How to choose the best kitchen worktop, rules and tips, basic criteria
The table top is exposed to increased stress and temperature on a daily basis. Therefore, strict requirements are imposed on such structures in terms of durability, environmental friendliness, ease of maintenance. These parameters impose restrictions on the kitchen countertops to choose from. That is, when buying a product, several criteria must be taken into account.
General requirements
Quality kitchen counters must meet the following requirements:
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to sudden temperature changes;
- resistance to mechanical damage (chips, cuts and others);
- ease of installation and maintenance;
- resistance to aggressive environments.
It is also important to take into account the features of the interior and the size of the kitchen. It is not recommended to install expensive stone countertops in compact rooms. In addition, it is important that the material from which the countertop is made does not absorb dirt and grease. It should also be borne in mind that this product should protrude above the facades of the boxes.
Therefore, when choosing a worktop, it is recommended to pay attention to the dimensions.
Moisture resistance
This parameter is considered the most important. Countertops are often installed next to sinks. In addition, this surface is constantly in contact with water flowing from various dishes. Therefore, the material from which this product is made should not deform and swell under the influence of high humidity.
Resistance to mechanical stress
The second important parameter to consider when choosing a kitchen set. The table top is used for food butchering and temporary storage of household items. In this regard, the probability of cuts, chips and other damage to the surface is extremely high.
Heat resistance
Worktops must be able to withstand the sudden increase in temperature. This happens when heated pots and pans are placed on the surface. In addition, countertops are often mounted so that one side is located in close proximity to a gas (electric) stove and other heat-emitting household appliances.
Ease of maintenance
The most suitable worktop is one that requires minimal maintenance: periodic cleaning using appropriate products without additional polishing or other treatment.
Appearance
This parameter depends on personal preferences and features of the kitchen interior. Basically, consumers are buying countertops that mimic marble.These products are suitable for most interiors.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types of materials
Inexpensive worktops are mostly made of wood (MDF, chipboard, etc.). Less affordable items are made from metal, glass, stone, and other more durable materials.
A rock
Stone countertops are a classic option for the kitchen. However, this material is quite expensive and requires the installation of a solid base that can withstand increased loads.
Artificial
In its "pure" form, artificial stone is not used for the manufacture of countertops. This material is used in combination with quartz chips and other fillers. In addition, inexpensive artificial stone on the basis of concrete mixture is often used in kitchens.
Granite
Granite has the following positive characteristics:
- attractive appearance;
- increased resistance to humidity, extreme temperatures and aggressive environments;
- does not lose color;
- washes well;
- does not "collect" pathogenic bacteria;
- long life (several decades).
Granite is overpriced, irreparable and weighs a lot. The material absorbs dyes.
Marble
Marble is able to give off cold at any time of the year. This material is distinguished by its aesthetic appeal and long service life.
However, marble is less preferable for installation in the kitchen, since it not only absorbs dyes, but also is not repairable and does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature.
Metal
Metal surfaces meet the basic requirements for such products. Disadvantages of these countertops include that the material is expensive and fades over time.
Glass
Glass, like metal, also meets the described requirements.However, this material does not tolerate mechanical stress resulting from contact with abrasive substances. Chips appear early on the glass. And the hardware itself is expensive.
TREE
Wood is considered a good option for making worktops. But this material is not devoid of a number of pronounced shortcomings.
Deploy
The bay is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- robust construction;
- attractive appearance;
- increased maintainability and moisture resistance;
- reasonable price (provided that countertops are purchased from common types of wood).
The main disadvantage of the table is that the tree requires regular personal care. In addition, if the material is not impregnated during production, cracks appear over time on the worktop due to natural drying out. It is also possible for mold to form in a context of high humidity. To extend the life of solid wood, it is not recommended to place hot objects on the wooden surface.
MDF
The popularity of MDF countertops is due to the following characteristics that distinguish these surfaces:
- respect the environment;
- a wide variety of colors;
- low price;
- resistance to the formation of colonies of bacteria and molds.
MDF does not tolerate high temperatures and strong shocks. With prolonged contact with water, the wooden material swells, which leads to deformation of the surface. The latter is leveled by rolling the product.
chipboard
The most affordable countertop with the same features as MDF.The main difference between these materials is that particleboard is less resistant to moisture, dyes and corrosive substances.
ceramic tile
Ceramics are able to retain their original appearance for a long time, withstand temperature and mechanical influences, as well as high humidity. At the same time, crumbs constantly accumulate at the joints between the tiles, and therefore the material requires regular cleaning.
Laminated surface
Laminate surfaces are made from MDF boards. Therefore, these products have the same advantages and disadvantages as the specified material.
Acrylic
Acrylic is used for the manufacture of products of complex shapes. These counters are distinguished by the following characteristics:
- pleasant to the touch;
- characterized by a monolithic construction;
- respect the environment;
- hygiene;
- increased maintainability.
Acrylic is expensive, does not tolerate mechanical stress and contact with aggressive substances.
Agglomerate
The properties of agglomerate and natural stone are identical. Moreover, the first is more expensive than the second. Chipboard is heavier than natural stone and lasts longer.
Variety of color
The color of the worktop should match the shades of the kitchen set and the overall style of the interior. This nuance should be taken into account when choosing a product.
Black
Black is a "cool" shade and is only recommended for large kitchens.
brown
A brown kitchen set is also recommended for installation in large rooms. This color is in good harmony with light walls.
Gray
This "cold" color is inherent in natural stone. Therefore, gray kitchen surfaces look sophisticated.
Bright colors
Glossy surfaces are recommended for kitchens with similar colors and furniture.
red
Red is a "toxic" color that draws attention to itself. Countertops with this shade are rarely used.
Orange
Orange surfaces in kitchens are also rare for the reasons described. In this color, the facades of the headset are usually made.
YELLOW
A nicer shade than orange and red. The yellow kitchen unit makes the room brighter and brighter.
Green
Like yellow, green surfaces are bright and beautiful. Being in a kitchen made in such a color scheme, a person does not feel discomfort.
blue and blue
Both colors also provide a comfortable cooking experience. However, these shades are called "cold".
Purple
As with other vibrant hues, purple countertops are rarely found in kitchens.
What else you need to know when choosing and buying
To choose the right worktop, not only the quality of the product must be taken into account, but also the following recommendations:
- it is more convenient to use products with a matte surface;
- natural stone products should be installed in kitchens with an area of more than 20 square meters;
- solid wood must be free of knots;
- in kitchens, light-coloured MDF or LSDP worktops should be fitted.
When choosing a suitable product, it is also recommended to take into account the characteristics of the helmet. You should not install an expensive counter on cheap boxes and vice versa.
Additional tips and tricks
No matter how fashionable and practical the worktop is, the latter requires regular cleaning from dirt. The ends of the tile should be processed before installation so that there are no sharp corners.It is recommended that minor damage to the surface be repaired immediately.