The hallmark of the house is the kitchen. In it, most visible element, this is the countertop. It should not only stand out in aesthetics, but also fit into the interior., be durable, resistant to damage, scratches and various stains. She is adversely affected every day.: we pour various liquids on it, we clean, chop vegetables or meat, and even from the effects of high temperature, it is not insured, you can often see a hot kettle or saucepan on the kitchen countertop. All this indicates that, that the choice of kitchen countertops should be taken responsibly, good here there are plenty to choose from.
How to choose the best option for your kitchen.
- Firstly – her appearance. You need to take into account the style of the kitchen and its color scheme., which most often determine the appearance of the countertop. Usually, first of all, when arranging a kitchen interior, cabinets and wall color are chosen, and only after that they select the countertop.
- The second important factor is frequency of use. In the kitchen, which is intended for a large family, the worktop must have high strength, and in the kitchen for several residents, certainly, a less durable option can be used.
- Another important element - is its price. The market currently offers, it seems, endless number of options, differing in material, colors or texture. You can easily find the right model for you at the price, although sometimes difficult decisions cannot be avoided.
Types of kitchen countertops. Material
Chipboard kitchen worktops
It is still the most popular type of kitchen countertop. Their quality has increased significantly, and they can compete freely with more noble materials. Made of non-combustible chipboard, covered with a layer of laminate in any color scheme, as monochromatic, and imitating stone, wood or hardened steel, in version mat, or lately a very fashionable glossy shine.
Countertops from leading manufacturers are abrasion resistant, I hit, scratches, high temperatures (up to 180 ° C), pollution, exposure to light (no pigmentation due to ultraviolet rays) or even the heat of a cigarette.
Composite countertops
This is a solid and reliable offer for kitchen table and countertops. This is a mixture that contains:
- 2/3 natural minerals combined
- 1/3 acrylic resin with pigments.
Tabletops are made of MDF boards, which are covered ok. 10-16 mm with a layer of composite. This material is thermoplastic, allows you to freely shape the structure, therefore, you can easily get any shape, and no seams are visible on the joints.
The composite can be selected for any kitchen, since they are made in a wide range of colors - monochromatic, colored or with imitation crumbs. Composite countertops are very durable, non-toxic, resistant to UV rays, temperature, moisture and damage. After installing the countertop, you can periodically grind and polish it., which will ensure the maintenance of a beautiful surface up to 20 years old.
For the good, reliable material costs a high price - this is the only drawback composite worktops. The undoubted advantage of the composite is the ability to make shells from it without visible edges.. This solution provides a unique visual effect, at the same time it is possible to maintain a high level of hygiene - which is very important in the kitchen.
Natural stone countertops
Such a tabletop is primarily associated with luxury and elegance.. The choice of such material is associated with higher consumption., but durability and quality, of course, justifies the costs incurred. The choice of stone for the countertop is varied, You can juggle freely in the color scheme, as in the picture of the mineral - there are several hundred types of proposals on the market.
Stone countertops is made according to individual order. Mainly used marble, granite or travertine, Nevertheless, each type of stone has different properties, like hardness or absorbency.
Kitchen countertops made of stainless steel
Such kitchen countertops – an original solution in a simple and modern kitchen. Calm colors, uniform surface, practicality and undoubtedly elegance – these are the advantages of stainless steel worktops.
Moisture resistant material, mechanical damage and high temperature. Among these advantages, there is also one disadvantage - the steel needs to be wiped dry., since all traces of water will be visible.
Steel countertops a great alternative for modern design aficionados, but also for people, who love innovative solutions.
Glass kitchen countertops
This is another modern innovation. Tempered glass is used for their production., thanks to which the surface is very durable and does not undergo cracking. Triplex glass is also used - which has a high level of safety. In this case, the thickness and length glass countertops from triplex has a very wide range, in the case of tempered glass, thickness starts from 10 mm.
There are many options, which you can use in your kitchen - glass, can be painted, matt embossed, shiny, and can even be with different digital printing All glass countertops, as well as stone ones are made to order.
Glass, which you can use for tables or countertops is scratch resistant and more durable.
Wooden kitchen worktops
Regardless of the finish, varnished or painted, such kitchen countertops need to be updated repeatedly. But this stuff is eternal, fits perfectly in a modern kitchen, and in a rustic style. Wooden countertops will bring a little coziness to the interior, warmth and connection with nature, but they also require care and systematic care, as wood is prone to decay and scratches, and also has little resistance to high temperature.
Spilled red wine should be wiped up immediately and it is also not recommended to put hot pots on it., because stains are difficult to remove.
You should also pay attention to the type of wood., from which the tabletop was made. Hard breeds are recommended from domestic materials., such as oak, ash and beech. However, more and more exotic types of wood are used., which have a higher density, contain a large amount of tannins and, thereby, perform much better in humid environments.
Lovers wooden countertops face a choice which is better, solid wood or glued wood. The massif is characterized by a natural ring system and irregularities, but at the same time will tend to deform. Glued timber has a significantly higher strength, does not warp, does not crack, and preserves natural beauty and unique charm.
