How to choose the perfect countertop so that itorganically fit into the design of the room and became the key to the harmony of the space? Let's consider the most popular options for countertops. Their main advantages and disadvantages. It is difficult to imagine a modern kitchen without a comfortable and beautiful countertop. Each housewife has her own requirements when choosing a work surface. But the following criteria remain unchanged: quality, wear resistance and budget. There is a huge selection of types of kitchen countertops, expensive and affordable. We offer you our hit parade of the most popular types of countertops. Countertop No. 1: economy option Some of the most popular materials for the manufacture of kitchen countertops are chipboards (chipboard), finished with plastic or laminate. Low price and high performance have become the main components of the recognition of such countertops. With the help of special technology, at high temperature and under pressure, a durable, heat- and moisture-resistant material for countertops is created from paper-laminated plastic. Since chipboard countertop designs are offered by manufacturers in any color with imitation of metal, stone, wood, leather, it is easy to use this material in a variety of styles. Pros:
- a budget option;
- Reliable and easy to operate;
- the surface does not fade, is resistant to non-abrasive detergents and dyes;
- A variety of colors.
Cons:
- At the joints and in case of mechanical damage, it is possible to get moisture on these places, as a result, the table top can swell and the plastic can become unstuck;
- Release formaldehyde into the air, which is not very useful for human health.
Our opinion: - Protect the countertop from moisture getting into the joints. Use protective sealants when installing it.
Table top #2:ecology and safety In second place in our hit parade are tabletops made of MDF wood-fiber board. In terms of operational properties, MDF tabletops are similar to chipboard options. The main difference between MDF boards is their harmlessness and ecology. Thus, in the production process, paraffin and lignin are used as a binding material instead of formaldehyde resins. This explains their higher cost compared to chipboard. Pros:
- do not wear out or scratch;
- durable and heat-resistant (up to 90˚C);
- moisture resistant and harmless;
- a budget option.
Cons:
- Additional protection is required at the joints.
Our opinion: - With MDF boards, it is possible to develop an individual design and pattern. You can order any image on the tabletop that you like from the master.
Table top #3:artificial stone Countertops made of artificial stone can create a respectable look in your kitchen. They are durable, reliable and cheaper than natural stone. They are made of mineral or stone chips with the addition of binding elements and pigments. Manufacturers offer two types of countertops: acrylic and agglomerate. Acrylic stone contains less stone or mineral chips, so this material is less durable than agglomerate. Advantages of agglomerate countertops:
- they cannot be repaired or restored;
- If the length is more than 3 meters, it is impossible to apply seamless technology.
Pros of acrylic countertops:
- resistant to mechanical damage;
- you can create any shapes using seamless technology;
- waterproof;
- They are easy to care for, they are resistant to detergents.
Agglomerate countertop disadvantages:
- They can not be repaired and restored;
- If the length is more than 3 meters, it is impossible to apply seamless technology.
Disadvantages of acrylic countertops:
- It is undesirable to use hard wool for surface care and abrasive detergents;
- not resistant to too high temperatures;
- From strong impacts can be damaged.
Our opinion: - Use trivets for hot pots and pans. Use wooden boards for chops.
Table top #4:modern sound Steel countertops are another popular type of countertops. The color of steel countertops fits perfectly into the modern style and goes well with chrome: kitchen hood, sink and household appliances. They are also good to use in small kitchens, as the mirror surface can visually increase the space. They are easy to maintain and durable. Pros:
- easy to clean; - do not corrode or oxidize;
- do not fade or chip;
- Environmentally friendly and resistant to bacteria;
- They do not require impregnation, they are resistant to high temperatures.
Cons:
- without a solid base, dents may form;
- scratches and fingerprints are visible;
- may produce noisy sounds;
- For maintenance, special cleaning agents are required.
Our opinion:— Despite the excellent durability, protect the tabletops from falling heavy objects and use hot pads and cutting boards. This way, no additional care of the surface will be required.
Table top #5:beauty without allergies The next countertops we will consider are glass. A big bonus is their durability and anti-allergenic properties. Glass does not absorb any odors and does not emit harmful substances. However, glass is also more expensive than its previous analogues. Manufacturers make countertops from colored, tinted, patterned, matte and transparent glass. A rich color palette allows you to choose a countertop for any interior. Options in combination with a skinali look ideal. Pros:
- high strength (glass is tempered);
- easy to care for (just wipe them with a soft cloth to remove dust);
- no mold forms on the glass;
- Safe (do not cause allergies), and due to careful polishing of the edges on them it is impossible to cut yourself.
Cons:
- high price;
- Less durable than natural stone.
Our opinion: - To prevent glass from becoming dull, wipe it immediately to remove wet stains.
Table top #6:elitism and durability Even in Ancient Rome, preference was given to countertops made of natural stone. This material is durable, strong, outwardly luxurious and the most expensive. The rich color palette varies from natural, warm shades to rare original patterns. Such countertops bring an atmosphere of luxury to the kitchen interior. Marble and granite options are most often used. Pros:
- have an attractive appearance;
- are not afraid of moisture, high temperatures and mechanical impacts;
- safe and hygienic;
- High-strength.
Cons:
- high cost;
- heavy weight;
- On marble countertops there may be marks of scratches.
Tips for using any countertop:
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