How to choose a kitchen countertop

The kitchen is the most visited place in every home. It is here that tenants spend most of their time in the process of cooking and eating. So that the work does not bring inconvenience, and to move around the kitchen was easy, you need to choose the right furniture. The basis of the working area is the tabletop, where most cooking processes take place. If you do not know how to choose a countertop for the kitchen, then you should read this article. Recommendations will help not to be mistaken and to choose the best option.

Tabletop varieties

The material from which the tabletop is made can be:

• plastic HLP;
• artificial acrylic stone;
• artificial stone with quartz filler;
• a natural stone;
• tree of valuable species.

A rather big choice. But in order to calculate which tabletop is better, it is necessary to examine all the features, advantages and disadvantages. An important role in the selection will play a price.

Chipboard with laminated plastic HLP

A common budget option that is in high demand due to its affordable price. If the chipboard is "afraid" of moisture, then thanks to the appearance of polymer coatings, everything has changed dramatically. Countertops are made by gluing and pressing. After complete drying, a thin plastic layer up to 1 mm thick is applied on the table top.

Fake diamond

This material has received the greatest popularity due to such advantages:

• exact imitation of a natural stone;
• price-quality ratio;
• high performance and technical specifications.

The base is a sheet of plywood, which is glued to the stone. The thickness of the stone should not exceed 1.2 cm. Professional designers accurately and accurately select the color range, which as a result allows to create a visual resemblance to a natural stone.

It should be noted that there is another type of table tops, made by a similar technique. At production of such table-tops the crumb of a natural stone is used:

• granite;
• quartz;
• mirror babe.

Polymer resin acts as a binding element. Thanks to the high-precision equipment and the artificially created vacuum, a perfectly flat and smooth surface is obtained.

Countertops made of artificial stone have high moisture resistance and resistance to the influence of aggressive media.

A natural stone

Whatever one may say, but a natural material with quality processing always looks beautiful, practical, versatile and unique. In most cases, granite is chosen as the base material - it is a very durable material. True, it is quite capricious and requires special care, as it absorbs pigments. There are oil stains on it that cannot be removed. In addition, not everyone can afford the high price of a granite countertop, among the shortcomings should be attributed, and considerable weight.

Tree

A magnificent view and a clear structure - undoubtedly, these are advantages and advantages of wood, but at the same time there are also disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the fear of moisture. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology and innovative materials, wood can be protected. Which wood to choose? It may be:

• beech;
• oak;
• merbau;
• teak and other breeds.

If the tabletop is wooden, it is necessary to minimize the amount of wet cleaning and processes, and also to exclude all household chemical detergents.

Alternatives

In addition to traditional materials, which are often used in the manufacture of kitchen countertops, there are others. What other tabletops are there? There are extraordinary models that will be a great addition to any kitchen. This is about:

• glass;
• of stainless steel;
• ceramic tile.

Glass

High price, low durability, difficulty in care - this is an incomplete list of properties, which speaks not in favor of such a tabletop. That is why in home kitchens such material is rarely used. The surface will constantly show defects in the form of scuffs and scratches.

Stainless steel

In operation, this material can be very long, at the same time maintaining its original appearance. Benefits include:

• unpretentious care;
• moisture resistance;
• immunity to temperature changes;
• resistance to the development of mold or fungus.

To clean this countertop can be any household tools.

Due to the practicality and versatility of the material, stainless steel is used in the manufacture of restaurant equipment. These countertops can often be found in school canteens or in public catering facilities.

Ceramics

Particularly relevant ceramics in the interiors of country or Provence. But one should take into account the existing drawbacks:

• the rapid manifestation of defects;
• joints between tiles require additional protection and annual renewal;
• after a certain period of time the paint will fade.

Dimensions

With the material we figured out, you can go to the next criterion - this is the size of the kitchen countertop. All data is taken into account: width, length and thickness. When planning kitchen furniture it is necessary to take into account that the working surface must first be functional, and secondly - to have an attractive appearance.

An important parameter is the height at which the tabletop will be installed, since it is on these parameters that the convenience of the cook will depend. It takes into account the height of the person, so that in the process there would be no pain in the lower back and legs. For example, with a person growing to 1.5 m, the tabletop should be located at a height of 76 cm, and for people as tall as 1.7 m - 88 cm.

Such a parameter as width will be selected individually, depending on the size of the kitchen. For a small room you should not choose a large tabletop. The thickness for each material is individual. The kitchen is prepared by all family members, so it is necessary to take into account the growth and possibilities of each.

The shape of the table top is selected depending on the kitchen layout, the configuration of the headset, as well as the working area. It is very important not to overload the room with a large number of sharp corners, besides the tabletop should not interfere with comfortable movement around the room.

Colour

In order for a new worktop to fit well into a given interior, it is necessary to choose the right color for it. In this case, everything will depend on what material was selected. If we take apart the colors separately, we can draw small conclusions.

1. Bright colours. These include yellow and orange. They will be relevant only with the appropriate kitchen design. In addition, this way you can make a bright accent in the interior, made in soothing colors.
2. Light shades. Due to the property of the visual expansion of space, designers advise choosing them for small rooms.
3. Warm shades. In the presence of a large number of cold accents emphasize the neutral peach or pink color.

It should also be noted that the color must be in harmony with the decoration on the walls, the facades of the kitchen set and the kitchen apron.

The classic interior is well complemented by white elements, modern high-tech - stainless steel elements.

Installation and maintenance

When choosing a worktop for a work surface, you must consider the cost of its installation. The cost of installing a laminated countertop is quite acceptable. If you read the instructions, the work can be done independently.

With a tree, you can also handle it yourself. Everything you need can be found at home or in the nearest hardware store. Working with steel will take more time and effort, and will also require special skills and knowledge. In this case, it is better to turn to professionals.

Natural and artificial stone is a work area for professionals. In this case, the cost of installation will be significant.

Video

If you are interested in which tabletop is the most durable, watch the following video: