The best material for countertops in the kitchen. Types of countertops for the kitchen: how to find the best option for your interior

The countertop is the “workhorse” of your kitchen: maximum loads. At the same time, the countertop should remain beautiful, fit the concept of the entire kitchen and be easily cleaned of dirt. Modern manufacturers offer various options for the execution of countertops for the kitchen. To make your choice easier, we asked Elena Bulagina, chief architect of the Kapitel bureau, about the advantages and disadvantages of each countertop material.

Elena Bulagina is an architect. Graduated with honors from the Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. Creates interiors for residential and public spaces in Moscow, Samara, Kaliningrad, Vladivostok, Kyiv. At the moment, he is a leading architect-designer at the Kapitel architectural bureau (Moscow).

1. Artificial acrylic stone Acrylic stone was invented by DuPont scientists in 1967 and patented under the Corian brand in 1968. Its popularity is associated with the peculiarity of the structure - there are no micropores in it. Therefore, the stone is less polluted and eliminates the formation of bacteria and fungus. And to the touch - warmer than natural stone. Thanks to the seamless production technology, the tabletop can be of any shape and length. With small scratches or cuts, it can be polished with a conventional grinder. Pros: the price is lower than that of natural stone. He is resistant to household chemicals and easy to care for. Manufacturers offer a wide range color scheme– from imitation of natural stone to floral patterns. The surface can be matte or glossy. Cons: the stone is afraid high temperatures. If put hot dishes on the countertop, there may be a trace. Cuts with a knife and when moving heavy dishes also cause scratches. When cleaning, do not use abrasive detergents.

2. Artificial quartz stone (agglomerate) The most famous production technology is Bretonstone, it was patented in 1983. And it is a combination of particles of quartz and resin. Externally, the stone looks like natural, but is devoid of its shortcomings. Pros: not afraid of high temperatures. You can safely put hot dishes on the countertop without fear of damaging it. It is more resistant to abrasive cleaning materials and washing liquids. Differs in durability. Cons: all technological holes must be made in advance at the factory on special equipment. Restoring it at home will not work. The countertop has a significant weight and the price is higher compared to acrylic. And in the places where the quartz plates are joined, a visible seam may appear.

3. Natural stone One of the most common and old materials for decorating countertops. Depending on the structure, it has different properties. Stone with a porous structure - for example, marble, limestone, travertine - require more careful handling. And less porous and more dense granite is more practical to use. But his color palette poorer than that of marble. Onyx has interesting design characteristics - it transmits light. Such a tabletop can be effectively illuminated. Pros: Durable and quite easy to care for. Resistant to moisture, mechanical stress and high temperatures. In the kitchen, it always looks appropriate and attractive. Cons: such a countertop is expensive, it is heavy. Due to the complexity of installation, a specialist will be required. In addition, at the first acquaintance with the stone, one should not forget about its uniqueness.

4. Laminated chipboard Most economical option. In the production of chipboard, wood chips and resin are used. At high temperature and pressure chipboard lined with plastic, and then with a film. It is additionally coated with a special varnish that is resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. Pros: low price, sufficient strength and a variety of colors. Differs in moisture resistance and impact resistance, is not afraid of hot dishes. Cons: at the junction of the countertop to the wall, joints are required to be treated with sealant. Complex shapes cannot be connected without a visible seam. And in case of mechanical damage, it cannot be restored.

Each hostess treats the choice of a kitchen set with particular scrupulousness. Furniture for the kitchen must meet numerous requirements for strength and functionality; its surfaces during cooking are exposed to fats, water, food contamination.

Therefore, they must be made from environmentally friendly clean materials, wash well and do not absorb odors. This requirement is especially true for countertops intended for cooking and eating. In our review, we will consider the most common types of kitchen countertops made of various materials.

The countertop in the kitchen is perhaps the main workplace of the hostess and is subjected to three types of exposure:

• Mechanical
• Thermal
• Chemical

Mechanical action is understood as the load on the surface of the table when cutting meat, poultry, vegetables; beating meat with a kitchen hammer; rolling out the dough.

The work surface can be exposed to heat from a hot pot removed from the oven, and to chemicals - for example, acidic and alkaline fruit or vegetable juice that leaked when cutting food, or accidentally spilled sauce containing vinegar, as well as detergents for maintaining surfaces clean.

Based on this, when buying kitchen furniture you need to be guided by what material the countertop is made of, and not be limited only to its aesthetic appeal.

Many manufacturers of kitchen furniture offer a variety of custom-made kitchen worktops to choose from as standard sets. This will allow you to choose best option quality furniture with a reasonable price: quality ratio, saving you from unnecessary cash costs.

Types of countertops - their pros and cons

Considering what kind of tests the work surface is subjected to in the kitchen, a material that can withstand any load must be used for its manufacture: impact-resistant, moisture-resistant and heat-resistant.

The modern furniture industry for the manufacture of countertops uses a variety of materials. Preference is given to those that best meet the requirements for them.

Today you can purchase or order a countertop for the kitchen from the following materials:

• Chipboard or MDF are the most common materials for kitchen countertops, with a large selection of textures and colors;
• solid wood - natural wood is always in fashion, thanks to its environmental properties and pronounced texture;
• acrylic - it is also called acrylic stone, for the similarity of many of the properties that it possesses with natural stone;
• glass - thick glass slabs as kitchen countertops are not so common, but they have a number of advantages;
• agglomerate - composite material a new generation, which is a high-strength artificial stone created from quartz and natural unsaturated polyester resins;
• metal - stainless steel, whimsical in care, most often used in fashion style loft or high-tech;
• ceramic tiles - used to cover wooden or glass surfaces, to enhance the strength of the countertop;
• natural marble or granite are the most expensive materials, however, they are gaining popularity due to their presentable appearance and high environmental qualities.

MDF and chipboard

The most common countertop material is chipboard or MDF. This is the cheapest, and therefore the most affordable material for the majority of the population. For the manufacture of kitchen surfaces, plates from 2 to 6 cm are used. The thicker the MDF or chipboard sheet, the stronger it is, and, therefore, the higher the cost of the countertop made from it.

Chipboards (chipboards) are made from a mass of wood chips and formaldehyde resins by pressing. There are several categories of chipboard, but only a plate with high level moisture resistance. To do this, molten paraffin or its emulsion is first added to the wood chip mass.

Choosing even the most a budget option, the class of chipboard used for the countertop should be clarified: the resins that make up and serve as a binder have the ability to evaporate, releasing substances that are harmful to human health, especially children.

MDF is based on wood fibers bonded using paraffin or lignin. Given the environmental safety of these substances, you can use MDF boards for the production of any furniture.

Among the materials for decorating countertops made of chipboard or MDF, film, plastic or laminated veneer are used. The choice of their texture is very wide - if desired, you can purchase a tabletop decorated with a natural stone, wood, marble, pick up surfaces of muted or very bright colors.

So, the main advantages of countertops made of chipboard and MDF are their low price and the possibility of choosing a decorative design.

Disadvantages:

• moisture fear - despite the protective upper layer, when water gets into the end or on the edge of the plate, the process of its deformation will begin;
• low resistance to mechanical damage;
• in case of deformation, the product made of DSM or MDF cannot be repaired.

Today, there are many ways to make them more resistant to moisture and improve their aesthetic qualities, such as:

• application to the table surface protective film from melamine;
• surface finishing with plastic or resin-impregnated high-pressure laminated paper;
• postforming, where each part of the headset is covered with a layer of plastic several centimeters under the action high pressure and temperature;
• lamination. In fact, this is the same postforming, where kraft paper impregnated with synthetic resins is used as a laminate, on the surface of which any pattern is applied. Then a protection of acrylic or melamine resin is applied to the surface.

Of course, kitchen surfaces made of particle board or fibreboard do not look as expensive as those made of solid wood, marble or artificial stone. However, considering high cost natural materials for the manufacture of work surfaces, such countertops are more accessible to most consumers.

Using chipboard for countertops

MDF for countertops

natural wood

Considering the numerous types of countertops for the kitchen, we first of all want the worktop to be not only durable and beautiful, but also environmentally friendly. All these requirements are met by natural wood, preferably beech or oak. The price also includes mebrau and teak. Products from them not only look chic, but are also very durable, with long term operation. Cheaper and lighter countertops are made from birch, pine, ash and walnut and are available to the average income consumer.

Under the influence of water, the wood swells and can deform when dried, so it is subjected to preliminary oil impregnation, and a layer of varnish applied to the surface serves as an additional protection for the tree.

It is practiced to manufacture work surfaces for the kitchen not from a solid board, but from several wooden lamellas interconnected adhesive composition. This enhances the strength of the tabletop and its resistance to deflection under the influence of external factors.

No matter how high they are quality characteristics wooden countertops, when using them, certain rules must be observed. should be protected work surface from scratches and chips that may appear when cutting and processing products without cutting board. All types of wood kitchen worktops are best cleaned using special care products.

Countertops from natural wood in the interior of the kitchen

Acrylic surfaces for the kitchen

Acrylic today confidently occupies a leading position in the manufacture of kitchen surfaces. From it you can make a plate with a thickness of 38 to 120 mm, having any shape and size.

Types of acrylic kitchen worktops are divided according to the method of assembly and modifications.

Assembling method:

• Prefabricated, or consisting of several fragments connected with glue. Seams, thanks to polishing, are almost imperceptible. Due to this, installation even complex shape countertops are not difficult, and if desired, you can rearrange the furniture and give the countertop a different shape after dismantling.
• The monolithic worktop is made entirely for the entire surface, including kitchen furniture and sink. Due to the absence of seams, such a surface has increased resistance to mechanical stress, but complicates its installation.

By modification, acrylic surfaces are divided into:

• Work surfaces, sometimes with a hole formed for sink insertion;
• Countertops with a bar counter, sometimes providing desktop shelves for spices and other items;
• Countertops with a sink, also made of acrylic. At the same time, the quality of an acrylic sink is no worse than that of a metal one.

The main advantage of acrylic in the kitchen is its low porosity, due to which the water absorption of the surface is only 0.034%.

In terms of strength, a worktop made of acrylic is comparable to work surfaces made of natural stone, however, even a scratch that has appeared on it with increased exposure can be easily sanded due to the higher viscosity of the material than that of stone. The same property protects acrylic surfaces from possible chips.

Another advantage of acrylic is that fragments of it can be easily glued together, achieving the desired surface shape. At the same time, the high strength of the seam is maintained - up to 83% of the strength of the material itself.

In addition, acrylic is highly inert to most acids and alkalis, with the exception of acetone and concentrated sulfuric, hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids.

The disadvantages of acrylic countertops include:

• The possibility of deformation under the influence of high - from 150 ° C - temperatures;
• The appearance of dark circles under hot dishes;
• Do not use cleaning products with abrasive substances for maintenance;
• When acetone or concentrated acid hits the surface, the acrylic dissolves.

Knowing these shortcomings, you can easily avoid damage to acrylic surfaces by following the rules for the operation and care of acrylic stone products.

Acrylic is one of the most durable countertop materials.

Countertops made of agglomerate

Compared to acrylic, countertops made of quartz agglomerate have a number of significant advantages:

• Impact resistance - even a deliberate blow with a heavy object, such as a hammer, will not cause serious damage to such a surface;
• Thermal stability even when heated up to 100 degrees;
• High wear resistance for the entire service life;
• Resistance to acids and reagents;
• The absence of chips and microcracks even during long-term operation.

Disadvantages of quartz countertops:

• Impossibility of repair or restoration if necessary;
• With a length of more than 3 meters, seamless technology cannot be used;
• The high price of the product.

Metal kitchen surfaces

Stainless steel has become a popular material for making kitchen surfaces - it fits perfectly into modern interiors and combines well with chrome kitchen utensils and household appliances. At the same time, in a small kitchen, such surfaces allow you to visually expand the space.

The undoubted advantages of metal countertops include:

• Heat resistance;
• Easy to clean, do not corrode and oxidize;
• Do not lose their original color;
• There is no favorable environment for the development and reproduction of bacteria.

Significant cons:

• In case of inaccurate operation, dents and scratches may form on the surface;
• Increased noise;
• Use of special cleaners;
• The need for regular polishing due to the appearance of traces of drops or fingerprints on the surface.

The countertop has long been an integral part of the modern kitchen. It performs many functions - both in the process of cooking and decorative. Her choice must be taken seriously. After all, an incorrectly selected presented element of the interior will bring disharmony to overall design premises. To understand which countertop to choose for the kitchen, you should consider all existing options textures, colors and materials. Expert advice will help you choose the right element of the room.

According to what the countertop for the kitchen is made of, they choose the most optimal option for the price. The cost directly depends on the type of material from which the product is made. There are many types of countertops. The main criteria for their selection are functionality, durability and aesthetic appearance.

Each material has its pros and cons. They should be studied before deciding which countertop to choose for the kitchen. Such products can be laminated sheets of chipboard, MDF, made of artificial or natural stone, wood or alternative materials ( of stainless steel, glass, ceramics).

Laminated countertops

This variety has a lot of positive qualities. To choose the right countertop for the kitchen, you should determine in what conditions it will have to be used.

Laminated countertop is made from MDF or chipboard sheet, covered with a film High Quality. Such a product is wear-resistant, fire-resistant, not afraid of mechanical and chemical damage. There are many options for designing such a tabletop.

To understand how to choose the right countertop for the kitchen, if you choose the presented option, preference is given to dark varieties. This is due to the fact that indelible stains remain on the laminated countertop over time. On a dark surface, this will not be clearly evident.

The price of kitchen countertops made of MDF will be slightly higher than that of chipboard, which should be considered when choosing. it will cost about 1500-2000 rubles, from MDF - about 3000-4000 rubles.

This difference is related to the production technology. You should also pay attention to the qualities that the product was endowed with during creation. It is better if such a countertop was produced using a special water-repellent impregnation. This will allow the surface not to be afraid of moisture getting behind the sides that are not covered with laminate.

Fake diamond

For kitchens with curved facades, countertops made of artificial stone are most often used. Thanks to the production technology at high temperatures, polymer materials can be bent.

There are several options for artificial stone products such as countertops for the kitchen. Which one to choose? The price will be higher for more plastic varieties of artificial stone. Cheap products crumble more and are used only for straight worktops.

The advantage of the presented material is the absence of visible joints between the individual parts. The material is warm and smooth to the touch.

The disadvantage of the presented product is the susceptibility to mechanical damage, as well as the inability to use it in the immediate vicinity of the stove.

Countertop made of agglomerate, natural stone

When deciding which kitchen worktop to choose, you should pay attention to the agglomerate product. They are made by mixing quartz or granite chips with polymeric materials and pigments. This material does not absorb moisture and chemical elements. Its joints are almost completely invisible.

When deciding which countertop to choose for the kitchen, you should consider the presented option as a cross between artificial and natural stone. The advantage of the presented option is also non-susceptibility to mechanical stress, fire resistance.

When choosing the best countertop for the kitchen, you should pay attention to natural materials, for example, a stone. It will give the interior respectability and solidity.

Usually granite is used for such products. It does not absorb moisture and has greater density. To decide which countertop is better to choose for the kitchen, you should consider the cost of the presented product. It is higher than all previous types of surfaces. The weight of countertops made of natural stone is quite large. Therefore, the design of kitchen cabinets will have to be strengthened. The cost of such products starts from 20 thousand rubles.

Wooden countertops

When deciding which countertop to choose for the kitchen, you should pay attention to natural wood. This material looks very good in a variety of interior styles. It is made from solid wood by special processing.

The advantages of such a product are environmental friendliness and warmth of the material. It harmoniously looks, creating a unique comfort in the kitchen. The approximate cost of such countertops is from 4000 rubles. and higher.

The disadvantages of natural wood are the problematic care, as well as the loss of aesthetic qualities. Under the influence of temperatures, sunlight, detergents, the wood loses its shade, may dry out or darken in the area of ​​​​washing. Many housewives prefer more durable types of surfaces.

User Reviews

Among the comments of people who have chosen different surface options, you can find a variety of opinions. According to the reviews, everyone has their own ideas about the choice the best countertop for kitchen.

Laminated MDF, chipboard, many characterize as quite durable products. However, it must be borne in mind that they should be exploited wisely. When deciding which countertop is better to choose for the kitchen, the feedback from the owners of the presented material should be taken into account. And they indicate that it is necessary to prevent prolonged exposure to moisture on the surface. Do not put hot food on it, cut food on the coating. The glue with which the laminate is attached to the base can melt when heated, and the coating will peel off the chipboard.

Reviews about natural stone when choosing countertops for the kitchen were divided. There are complaints about poor wear resistance. However, users who are able to sand the presented surface speak of fairly good aesthetic qualities of the material. There are opinions that such a countertop can crack with a significant impact. Therefore, you should be careful with such a product.

Artificial stone of well-known manufacturers, confirmed by years of their conscientious work, many users note as worthy option for table top. When heated, due to a change in the structure of the material, such a countertop may change color.

Homemade countertops

A special place among the presented options is occupied by a homemade countertop for the kitchen. Which one to choose? Reviews and ideas of users of such products provide a wide field for the manifestation of creative imagination.

Homemade countertops can be made of glass or ceramic tiles. Glass is a fairly wear-resistant, brittle material. It is very easy to leave scratches and chips that can no longer be restored. However, such a countertop will look original. A collage is made in a special frame of the appropriate size. These can be drawings, photographs, etc. They are covered with glass.

Ceramics is used in a wide variety of applications. From broken pieces of tiles to large, solid elements. Everything depends on fantasy. With the help of grout, the seams of a similar countertop are made. Such material will be wear-resistant, fireproof. However, it will require a careful attitude to yourself and proper care.

The heterogeneity of such a surface is not suitable for every hostess. Therefore, with all the advantages creative solutions in the design of kitchen worktops, the practicality of the material chosen for it should also be taken into account.

Worktop for bright kitchen

The choice of countertops for the kitchen is influenced not only by the type of material, but also by the color of the interior. Which countertop to choose for a light kitchen, dark, colored and two-tone, should be studied more carefully.

The main rule when choosing a countertop is its combination with other interior elements (furniture fronts, apron, etc.). It shouldn't look redundant.

When choosing a worktop for a bright kitchen, you should give preference to cool shades, such as gray or black. If the kitchen set is decorated in beige colors, the color of the countertop should be chosen under wood or dark chocolate. This will make the facades more appetizing, creamy.

It is believed that in order to resolve the issue of which color of the countertop to choose for beige kitchen, the best option than a wooden texture of a dark color, you can’t pick it up. Identical, similar colors of such a countertop will ennoble general form similar headset.

For a white kitchen, a neutral color of the kitchen worktop should be preferred. It can resemble wood or stone in texture. The main thing is to correlate all the elements with each other in a single harmony. Dark tone wood will overwhelm white kitchen set. This will reduce the sophistication of such furniture. Better if the tree is light shades. This will preserve the visual lightness of the white kitchen.

Deciding what color to choose for a white kitchen worktop, determine the overall idea of ​​​​the image. If you want to maintain the weightlessness, femininity of such an interior, a color scheme using a countertop made of light wood or stone will be ideal.

Countertop for dark kitchen

For black, you should not pick up a countertop in dark shades. This will make the interior gloomy. If the hostess of the kitchen still likes this combination, you should choose a light apron and pay great attention to lighting and design details of the room. Otherwise, everything will merge into a blur.

Black kitchen furniture can be complemented with light wood or natural stone worktops. In the first case, the room will become more comfortable, and in the second - more respectable.

Deciding which countertop color to choose for brown kitchen, you should pay attention to white, cream or wood elements. Dark tones it is better not to use in such tandems.

The countertop in such a kitchen can be something in between the color of the top and bottom of the headset. If the wall cabinets are cream and the cabinets are a shade of dark wood, the coffee-au-lait surface will bring harmony.

Colored Kitchen Countertop

Most often, headsets of bright, colorful tones are combined with tops in woody, beige, and white shades. In rare cases, black hinged cabinets are used. When choosing a countertop for such kitchen furniture, its saturation should be taken into account.

The type of shade of the facades also matters. It can be cold or warm. The first type includes green, blue, pink and purple shades. Together they will look perfect. white countertop. Hinged shelves should be light colors. This combination will give the room elegance and tenderness. The combination of colored facades with dark shades of the surface will add brutality to the kitchen and create the effect of rudeness.

You should also carefully select such an element of the interior as a countertop for the kitchen. Which one to choose? The color of the facades will tell correct solution. warm shades(orange, yellow, red) will go well with brown and cream countertops. Such an interior will look cozy and bright. All its components will merge into a single harmonious image. People in such a room will be quite comfortable.

Two tone kitchen countertop

Having considered the options for choosing countertops for a white kitchen, one more thing should be considered. classic version design. It has been quite popular for a long time and does not go out of fashion. It's in black and white.

Such an interior provides ample opportunities for creativity. The kitchen will look stylish and original. The choice of countertop depends on which color of these two was chosen as the main one.

When deciding which countertop to choose for a white kitchen paired with black accents, black is the way to go. This is classic solution for this type of room design. If the main color of the room is black, then the white countertop will perfectly highlight the contrast of the whole image.

The combination of two colors may be present in the headset. For example, the bottom row of cabinets can be black and the top row white. In this case, the countertop should be selected under the upper tier of furniture. The surface will also be white.

In addition to the black and white version of the double color of the kitchen, other shades are also used. In any case, the tabletop should be in contrast with the bottom of the furniture fronts. In very rare cases, it is combined with lower cabinets.

Also, the countertop can act as a transitional color between the light top and the dark bottom of the headset.

After reviewing the many options for decorating the interior of the room, you can decide which countertop to choose for the kitchen. There is a wide choice of both materials from which the presented product is made, and color varieties of decor. Everyone chooses the option that best suits the price-quality ratio. However, for the choice color solution should be approached strictly in accordance with existing rules and recommendations of experts design decoration kitchens. By following these tips, you can independently choose the right interior for the room. Having shown imagination and taste, you can give the room a unique look. Being in such a kitchen will be very comfortable.

Because the tabletop important element a headset from both a practical and a decorative point of view, due attention must be paid to its choice. In this article, we will tell you what kitchen countertops are made of and take a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages.

We offer you to familiarize yourself with several types of countertops so that you can choose the most suitable

Many options - one choice

On the modern market many various options that are of interest to buyers. It cannot be said that some of the available offers are worse, and some are better - they are all moderately attractive, with their pluses and minuses.

When choosing a coating, it is worth considering not only the appearance, but also the technical characteristics of the material.

Do not forget that the choice must be made based not only on own desires, but taking into account the overall interior of the suite and kitchen. The color can be contrasting, but the material itself should be conducive to comfort and coziness. For example, even metal can be considered a household material if used correctly.

Top headset must be durable, moisture resistant and resistant to temperature extremes

What to look for when buying

In addition to the decorative qualities of the coating for kitchen cabinets There are several important points to pay attention to. Among them:

• Moisture resistance. The kitchen is rightfully considered a place with high humidity, so the top material must be absolutely resistant to it.
• Ease of maintenance. In order not to spend a lot of time in the kitchen cleaning, you should choose a coating that is easy to clean with your own hands.

Caring for the coating should not be difficult

• Temperature resistance. In order for the countertop to serve for a long time, it must easily respond to various temperature changes.
• Strength. The top must be resistant to minor mechanical damage and scratches.

For the top to serve you long years, it must be resistant to mechanical stress

When choosing a countertop material for the kitchen, make sure that it meets all the specified requirements.

Compare 6 countertop materials

We suggest you familiarize yourself with several of the most popular materials for countertops, their advantages and disadvantages. This will help you decide on a worthwhile option and purchase a quality coating.

To choose the best top, you need to familiarize yourself with all the advantages and disadvantages of materials

Natural wood boards

If you still have questions about how any countertops are made, you need to watch the video: what to make a countertop in the kitchen from. Here you will definitely find answers to questions that arose in the course of reading the article.

Gallery

The countertop in the kitchen is the place where all the processes of cooking, cutting vegetables and meat, kneading dough and others take place. In some kitchens, the worktop may have functions and for which guests are received. Based on all this, the requirements for the countertop are serious: not only does it have to be strong, reliable and durable, withstand all negative influences, so also fit into the interior of the kitchen and decorate the room. Today these requirements are met a lot of materials, but which one to choose, and what you need to consider when choosing countertops for your kitchen?

No. 1. What should be the countertop?

The tabletop is a plate that covers the floor kitchen cabinets. Often this monolithic slab, because a lot of joints on the countertop will not give it an attractive appearance, nor better functionality. The thickness of the countertop depends on the material chosen, and the width often equals the depth of the kitchen cabinets, although it is common to use countertops that protrude beyond furniture facade. AT monolithic countertop today, traditional kitchen elements such as and are often built in.

It is clear that it is on the countertop that the hostess will constantly cut, butcher and knead something, sometimes they will put hot dishes and put wet vegetables here, and this is not a complete list of all kinds of influences that the working area will have to withstand. Need choose a material that would meet such requirements:

• absolute moisture resistance;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• thermal resistance;
• ease of care and resistance to various aggressive substances;
• attractive appearance and compliance style decision kitchens.

In one way or another, the following materials meet these requirements:

• natural and artificial stone;
• metal;
• glass;
• wood;
• ceramic tile;
• laminated surface.

We will stop on these materials to determine which one is suitable. the best way in each specific case.

No. 2. Wooden countertops: naturalness and environmental friendliness

Solid wood countertop is one of the most eco-friendly, chic and expensive options, but due to its performance and high price this option is not used very often.. Basically, for the manufacture of such countertops, pine, birch, oak, and some coniferous wood is used.

Among main advantages you can note:

• attractive appearance. Such a countertop brings coziness to the room, goes well with the classic style of the kitchen, complements the wooden ones, as well as wooden table. Moreover, there are many different shades of wood and textures with which your kitchen will become original and unique;
• environmental friendliness and safety, because natural wood does not emit any hazardous substances.

In production wood is covered with special oils to make the material more resistant to influences environment. Such processing makes the tree more resistant to mechanical stress, avoids warping when moisture enters. But even such processing does not make it possible to completely get rid of some of the characteristics of wood, which, in terms of using it for a kitchen worktop, are disadvantages:

• the need to regularly treat the surface with varnish or oil in order to maintain moisture resistance;
• from pollution different kind that fell on the surface of the countertop and were not wiped in a timely manner, there may be noticeable stains that spoil the appearance;
• low resistance to detergents, so it will be possible to wipe the countertop only with a slightly damp soft cloth or sponge, as a maximum, dipped in soapy water;
• low resistance against mechanical influences;
• low resistance to high temperatures, so hot items should only be placed on special stands;
• pores and small cuts on the countertop, which can occur even with the most careful handling, are a hotbed for the development of microbes;
• high price.

No. 3. Laminated countertops: cheap and decorative

Countertops, made of moisture resistant chipboard and coated laminated film or plastic, is one of the most popular modern kitchens. Top part material consists of several layers of kraft paper, which is impregnated with resins, as well as decorative paper, on which some kind of drawing is applied. It closes at the top. protective coating from acrylic or melamine resins.

Laminate countertops have become widespread due to such virtues:

• affordable price;
• the appearance of such a tabletop can be absolutely anything, because any pattern can be printed on paper. You can imitate the surface of wood or stone, fabric or leather, you can put on paper any photo, picture, abstraction, texture or image you like;
• excellent strength, because the upper protective layer makes the material immune to scratches, impacts, high temperatures, aggressive detergents and sunbeams;
• ease of installation and maintenance.

But the material has some disadvantages:

• low moisture resistance. Despite the fact that in the manufacture of such countertops, moisture-resistant chipboard boards are used, which are carefully protected by an additional coating, if water enters the joints, it can swell. That is why all the junctions of such a countertop to the wall, to the sink, hob etc. it is worth very, very carefully treating with sealants, and it is better to immediately wipe off the moisture that gets on the material;
• several countertop slabs cannot be joined without a seam;
• the difficulty of repair in case of damage.

All these shortcomings are more than offset by the low price and ease of installation, and the normal care of such a countertop will allow it to last for many years. Indeed, attention should be paid to formaldehyde emission: for kitchen suitable material that belongs to the class E0 or E1.

No. 4. MDF countertops: eco-friendly and beautiful

MDF boards can be called absolutely safe material , since here, not formaldehyde resins, but paraffin and lignin are used to connect small wood shavings, so there can be no harmful fumes at all. MDF countertops are much more expensive, although in appearance and in terms of operation they are almost the same as chipboard countertops.

To clear benefits MDF compared to chipboard, in addition to environmental friendliness, one can attribute wider possibilities for processing the material, because it is softer, which means that it will be possible to create a variety of conceivable and unthinkable forms of countertops, if someone wants to embody in their kitchen exclusive interior. True, in this case you should not get too carried away, because you can lose the proper functionality of the countertop.

No. 5. Natural stone countertop: luxury and durability

Natural stone is a great material for a kitchen countertop. Its undoubted advantages include:

• an appearance that amazes with its luxury, beauty and unique texture;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to high temperatures.

Countertops made of natural stone very expensive, they are heavy, and some are also quite difficult to care for. However, it is worth considering the characteristics of such countertops separately for each type of stone

• granite and basalt most often used for the manufacture of kitchen countertops. Slabs with a thickness of 2-3 cm are used, which are processed by polishing, giving the necessary shape, cutting holes for the sink, etc., but all these operations make the finished product even more expensive. Granite is a fairly dense material, which is less hygroscopic than other rocks, and its pattern is unique;
• marble possesses the highest decorative qualities and will become decoration of any kitchen. This stone is not afraid of moisture at all, but it cannot boast of high mechanical strength, and lemon, coffee or wine can leave noticeable stains on it.

No. 6. Artificial stone is a great alternative to natural

Today, natural stone is very rarely used in kitchens, and it is replaced with artificial stone, which is no worse in appearance and basic properties, and even better in some parameters, and it is completely devoid of many shortcomings. The following common advantages are characteristic of quartz and acrylic agglomerate:

• excellent moisture resistance;
• the possibility of seamless connection of panels;
• resistance to aggressive detergents;
• the ability to create countertops of various shapes;
• high maintainability of acrylic agglomerate;
• ease of care;
• high heat resistance of quartz stone;
• variety of possible shades and textures.

The price of countertops made of artificial stone is average: they are cheaper than similar products made of natural stone, but many times more expensive than laminated countertops. disadvantages such countertops have few, except that acrylic ones are not able to withstand high temperatures, and quartz ones are less amenable to restoration than acrylic ones.

No. 7. Metal countertops: shine and durability

Countertops can be made from stainless steel rather uncommon solution, but no less interesting and practical. Similar table tops ordinary apartments come from professional kitchens, because chefs know well what is more durable and durable material not to be found. Today, mirrored stainless steel or brushed steel with a thickness of about 0.8 mm is used for such countertops. As a rule, sheets are laid on a chipboard base, which is tightly fitted with metal.

Advantages such a solution is obvious:

• absolute moisture resistance;
• maximum durability;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• heat resistance;
• ease of care;
• resistance to aggressive substances;
• seamless connection;
• beautiful appearance that will complement the high-tech kitchen.

But Such countertops also have disadvantages:

• over time, the material may begin to fade;
• such countertops can only be rectangular;
• visible fingerprints remain on the surface from fingers, therefore, to simplify maintenance, it is better to choose a matte countertop;
• relatively high price.

By the way, except matte and shiny surface, manufacturers are ready to offer some other ways of processing the material, but so far the demand for them is low.

No. 8. Glass top - the epitome of style

This is one of the most unique options for organizing countertops in the kitchen. She looks great, but at the same time she has excellent operational qualities. Such countertops are made of tempered glass, which transfers strong blows, but in which case it is not capable of injuring a person, because if damaged, large fragments with blunt edges are formed. Among the main advantages of glass countertops:

• high heat resistance;
• strength;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of care, but with abrasive substances you need to be careful;
• variety of appearance, because the image can be anything: solid color, abstraction, any ornaments, pictures and photos.

Among the shortcomings enough to mention high price, not very high wear resistance and the fact that over time, chips will begin to appear on the surface. But with all this glass top looks very impressive and can become a highlight and decoration of the kitchen.

No. 9. Ceramic coated countertop

It is infrequent, but still possible, to meet countertops,. As a basis, choose chipboard or MDF boards, plywood or moisture resistant drywall. For cladding, they are usually used tiles measuring 10*10 or 10*15 cm, as well as mosaics. This solution fits perfectly into country-style kitchens.

No. 10. What are the optimal countertop dimensions?

When you have already clearly decided on the material and color of the countertop, you need to think about its parameters: height and width. The tabletop should first of all be comfortable, so it is necessary that it matched the kitchen in size, provided comfort and ergonomics.

The main parameter is height. You need to build on the growth of the one who often uses the countertop for cooking. So, there is a rule that there should be 10-15 cm from the elbows of a person standing to the tabletop, therefore, for people 150-160 cm tall, the tabletop should be located at a height of 82 cm, 160-170 cm - 88 cm, 170-180 cm - 91 cm But in each particular case, additional analysis is needed.

As for countertop width, then optimal indicator 60-65 cm: this ensures maximum convenience for all work processes. Distance to hinged kitchen cabinets in this case it can be 47-50 cm, and the project provides for a smaller width of the tabletop, then it is necessary to create sufficient visibility of the tabletop: a little higher or make them narrower. Anyway, lighting in this area is indispensable.

In conclusion

The kitchen worktop takes all the brunt and is the most stressed element in the entire kitchen. That is why the material should be as resistant as possible to all types of impact, but at the same time have an attractive appearance, because often the countertop smoothly flows into dining area. To choose the right countertop material and size, it is better to draw up a kitchen design project in advance, and our tips should help you deal with all the variety of materials.