How to choose the perfect countertop to have itorganically fit into the design of the room and became the key to the harmony of space? Let's take a look at the most popular countertops options. Their main advantages and disadvantages. It is hard to imagine a modern kitchen without a comfortable and beautiful worktop. Each housewife has her own requirements when choosing a work surface. But the same criteria remain: quality, durability and budget. Types of kitchen countertops have a huge selection, expensive and affordable. We offer you our hit - a parade of the most popular types of countertops. Tabletop number 1: economy option One of the most popular materials for the manufacture of kitchen countertops are chipboard (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 a special technology, at high temperature and under pressure, a durable, heat and moisture resistant material for countertops is created from paper-laminated plastic. Since manufacturers offer chipboard countertops in any color with imitation of metal, stone, wood, leather, it is easy to apply this material in a variety of styles. Pros:
- a budget option;
- Reliable and easy to operate;
- The surface does not burn out, is resistant to non-abrasive detergents and dyes;
- A variety of colors.
Minuses:
- 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: - Take care of the table top against the ingress of moisture into the joints. Use protective sealants when installing it. 
Table top # 2:environmental friendliness and safety In the second position of our hit parade tabletops made of MDF fiberboard. In terms of operational properties, MDF countertops are similar to chipboard options. The main difference between MDF boards is considered harmlessness and environmental friendliness. So, in the production process, not formaldehyde resins are used as a binder, but paraffin and lignin. This explains their higher cost compared to particle board. Pros:
- Do not wear off or scratch;
- Durable and heat-resistant (up to 90 ° C);
- Moisture resistant and harmless;
- a budget option.
Minuses:
- Additional protection is required at the joints.
Our opinion: - With MDV slabs, it is possible to develop an individual design and drawing. You can order from the master any image on the table top that you like. 
Tabletop No. 3:artificial stone Artificial stone countertops can create a respectable look in your kitchen. They are durable, reliable and cheaper than natural stone. They are made from mineral or stone chips with the addition of binders 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. Agglomerate countertops pros:
- They can not be repaired and restored;
- If the length is more than 3 meters, it is impossible to apply seamless technology.
Table tops from acrylic pluses:
- Resistant to mechanical damage;
- You can create any forms using seamless technology;
- Waterproof;
- They are easy to care for, they are resistant to detergents.
Worktop of agglomerate minuses:
- They can not be repaired and restored;
- If the length is more than 3 meters, it is impossible to apply seamless technology.
Worktops made of acrylic minus:
- It is undesirable to use hard wool for surface care and abrasive detergents;
- Not resistant to excessively high temperatures;
- From strong impacts can be damaged.
Our opinion: - Use stand for hot pots and pans. For chops, use wooden boards. 
Tabletop No. 4:contemporary sound Steel countertops are another highly sought-after countertop. The color of the steel countertops fits perfectly with the modern style and goes well with chrome: kitchen hood, sink and household appliances. They are also good for small kitchens, as the mirror surface can visually enlarge the space. They are easy to maintain and durable. Pros:
- Easy to wash; -Do not corrode and do not oxidize;
- Do not fade and do not spill;
- Environmentally friendly and resistant to bacteria;
- They do not require impregnation, they are resistant to high temperatures.
Minuses:
- Without a solid base, dents may form;
- Visible scratches and fingerprints;
- Can make noisy sounds;
- For maintenance, special cleaning agents are required.
Our opinion: - Despite the excellent strength, protect the countertops from falling heavy objects and use the stand for hot and cutting boards. So, no additional care for the surface is required. 
Tabletop No. 5:allergy-free beauty The next table tops we look at are glass. A big bonus is their durability and anti-allergenic properties. Glass does not absorb any odors and does not emit harmful substances. True, glass is more expensive than previous counterparts in terms of cost. Manufacturers make countertops from colored, tinted, patterned, frosted and transparent glass. The rich color palette allows you to choose the countertop for any interior. The options look perfect in combination with skins. Pros:
- High strength (glass is hardened);
- Easy to care for (just wipe them with a soft cloth from dust);
- On the glass does not form mold;
- Safe (do not cause allergies), and due to careful polishing of the edges on them it is impossible to cut yourself.
Minuses:
- high price;
- Less durable than natural stone.
Our view: - That the glass does not fade, wipe it immediately from damp spots. 
Tabletop No. 6:elitism and durability Even in ancient Rome, countertops made of natural stone were preferred. This material is durable, durable, outwardly luxurious and the most expensive. The rich color palette ranges from natural, warm shades to rare original designs. Such countertops add a luxurious atmosphere to the kitchen interior. Most often they use marble and granite options. Pros:
- Have an attractive appearance;
- Are not afraid of moisture, high temperatures and mechanical influences;
- Safe and hygienic;
- High-strength.
Minuses:
- high price;
- Heavy weight;
- On marble countertops there may be marks of scratches.
Tips for using any countertops:
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