What to look for when buyingkitchen countertops? What to choose: natural stone or solid wood, stainless steel or laminated chipboard? We will help make your choice easier and tell you about the main materials with all the pros and cons As you know, when buying a kitchen, the most important and responsible moment is the choice of material for the countertop. After all, it is on this work surface that all the tests and stresses of the cooking process fall. Therefore, before settling on a specific option, it is worth studying all the advantages and disadvantages of each material from which modern countertops are made. This is exactly what we will help you with now. 1. Laminated chipboard (postforming) This material is one of the most popular and widespread today. The popularity of such countertops is due to the most affordable price, from 1,200 rubles per 1 linear meter, and an attractive appearance with many shades and textures. Among them, you can choose glossy, mirror, matte or rough surfaces. But you shouldn't expect that a laminated chipboard tabletop will serve you for a very long time, especially if it is handled carelessly and poorly. Pros:
- affordable price,
- a large selection of colors and textures,
- attractive appearance,
- resistance to moderate chemical attack,
- The protected surface does not lend itself to moisture,
- average impact resistance,
- quickly dries.
Cons:
- complex installation,
- places of chips and poor-quality assembly, as well as unprotected joints under the influence of moisture swell and deform the surface,
- weakness to high temperatures,
- fragility.
2.Artificial stone This composite material has proven itself excellent in the modern market. Artificial stone, as a rule, costs an order of magnitude less than natural stone. However, in terms of its external characteristics, it is in no way inferior to the latter, rather, on the contrary, it surpasses it, thanks to a huge number of color options and textures. If we talk about the disadvantages, they are almost the same as those of natural stone, because it is, in fact, its copy. The only difference is that artificial stone is not as durable. The greatest demand now is for such artificial materials as acrylic stone and agglomerate. The difference in price is quite noticeable - if a linear meter of a countertop made of acrylic stone can be found at a price of 10,000 rubles, then made of quartz agglomerate it will cost twice as much. Skillfully coping with all kitchen challenges, a countertop made of artificial stone, perhaps, has one main drawback - a high price. Pros:
- impact resistance,
- moisture resistance,
- ability to withstand high temperatures,
- warm and pleasant surface,
- light weight compared to natural stone,
- absence of seams,
- external beauty, a variety of color options and exclusivity,
- simplicity in the care and repair,
- has no pores, therefore it does not absorb all kinds of odors, liquids and bacteria.
Cons:
- has a high cost (although in comparison with natural stone its price is several times less),
- reacts to strong chemical solutions,
- is prone to scratches during hard handling.
Stepan Bugaev, interior designer —Artificial material is one of the most favorite among designers, as it is flexible, and this allows you to make any curved shape. Such stone has a large selection of colors that imitate natural material, plus it also has its own decorative palette. Such types of artificial stone are used in ultra-fashionable and modern interiors. In interiors where the texture contradicts the concept: pure white, pure red, without inclusions. Of course, such material is inferior to natural stone in wear resistance, but it is much cheaper. I advise you to pay attention to Corian, Staron, Hi-Macs.
3.Natural wood A kitchen countertop made of solid wood should be made exclusively from hardwood, and its manufacture must be of high quality. Eco-style lovers who value natural beauty and naturalness will certainly choose this material, but from a practical point of view, wood is the most vulnerable and delicate option for a countertop. But the price per linear meter of such a work surface starts from 3,000 rubles and may be too high for those wishing to choose exclusive wood species. Pros:
- natural beauty and uniqueness of the drawing,
- moderate wear resistance,
- impact resistance,
- is amenable to restoration,
- warm to the touch.
Cons:
- special gentle care,
- complex professional installation,
- vulnerability to increased moisture and temperature,
- quickly becomes soiled, so it is necessary to cover the surface with special protective equipment,
- lacquered wood may darken over time.
4.Natural stone This is probably the most prestigious option for a countertop material. With an excellent appearance, a granite or marble work surface will become a respectable decoration of any kitchen. But not everyone can afford this luxury, because the price of one running meter of a countertop made of natural stone starts from 4,000 rubles for domestic granite and reaches 20,000 rubles for Italian marble. Pros:
- luxurious appearance, great choice,
- resistance to temperature and mechanical stress,
- is amenable to grinding,
- durability.
Cons:
- high price,
- sensitivity to cleaning and detergents,
- the need for special care,
- complex installation,
- great weight.
Stepan Bugaev, interior designer - Excellentoption for a kitchen countertop is natural stone, for example, quartz. According to its technical properties, this material is wear-resistant, has unrivaled strength and durability. Quartz countertops repel liquids without retaining odors. They prevent the development of microbes, fungi, mold. The natural coating of quartz countertops is resistant to the effects of cleaning and washing agents. In terms of aesthetic properties, the palette of natural stone looks noble and beautiful. Moreover, now the processing methods allow you to make interesting design techniques in the interior. For example, from imitation of raw stone to polished surfaces with milling. Quartz can be used in any style interior, because it has different processing methods.
5.Glass A rather controversial material for a kitchen countertop. On the one hand, the development of technology has made it possible to create durable tempered glass, which is very durable and environmentally friendly. On the other hand, it is still glass, and it is fragile by nature, and does not cope well with abrasive substances, and is not cheap. For a meter of glass countertop, you will have to pay at least 2,500 rubles. Pros:
- aesthetic properties, visually makes the space bigger and freer,
- thermal and wear resistance,
- easy to clean.
Cons:
- brittle material,
- can make unpleasant sounds on contact,
- high price,
- marking the surface, the need for frequent washing.
6.Stainless steel Durable and stylish steel countertops are most often used in the high-tech style, but can also be used in other areas. Without a wide range of colors and shapes, they can be corrugated, glossy or matte. The latter, by the way, lend themselves well to grinding, which allows you to quickly bring them to an ideal condition. The price of one linear meter of metal surface is at least 2,500 rubles. Pros:
- resistance to temperature, moisture and mechanical damage,
- simple installation,
- stylish modern look,
- hygiene, resistance to strong chemical agents.
Cons:
- marking the surface, you can see prints, stains and irregularities,
- complexity with the production of figured forms.
Stepan Bugaev, interior designer - When choosingWhen choosing a material for a kitchen countertop, pay attention to its technical properties. And most importantly, do not forget about the design and color scheme of the entire kitchen interior so that the overall picture is harmonious.
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