Which countertop to choose for the kitchen

Everything in the kitchen should be multifunctional, and the countertop in this case is no exception. It has both a practical and a decorative mission.

It is on the quality of this element of kitchen design that it will depend on how convenient it is to use the room, and how good the atmosphere is in it. So which countertop to choose so that the final result pleases?

What is the ideal countertop?

In fact, a kitchen countertop is a plate that covers the cabinets of kitchen tables. Since this is almost always a working surface, it is necessary to make elements from durable materials that are ready to withstand both mechanical and climatic loads. So that there are no problems in the kitchen with a countertop, it serves for a long time and does not lose its beauty, its quality must meet a number of requirements.

The specificity of the kitchen microclimate requires the product to be resistant to moisture, and not just water, but also steam, often hot steam.

Since the surface of the countertop, as already mentioned, is a work area, it will need to be cleaned frequently and thoroughly from all kinds of pollution. Therefore, good contact tolerance with aggressive detergents is important.

A good countertop is durable. It should not show scuffs, scratches, dents during mechanical action.

Thermal stability is also important for her. The surface cannot be deformed and change its color when exposed to high temperatures.

And of course, this part of the kitchen set should be highly decorative so that it can become a worthy addition to the accent zone of the interior.

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Types of kitchen countertops

This element of the kitchen environment gets the most. They knock on the countertop, cut it, rub it with a rolling pin, put hot frying pans on it. So what should it be made of in order to withstand all this and preserve its original beauty?

There are quite a lot of materials for the manufacture of such products. How to choose among them a countertop that suits your interior? This can be done only by getting acquainted with the main characteristics of each type. So, let's begin.

Chipboard countertops

They are placed on the bulk of budget furniture. Although chipboard products can withstand kitchen loads, they quickly fail, so they are considered not the best choice. It is necessary to correctly interpret what has been said. These options for countertops are not unsuitable products, but surfaces designed for the category of consumers with low incomes. It would be more correct to call the chipboard variety a composite product, since only the shell is made from the plate. Internal voids are filled with corrugated cardboard or clogged with polyurethane foam. To increase protection, a chipboard countertop is hidden under a layer:

• laminate;
• decorative film;
• plastic;
• veneer.

It is pointless to look for positive quality characteristics in such countertops, except to note the ease of assembling chipboard countertops for the kitchen with your own hands. But in the shortcomings of the products there is no shortage.

They do not resist moisture well. If water gets on the ends of the countertop for the kitchen, then the latter will variably swell and lose its shape.

Surfaces have a short lifespan. In three years they will wear out and completely lose their decorative effect. They will either need to be replaced or restored. We will talk about restoration methods below.

In general, chipboard is a budget option, period!

MDF countertop for the kitchen

If we talk about the design, then MDF countertops are almost identical to chipboard products. This is also a sandwich with a polyurethane filling, but only with slightly improved performance. They are provided by a higher structural density and lower porosity of the material. As a result, MDF resists moisture better. Properly seal the ends of the cut-out countertops for the kitchen with your own hands, and you can forget about the problem altogether.

But in terms of wear resistance, the MDF version of countertops will please little. Their strength is also not too high, and they are quite sensitive to scratches. A small compensation for this can be considered a decorative variety of execution. And this is what opens the door for MDF countertop kitchens in many homes, as it allows them to easily fit into any environment.

Wooden countertops

Why is it considered that a tree in the kitchen is not the best solution? Modern technologies allow it to be processed so that the material becomes practically invulnerable. The problem lies elsewhere. The size of the countertop for the kitchen is such that it cannot be made from a single piece of the array - it will have to be assembled from individual elements. And here it is better to use the technology of glued beams. Thin slats are assembled into layers, which are then glued in layers. It turns out strong and durable kitchen furniture. The option is quite acceptable and even stylish. A kitchen with wood countertops would be a logical furnishing solution for country or any other rustic style.

Plastic worktops

It's also economy class. The basis of the product is the same chipboard, which is then hidden under plastic layers. The color variety of finishes allows the production of furniture with the most unusual (from acidic to deep dark shades) facades and countertop options. If we talk about the merits of plastic, then there is nothing to mention besides an acceptable price and the breadth of decor possibilities. The plastic surface will last up to 5 years, but it will wear out and scratch. You can try to restore the former beauty of the countertop for the kitchen with your own hands. Ideas for restoration should be searched on the Internet. The most you lose if you fail is time.

Laminated countertops

“Of all types of kitchen worktops, laminate is the most capricious”

The best-selling look. With all the economy, such countertops for the kitchen look quite soundly, and the greater their thickness, the more solid they look. Surface strength is directly proportional to the height of the plastic layer. The minimum thickness of the melamine coating is 0.4 mm, the maximum is 0.8 mm. Such protection is ready to withstand severe temperature loads without changing its color.

Recently, postforming technology has been increasingly used in furniture production. It allows you to give the decorative layer a base configuration, that is, how to seal it into the finish.The plastic is heated to a predetermined temperature and bent around the workpiece so that the edge hides under it without the formation of seams. Ideally, you need to bend the plastic with an approach to the back of the base. So, a drip collector will appear at the countertop for the kitchen, and protection against streaks will appear at the headset facade.

The edge can also be processed with edging made:

• acrylic,
• PVC,
• polypropylene.

In aesthetic terms, this is quite acceptable, but in practical terms it is much inferior to the "seal". Debris and drops of moisture can get into the gaps of the edging. Mold and fungus can grow there.

Of all the types of kitchen countertops, laminated is the most capricious. She does not like contact with detergents, especially abrasives, so stains from her must be removed immediately, upon their appearance. Simple dirt is removed with a damp cloth, without the addition of cleaning fluids. Fats and oils are organic solvents.

The hardest thing to look after is a kitchen with a glossy lamination countertop. If old stains can be removed from a conventional laminate by filling them with a special cleaner and adding polishing chalk, then this number will not work with a glossy surface. You can not put a hot kettle on such a surface. Traces of "burns" will certainly remain. If you have not yet decided which countertop to choose, then leave this option as a spare.

This type of coating is relevant in kitchens where they rarely cook.

Glass tops

High-tech products that fully comply with the operational requirements put forward for kitchen worktops. Specific glass is not only resistant to mechanical stress, it also withstands significant shock loads. On the surface, you can safely beat off the meat. It will not crumble into fragments from an object that accidentally fell on it.

The only problem in the operation of a kitchen with a glass worktop will be caring for it. The stumbling block is the same notorious water, however, in a slightly different context. The salts contained in it leave a calcified plaque. If you do not immediately remove the puddle, then you will have to clean the glass for a long time and diligently. However, this meager flaw cannot spoil the impression of these types of kitchen worktops.

Of interest is the method of production of such products. These are the so-called triplexes. And they consist of several layers of glued glass of special quality with the strength of armor. So it will not be possible to assemble a countertop for the kitchen with your own hands. The specificity of manufacturing allows you to decorate surfaces in any way, including with a 3D effect. The decorative layer is laid under one of the layers of glass. In standard cases, the role of decor is performed by a self-adhesive film with a pattern applied by photo printing.

Kitchen with artificial stone countertop

Composite materials are excellent consumables for creating kitchen countertops. They will be good in everything: decorative, strong, durable. Surfaces do not require serious maintenance. Manufacturers love to work with artificial stone. The material allows to produce monolithic blocks of any shape, color, texture. Whatever the size of the countertop for the kitchen, it can always be made seamless. Moreover, sinks are easily integrated into it. The extended range of colors of products gives them access to interiors of various styles.

The varieties of artificial stone are the sea, however, their main difference is not in the structural component, but in the origin. So how do you choose the countertop of your dreams without drowning in waves of offers?

The most popular are the following varieties:

1. Invented at DuPont Corian.It is distinguished by super strength, high environmental friendliness, uniformity of color and structure throughout the entire thickness.

2. The oldest and time-tested Hymax. The polymer was donated to the world back in 1947 by LG.

3. Volcanis. This is an improved highmax. The presence of large translucent inclusions makes it very similar to granite.

4. Magnificent Staron. Its popularity is due to the variegated structure, which allows you to create countertops for the kitchen of incredible beauty.

5. Diamond. From it you can make countertop options with matte, semi-gloss and glossy surfaces.

6. Highly decorative Quarcelan. It contains pieces of mirror or glass, giving the material an original look.

7. South Korean Hanex. Acrylic derivative conquers with an excellent balance of quality and price.

But the most sold quartz-containing agglomerate in the world is Silestone. A kitchen with a countertop made of it is in the assortment of every furniture store.

Natural stone countertops

Undoubtedly, acrylic analogues are in many ways superior to natural stone. They do not absorb fats, are not capricious in processing, and are light in weight. But none of them is able to convey the uniqueness of nature drawings. There are not so many stones suitable for the manufacture of table slabs. The dimensions of countertops for the kitchen significantly narrow down the possible options, since it is far from possible to carve a monolithic element from any breed. The question of which countertop to choose is practically not worth it in this case. Basically, the consumer is offered marble and granite options, although there are some very interesting solutions, for example, Italian porphyry. A rock of coarse-grained structure, slightly less dense than granite, but quite practical. It is supplied in the form of monolithic slabs of various thicknesses.

With porphyry kitchen worktops, the outer edge is often left unfinished, rough, chipped. This allows you to demonstrate the incredible beauty of the natural texture of the material. In the palette of the stone, only dark, brown-red shades. This is important to know in order not to fall for the tricks of unscrupulous sellers.

Another variant of countertops rarely found in our everyday life is made from Norwegian phyllite. Incredible beauty and texturally unique stone. It is dark gray or black in color. Contains inclusions of natural garnet, which makes the stone surface sparkling and iridescent. In polished phyllite types of kitchen worktops, the illusion of texture of the top layer arises.

But back to more traditional things.

Granite

An excellent solution from the category of eternal. The granite surface is not deformed under any kind of impact on it. She does not lose the saturation of colors. Fungi and bacteria do not take root on such a countertop. In principle, an ideal option, but has a small fly in the ointment. Due to the large weight, a powerful frame must be made under such a plate. And yet, it will be solid only if the dimensions of the countertop for the kitchen do not exceed 2.5 meters in length.

In the case of granite, there is also such a risk as choosing a countertop with an increased radioactive background, therefore, having settled on this option for equipping the kitchen, be sure to take an interest in the deposit of the material and check for a certificate for it. The document must state that the granite is suitable for use in residential spaces.

Marble

"Marble kitchen worktops are appropriate in spacious kitchens, interpreted in the spirit of classicism or neoclassicism"

A wonderful material for creating countertops for the kitchen! It is much more beautiful than granite. In terms of other characteristics, it is very similar to its fellow, but not at all heat-resistant. A hot pan will leave an ugly yellow mark on it. In general, marble is too susceptible to dyes, so that the juice that has fallen on it, for example, beets, must be removed as soon as possible. It's hard to believe, but the edges of the marble canvas are prone to chipping, which is unlikely to be repaired.

Marble types of kitchen countertops are appropriate in spacious kitchens, interpreted in the spirit of classicism or neoclassicism.

Steel worktops

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this type of countertop is a catering kitchen. However, in the home interior, such inclusion will not be nonsense. A kitchen with a steel worktop will perfectly complement the loft, high-tech and any other industrial-style space. This is the choice of cleanliness lovers. Highly hygienic stainless steel is strong and durable. She is not afraid of abrasives and moisture. It does not absorb fats and dyes. Aesthetic, strict, magnificent. The gloss lost during long-term operation is easily restored by polishing. The imprints and stains remaining on the surface are eliminated by regularly wiping the stainless steel dry.

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How to choose a countertop

“The quality of the countertop for the kitchen must match the quality of the set itself”

The selection process is always painful. Consumers are plagued by a variety of doubts. Let's try to resolve the main dilemmas that arise during this action.

The quality of the countertop for the kitchen must match the quality of the headset itself. The simpler the cabinet, the simpler it should be and its cover. Marble laid on a chipboard base will look ridiculous. Also, a worktop made of chipboard or cheap plastic, reclining over an expensive wooden facade, will also make a heavy impression.

Stone types of kitchen countertops look massive, so they have no place in cramped kitchens.

Another pressing question of choice: gloss or matte? Experience suggests that matte surfaces are much more practical than shiny ones, but if the emphasis is on aesthetics and the nuances of care are not intimidating, then you can safely give preference to gloss.

When deciding which countertop to choose, do not hesitate to feel the exhibition copy of the product, especially when planning an individual order for manufacturing. No demonstration of sample pieces will give a complete picture of the final result. This will save you from further disappointment in the form of an unexpected effect from the structure, emerging spots or protruding knots.

Torn between several types of kitchen countertops? Don't know what to choose: stone or MDF? Look in your wallet. The answer lies right there.

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How to update a countertop

Most often, chipboard countertops need restoration, or rather their decorative and protective layer. To return the headset to its former beauty, it is not necessary to completely change the work surface. Just restore the kitchen countertop with your own hands, resorting to one of the techniques.

Glass and paints

This is the easiest surface update option to implement. It is not so much the moment of decor that is important here, but the correct selection of the thickness of the glass coating. The more it is, the more interesting the effect will be. But before you lay the glass, you need to bring the kitchen with the old countertop back to normal. The latter is cleaned, degreased, and then painted or decorated in any other way.

Experiments with colors are welcome.You can, without further ado, make this part of the table monophonic or turn on your imagination and paint it under Gzhel. A complex pattern will ennoble not only simple types of kitchen worktops, it will give a rich look to the entire set. If there is a problem with artistic talents, you should not be upset. Stencils will come to the rescue. The main thing here is to use it correctly. Do not apply a thick layer of paint. It can leak under the workpiece and spoil the idea. Use a roller instead of a brush, and this problem will disappear initially. Let the drawing dry and you can hide it under tempered glass. Instead of paints, a piece of photo wallpaper or a decorative film can become a substrate for a new transparent surface.

Decoupage

A kitchen countertop updated in this way will become a real work of art. Her design can be vintage or extravagant. Everything will depend on the chosen topic. All you need to get creative is:

• glue;
• images;
• furniture varnish.

It is not necessary to buy special napkins or decoupage cards. Their role may well be performed by clippings from magazines. You can enter the dimensions of the kitchen countertop into a special program and make your own design project. It remains only to subsequently print the drawing and transfer it to the physical model.

When working with cut-out pictures, it is a good idea to conduct a preliminary “fitting” in place in order to evaluate the real result. Having laid out the decor elements over the restored area, do not apply to make a rough markup. It will help fix the details on the kitchen countertop exactly in the selected places and not disturb the compositional idea.

Work progress

Do-it-yourself kitchen countertop decoration begins with degreasing its surface. The prepared parts are moistened with PVA slightly diluted with water and laid out according to the markup. Next, you need to expel the air from under them. Do this very carefully, using a brush for painting. In the course of work, it is necessary to ensure that wrinkles and folds do not form. Leave the stickers to dry. Then the application of two layers of varnish will follow, with the obligatory drying of each. Since this is a kitchen worktop, it will not be possible to leave it in this form, since the varnish protection, even applied in ten layers, will not withstand the functional load. Therefore, the decoupage pattern is also hidden under durable glass.

The ubiquitous tile

In our everyday life, such a restoration method is not frequent, but in vain. This is a great option for resuscitation of chipboard countertops. The work involves small tiles, ceramic mosaics or a mix of them. Such a solution will look very colorful and aesthetically pleasing. The surface itself will not be afraid of either mechanical effects or temperature. The tile does not perceive dyes, does not react to the action of acids.

With the most unusual compositions, you can lay out the entire kitchen with a countertop, and not just the working area of ​​​​the headset. This is a direct way to create exclusive interiors. The main problem in implementing the idea will be the need to have skills in working with tiles, but if you feel confident in your abilities, then watch master classes and try to put the acquired knowledge into practice.

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Conclusion

It is up to each individual to decide which countertop to choose, but still, you should not save on this element of the kitchen environment. Buying inexpensive and low-quality things is fraught with their frequent change, and in the case of furniture it will be very expensive. Think about it - perhaps it makes sense to give everything once and not return to this issue for many years?

Photo gallery - countertop for the kitchen

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