 500 rubles. It can serve for a long time.
- Aesthetics: only a matter of taste. The laminate has more options, colors, shades, patterns, textures. But nothing looks more beautiful than a natural tree, it's a choice for unique exclusive cuisines. Choose with your heart, but with your eyes open - everything should please you in the kitchen, but you also have to be ready for compromises. In addition, laminate and wood can be combined - what is not an option?
