Types of kitchen countertops - what are their main advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a countertop for a kitchen set, the buyer naturally primarily focuses on its appearance and cost. But do not forget that the tabletop must be strong, durable and functional. What types of kitchen countertops do manufacturers offer and what are their main features and disadvantages? Let's explore.

Pay attention to the material from which the tabletop is made

Initially, all kitchen countertops were made of wood. But with the introduction of new technologies into the production process and with the advent of modern materials, the decoration of kitchen countertops has become extremely diverse.

What are the kitchen countertops, and what material is preferable for their manufacture:

• Artificial stone countertops Is a solid option for finishing a work surface, but the price of such a finish is quite high.

Important. Artificial stone countertops do not withstand contact with hot objects - you cannot put a pan from the stove on such a surface.

• Coverings from chipboard finished with plastic - the most popular type of countertops for the kitchen today. This is due to the democratic cost, relative strength and a rich selection of colors and textures for finishing;
• Countertops, decorated with ceramic tiles - they are used quite rarely, since the overall design of the kitchen must match the decor of the kitchen surface. For example, retro decor with ceramic tiles on the kitchen floor and walls;

• Stainless steel for countertops is more often used in the design of professional kitchens, and at home it is simply impractical to use it for decoration. As you can see in the photo, such coatings give the kitchen decor an overly formal and uncomfortable look.
• Wooden arrays of countertops are used in the design of author's kitchens from natural solid wood and it is rather difficult and expensive to care for them;
• Laminated countertops - the most budgetary option for kitchen coatings;
• Acrylic kitchen surfaces are a relatively new option for kitchen coatings, but worthy of attention due to their strength and functionality;
• Glass countertops are used only in designer kitchen sets and in kitchens where daily cooking is not expected. Since even tempered glass is still a rather fragile material.

Council. Spectacular glass inserts will be quite appropriate in the decor of the kitchen, but not solid arrays of coating.

What are the main points to pay attention to when choosing a kitchen countertop:

• Resistance to moisture - after all, the surface is washed very often;
• The surface must withstand aggressive detergents;
• The ability to install the coating with your own hands, without resorting to expensive carpenter services;
• Recently, solid wood worktops have become very popular. Fewer docking joints make the surface stronger, more durable and easier to clean;
• Naturally, the design of the countertop should be in harmony with the overall design of the kitchen.

Important. Since many household appliances are built into the surface of the countertop, it must be taken into account that the surface can withstand temperature extremes (around the stove). It was also resistant to moisture (around the sink).

• When installing the tabletop yourself, it is advisable to watch the video installation instructions, which will greatly simplify and facilitate the work.

Read also the article on kitchen countertops.

Advantages and disadvantages of countertops made of different materials

Depending on the style of kitchen design and financial capabilities, the material from which the countertop is made is also chosen.

The types of countertops for the kitchen are varied and in furniture or hardware stores, you can choose the option that meets the requirements and budget.

Chipboard worktops finished with plastic

Plastic-laminated chipboard worktops are the most budgetary and common kitchen coverings.

The production technology guarantees the moisture resistance and durability of the material. A layer of plastic is applied to a chipboard sheet under high pressure and temperature.

Since the technology provides for a continuous coating of the board with plastic, this ensures high water resistance and heat resistance of the surface.

Important. Many unscrupulous manufacturers only laminate the top and face of the panel, leaving the rest of the surfaces untreated. The price for such countertops is not high, but their service life also leaves much to be desired.

The advantages of this type of countertop include the following properties:

• Hygienic operation - the countertop does not absorb foreign odors, it is easy to clean with various, even aggressive detergents;
• High moisture resistance and impact resistance;
• Affordable price;
• Huge selection of decor options;
• The ability to install a countertop with your own hands;
• The presence of a drip tray - a special rubberized gasket that prevents water from entering between the joints of the table top;

Council. It is also advisable to put a special protective plastic element - a bump stop - on the edge of the tabletop adjacent to the wall. It will keep out debris and water.

Artificial stone countertops

This type of countertop can be made of two different materials - acrylic and agglomerate. It is a mixture of minerals and resins.

Also, each separate production process implies a different composition of this material - dyes, binders, fixers. Let's figure out what differences these types of kitchen countertops have.

Acrylic countertops

Acrylic is used as a binding material in the production of countertops, which determines the positive qualities of this coating for the kitchen:

• Presentable appearance and spectacular range of colors and surface textures;
• Acrylic countertops can be made monolithic by joining surfaces with acrylic primers;
• Acrylic countertops slowly heat up and cool down, taking on the room temperature;
• This surface easily takes any shape, therefore, it is simply irreplaceable in the decor of high-tech or new-wave kitchens;
• Operating instructions for acrylic countertops guarantee their environmental friendliness and high hygiene - the countertop is easy to clean and does not absorb odors;
• Repair of such a surface with chips and other damage can be easily done by hand, without dismantling the kitchen surface.

But these coatings have their own significant disadvantages, which are also worth considering:

• Acrylic coatings have low resistance to mechanical damage. Cutting or dropping anything on them is not recommended;
• Be sure to use hot dishes. Acrylic deforms easily from high temperatures. Surface manufacturers have foreseen this and offer built-in metal profiles for acrylic worktops, on which you can put hot dishes;
• Acrylic can be easily stained with food dyes (coffee, tea), so the surface should be wiped off immediately if dyes get on it;
• The price of acrylic kitchen countertops is four times higher than chipboard coatings.

We can conclude that acrylic surfaces should be used to decorate kitchens where they rarely cook.

Agglomerate countertops

The surface of such a countertop is ninety to ninety-five percent composed of granite, marble or quartz chips, pressed with the addition of binding resins and fixers.

Naturally, such a surface will have high strength and resistance to mechanical damage.

Since the production process uses vacuum pressing technology, there are a minimum of pores and cracks in the material. Therefore, the operating instructions give a guarantee for this kitchen covering for more than twenty years.

Positive material properties:

• Resistance to mechanical stress;
• Withstands very high temperatures;
• The material is easy to clean and resistant to food coloring;
• Hygienic and environmentally friendly;
• The coating has a presentable appearance and the color range of the material is able to satisfy any, even very demanding buyer.

The disadvantages of agglomerate coating include the following facts:

• First of all, a fairly high price;
• Standard options for the shape of countertops, which are difficult to decorate under the author's options for kitchen sets;
• The presence of a joint between the coating panels;
• Chips and cracks are unlikely to be repaired with your own hands. It is necessary, as in the case of installing a tabletop, to contact professionals.

But we can say with confidence that this is one of the most durable and durable options for covering the kitchen.

Wooden countertops

This type of coating is usually used in the author's versions of kitchen sets and only as decorative inserts.

Since wood is easily deformed by mechanical stress, and also burns, it is not advisable to completely decorate the kitchen work surface with this material.

As you can see in the photo, decorative wood inserts on the surface of countertops made of other, more durable and functional materials look very impressive.

Metal countertops

They are rarely used in the design of kitchens in apartments and private houses. It is rather a covering for restaurants and other catering establishments.

If, nevertheless, it is decided to choose such a countertop for the kitchen, then the design of the room should be appropriate - either high-tech or newfangled solutions in the interior design of the kitchen.

The photo shows that this coating requires appropriate decor for the entire room and furniture.

Read also the article on kitchen tables with ceramic tiles.

Conclusion

The types of kitchen countertops and their designs are extremely diverse and their choice should be based on the personal preferences and lifestyle of the owners of the house.
Replacement of kitchen facades - see here.