What are kitchen worktops made of?

A countertop is one of the main attributes in the kitchen. Besides the fact that you can cut food for cooking on it, it perfectly complements the interior of the kitchen. When buying, one wonders: what are kitchen countertops made of? The range of materials is very wide, so in the market you can find stone, and wooden, and even concrete construction. The operational characteristics and features of the table depend on the material, so you need to choose, focusing on the pros and cons of each of them.

to contents ↑

Types of materials for countertops: pros and cons

Consider several popular types of kitchen tables.

Laminated chipboard

Structures of such material are produced by processing chipboard with high pressure plastic. It differs in pretty reasonable cost and fast production (within 10 days). On the market you can find such a design of any color. In addition, it is very easy to assemble it yourself.

Regarding the disadvantages:

• It is unstable to natural and chemical dyes.
• In case of excessive moisture, the table surface may slightly swell.
• It is unstable to high temperatures, therefore it is strictly forbidden to put hot dishes on its surface.

Important! When purchasing a chipboard design, be sure to check with the seller what the level of formaldehyde is. It should be no more than E2 (ideally E0). In addition, pay attention to the slice of the slab - its color should be blue or greenish. This will indicate that the plate is quite moisture resistant.

Fiberboard (MDF)

It is coated with a high-strength laminate, and then a special protective layer is applied. Such plates are distinguished by the complete absence of harmful substances and resins. In the manufacture of paraffin and lingin.

MDF board is resistant to mold and mildew. Despite this, the design is unstable to mechanical shocks and high temperatures. Depending on the quality of the material, the table may be painted in places of contamination.

Important! When buying, check with the seller what the thickness of the plate is and what class of water resistance it belongs to.

Liquid stone (acrylic)

Another option from which kitchen worktops are made. It is made of very fine mineral chips and acrylic resins.

Features:

• The design can have the most diverse form, without joints and seams. This table is perfect for the original design of the kitchen.
• The material is environmentally friendly, with a complete absence of pores, which means that the development of pathogenic bacteria is excluded.
• For all the time of operation, this design does not lose its color scheme and is not subject to fading.

The disadvantages of this countertop are that it:

• easily exposed to acidic detergents;
• quite difficult to install;
• It has a very low heat resistance.

Important! The components of such an installation are very expensive, like the countertop itself, so buying it or not is a personal choice for each consumer. When buying, it is recommended to ask for a warranty card on the countertop.

A natural stone

What have long been made of kitchen worktops? Of course, made of natural stone.

Features:

• Models of this material are resistant to abrasive detergents and the emergence of pathogenic bacteria.
• They are characterized by a high level of resistance to high temperature and excessive moisture.
• Such a design can serve for decades, while not losing its aesthetic appearance.

As for the minuses, this unit is very heavy in weight and cannot be repaired if damaged. The color scheme for such designs is limited.

Important! When purchasing a installation made of natural stone, do not forget to ask about the deposit of material and the certificate of quality. Some rocks are radioactive.

Wood

In stores you can find designs of oak, walnut and ash. Countertops made of this material give a very pleasant tactile sensation and a beautiful appearance. In addition, the installation can be periodically sanded and varnished in order to protect it from moisture and preserve its natural beauty. If the surface is not varnished, then soon it will deteriorate from high humidity. Such designs require timely and thorough care.

Important! When purchasing a kitchen unit made of such material, ask the seller about the wood species, specify which cleaning products are best to use.

Having familiarized yourself with several popular types of kitchen designs, you will simplify your task of choosing the best countertops for the kitchen.

to contents ↑

TOP 3 best materials for kitchen worktops

Arriving at a furniture store, at times, it can be very difficult to find a installation that is suitable in all respects, especially when it comes to kitchen furniture. After all, it is in this room that a person spends most of his free time.

With such a difficult task, the rating of countertops for the kitchen can help you. Consider the three most popular options for consumer reviews.

Ceramic tile

Despite its popularity, this type of countertop is not so common. When buying tiles, it is recommended to choose a glazed option, as this will facilitate the task of caring for it. The grout should be purchased dark, since light can be painted. In addition to color, you should not forget about moisture resistance.

Of the advantages of such tiles can be distinguished:

• wide selection of designs and sizes;
• resistance to high temperature and excessive moisture.
• the most important plus of countertops from this material is an affordable price.

But it is worth remembering that you need to be careful with the installation, since it is not resistant to mechanical damage.

Fake diamond

The surface of countertops made of such a material does not absorb paint, is resistant to shock and high temperature. Consumers say that artificial stone is stronger than natural stone, but it costs much less.

Important! If you decide to move, you can only transport such an installation in an upright position and very carefully. If damaged, it will not be repairable.

Stainless steel

Such installations are usually used by experienced chefs, but now they can be found in an ordinary apartment. They are long-term in use and very durable. They are not afraid of hot dishes and excessive moisture.

Their minus is that over time the steel dims and scratches can appear, but with careful care there is the opportunity to maintain a presentable appearance of the countertop.

to contents ↑

Some useful suggestions

Regardless of what material you will purchase a worktop from, you should consider several important tips from specialists:

• The countertop should match the kitchen set. It makes no sense to buy an installation made of expensive wood, if all the kitchen furniture is made of chipboard. Outwardly, it will look very ugly.
• Kitchen units made of natural stone perfectly fit into a spacious, bright kitchen.
• Despite what design you bought, always be present at its installation to be aware of all small details.
• Surfaces made from natural stones are very solid, dense, so the dishes should be laid on them very carefully.
• When buying a wooden structure, carefully inspect it for knots, cracks, stains.
• Inspect and touch the already installed structure, doing this with pieces of plates does not make any sense.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Given these few simple rules, you will have at least an initial idea when purchasing and choosing a particular kitchen installation. So - you can control the installation process so that it is really high quality.