What are countertops?

One of the most interesting elements in the kitchen can be called a countertop. This is the surface of the table, which performs a number of both functional and aesthetic and decorative tasks.

The worktop in the kitchen is perhaps the main workplace of the hostess, and therefore she is constantly exposed to three main types of impact: mechanical, thermal, and chemical. That is why when selecting a material from which a tabletop should be made, you need to be well aware of all its pros and cons.

When choosing a product, its quality characteristics are mandatory taken into account:

• resistance to moisture and different temperatures;
• impact resistance and damage resistance;
• no fear of chemical reagents and ease of care.

With the release of work surfaces for the kitchen more often stop the choice on the following materials:

• natural and artificial stone;

• wood;

• laminated chipboard;

• glass;

• metal;

• ceramic or tile;

• concrete.

You can also find more rare materials for the production of modern countertops, for example, stone of volcanic origin, covered with enamel, but it is much less common. And most often for the manufacture of wooden structures using oak, beech or teak.

You can also choose the more familiar woody varieties - alder or larch, pine or birch. These options are ideal for eco-friendly wooden homes. The edges of the product are milled, and the surface of the table is coated with a special oil to protect it from moisture, various types of pollution and high temperatures.You can also order a table top of exotic trees, but then its cost will be very high.

On the tabletop stainless steel, you can choose when you design kitchens in high-tech style. You can try the installation of the copper surface, but it is more suitable for traditional decors.

How to choose a tabletop, see the next video.

Modern kitchen worktop has a thickness of 3-4 centimeters, but may be even thicker depending on the preferences of the owners of the house.

The length of the table tops varies depending on the size of the kitchen, but some materials have a limitation on the length of the canvas. Greater length in their case will lead to the presence of noticeable seams and seams. This fact must be considered when choosing a surface. So, the stone will be seamless with the greatest length, because it is suitable for installing a long surface, but the agglomerate can not be longer than 3 meters, so instead it is better to use another material in a large kitchen.

The width of the furniture stamp (as designers often call the tabletop) is usually standard - 60 cm. There are tabletops and wider ones. They can significantly stand over the cabinets or go with them almost flush.

The main parameter when choosing a tabletop will be its thickness. Usually it is from 2 to 6 cm. The thicker the base, the stronger it will be, but that will cost you more.

In many kitchens you can find a double countertop, usually sliding. This design will help you significantly save room space. If you often use a worktop in the kitchen also as your own working area instead of a cabinet, then an inclined mechanism is useful to you, allowing you to adjust the more comfortable position of the worktop.

Metallic products are durable, durable, do not fear temperature differences.

Among the shortcomings of such products, it is possible to highlight the fact that they show fingerprints, after a while the metal may fade, if heavy objects fall on it, dents may remain, even minor scratches are clearly visible on the metal surface.Countertops that imitate the bronze composition of the material are very popular today, although it is very difficult to find a pure bronze countertop.

Glass countertops have an interesting aesthetic look. The glass table is surprisingly durable and stable. Glass is most often used hot. Patterns and drawings, paintings or various inclusions are sometimes applied to it, photo printing is used. This material is very popular because of the unusual design and excellent characteristics. Glass products are hygienic, but they also often have traces of hands.

The main plus of highly practical countertops from chipboard - this is their low cost. Also products made of chipboard resistant to temperatures up to 200 degrees. But, alas, they have many shortcomings: this material is afraid of moisture and swells under its influence, is also afraid of damage. It should be remembered that chipboard is not an environmental material, in the resin bonding resin contains formaldehyde. A product made of laminated chipboard boards, in contrast to products made of chipboard, has a special facing protective film, pressed into its structure, making the material used more durable and moisture resistant.

Table top ceramic tiles may look different.You yourself can even come up with a pattern or ornament. For a miniature surface, tiles are usually selected, and mosaic tiles can also be used as a basis. It looks very impressive, very simple when working and styling. To make such a product as reliable as possible, it is fastened with a frame, which is later glued over with tiles. This table will require special care, it will not be possible to put hot or overly cold dishes on it. Grout between the seams will also require diligent washing during care.

Fake diamondthat is used for the production of countertops, has no pores, which helps him not to absorb water, abrasives and coloring components. This base is also not afraid of bacteria and fungus and is completely environmentally friendly. If severe contamination occurs, it can be removed very easily. It will be necessary to simply wipe the surface with a cloth moistened with soapy water. Hot dishes are not worth putting on this product. Although it is a non-combustible material, it can melt. Non-natural stone is an excellent alternative to natural material, moreover, it is cheaper and has a high wear resistance.

Acrylic stone It has a special structure, due to which it is the most moisture-resistant material. It will not, like wood, be covered with mold or fungus. Another important advantage of such a stone is its heat resistance. But acrylic is easy to scratch and can only be washed with special detergents.

Agglomerate (quartz) - It is a direct relative of natural stone, which is not afraid of hot dishes and is cheaper than acrylic. When leaving, he is not afraid of aggressive substances. To the touch, the agglomerates are very cold and very heavy.

Natural stone stands out for its catchy appearance, special durability. Stone countertops can be the main focus in any room. The product can also be produced from any natural stone. To do this, just take a slab of stone with a thickness of several centimeters. This material is not afraid of moisture, different temperatures, tolerant to shocks and deep scratches. If necessary, the stone can be polished to restore its original shade and appearance. The product from a stone is considered environmentally friendly, it easily washes. The price of such a product is high.The cost of the marble surface will be lower, but the granite will be much more practical.

Plastic It is considered one of the most popular materials among modern consumers. He is very practical, able to imitate other materials. The drawback of the plastic tabletop is that it can melt when it comes into contact with high temperatures, and also burns out in the sun.

Polypropylene countertops characterized by good chemical resistance, resistance to moisture and steam, high wear resistance, impact resistance. However, they are more often used for production purposes, in ordinary kitchens they can be met quite rarely.

Concrete surfaces are produced for every taste, they can be easily polished, polished, and also painted or included when they are released they contain seashells or small pebbles. As for the requirements for care, such products should be regularly soaked with special protective agents.

Also sometimes you can find countertops with leather inserts on the edge of the table. In fact, the material used here is just a good imitation of the skin, so it is very easy and simple to look after them.

When choosing a work surface for the kitchen, it is impossible to give all your attention to color and what material will look better in this room, it is also very important to choose the right design for this product. There are:

• Retractable (withdrawable) table top. Retractable design can be replaced by a table for a family of 2-3 people. It can also serve as a continuation of the work surface. A room with such a tabletop will look more spacious.

• With adjustable height. Customize it to your needs will be easy. Standing at such a product, you can simply change the position, which will relax the spine and allow the legs to rest. Placing a rising work plane at an optimal level ensures the naturalness of the pose. There is no need to slouch or, conversely, stretch the neck. As a lifting mechanism can act as a device of the spring type gas lift, telescopic legs.
• Rotating Most often made of high quality chipboard, covered on both sides with melamine film, imitating precious woods. A metal swivel mechanism connects the top worktop and the bottom.Judging by the reviews of those ordinary people who used this modification in their kitchen, it allows us to distinguish the active working area of ​​the main worktop from the area where, for example, they can just wait in the wings for some products, which is very convenient for the hostess.

The choice of colors and shape of the kitchen surface depends on the design of the room. The most original options are two-colored or decorated in the color of one of the facades of the tabletop.

White is considered very popular. Snow-white glossy products can be chosen for both urban style and minimalism. They are in harmony with the contrast or the same white room. Matte snow-white stone base will be an accent for a conservative cuisine.

The worktop of gray colors can be selected for white or dark gray kitchen sets, you can not see the remains of water splashes and crumbs on it.

The black countertop looks very stylish and is suitable for a kitchen of medium parameters and a little more, it will visually divide the upper and lower cabinets of the kitchen set. Red products perfectly harmonize with white and dark headsets.The red glossy surface can be repeated in the color of the dining table or floor tile.

Brown colors - shades of cappuccino, chocolate, look great with a floor covering or a table of the same shades. Suitable for bright kitchens as a bright contrast. An orange worktop in combination with a white suite is suitable for a miniature room and will look harmoniously with brown furniture in a spacious kitchen.

The mirror surface of the steel will look great in a modern interior and will emphasize all the advantages of a small-sized kitchen.

A worktop made of solid wood will become a real decoration for a classic interior, giving it solidity and warmth.

A glass worktop with lighting can turn your kitchen into a corner of high-quality rest and relaxation. If you add here a small dining table with the same effects - the kitchen will become a real work of art.