What countertop to choose for the kitchen?
The dwelling of each individual person reflects its essence, tastes, preferences and financial position. Everyone wants to improve the house, make a beautiful repair, furnish it with furniture so that, returning home, feel comfortable and cozy. One of the very popular places in every home is the kitchen, where families gather for daily breakfasts and dinners, often greet guests and have tea parties.
Modern kitchen set is so diverse that to choose the best option for themselves, combining the price and quality quite easily.
Countertop - the working surface of the dining, work tables and kitchen sinks, it can be made as a separate, under each locker individually, or as a solid option, covering the entire lower suite of kitchen furniture. The continuous option, of course, is more convenient and practical to use, most reliably protects the side walls of the furniture, there are no joints of the working surface. Much easier to clean and maintain. But how to choose a tabletop ordinary, not aware of all the subtleties and nuances of the citizen?
Content
- 1 Varieties of countertops, their main characteristics
- 2 How to determine the color of the tabletop?
- 3 So which kitchen countertop is better?
- 4 Popular kitchen worktop design
- 5 Wooden countertops: natural and environmentally friendly
- 6 Laminated countertops: cheap and decorative
- 7 MDF worktops: eco-friendly and beautiful
- 8 Acrylic Kitchen Countertops: Non-standard Solution
- 9 Sinter tabletops: imitation of naturalness
- 10 Glass tops: originality and creativity
- 11 VIDEO: Designer kitchen countertops.
- 12 Modern kitchen countertops - 50 photo ideas:
Varieties of countertops, their main characteristics
The market of the furniture segment offers a rather impressive range of varieties of table tops, but the following options are considered the most popular.
- From chipboard - new technology of chipboard processing by color lamination practically breathed new life into it, significantly expanding the scope of use of this material. As for the countertops, it will probably be the best option for the budget repair. It is inexpensive, has an attractive appearance, though it is very afraid of scratches, mechanical damage (moisture can penetrate). In addition, the color may fade, which significantly reduces the period of its attractiveness.
- From MDF - a standing and high-quality option, unlike a chipboard, the MDF worktop is sufficiently resistant to various mechanical effects, to moisture. This material is recognized as environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.
- From natural solid wood - attractive in appearance, environmentally friendly, time is quite demanding and difficult to maintain. There are traces of moisture, hot shocks and cuts on the tree. However, the tree can accumulate various bacteria that easily penetrate into its pores.
- From agglomerate - this material is a subspecies of an artificial stone made of marble, quartz or granite chips and adhesive. Such a table top looks expensive, but the price is quite affordable. The agglomerate is resistant to various aggressive effects, moisture, hot and shock.
- From granite - the material is not just hardy. Resistance to any, except mechanical effects and durability is amazing. He is not afraid of fire or water. The color of granite is diverse, as a rule, the most common colors are red, green and black.
- From marble - this truly exquisite material is capable of falling in love at first sight. Marble - means luxury, wealth and the owner of a refined taste. The material is very demanding to care, does not tolerate mechanical damage (shocks) and is not heat resistant, but copes with moisture, and its color does not fade. This option is great for spacious, roomy kitchens.
- From ceramic tiles - such countertops are considered simple and comfortable, moisture-resistant (except for joints), heat-resistant and impact-resistant. But the joints will absorb water, the cost of the tile is tall.
- From acrylic - it contains acrylic resin, colored pigments and mineral chips, the material is amazingly attractive and easy to clean, but it is afraid of shocks and hot.
- Stainless steel - galvanized steel countertops are able to serve almost forever. There are a lot of variants of such products; it can have a mirror, matte and other types of surface. This material can be described in one word - wear-resistant, it is not afraid of absolutely nothing. It may, of course, over time, lose a little shine or gloss, but with proper care this will not happen.
How to determine the color of the tabletop?
If the kitchen is made in a particular design style, then it is necessary to adhere to it in the choice of countertops.
- Style "Provence" and "Country" - represent a rustic style, which involves the use of all natural and light.
- "Classic" - says about the need for the presence in the interior of the kitchen tree (or MDF) dark, brown or beige tones.
- "Minimalism" - is characterized by the presence of calm tones, clear smooth lines, brilliance.
- "Hi-tech" - implies the presence of the primary color and another one contrasting with it.
If the design of the kitchen did not adhere to any design styles, or used a few, then, speaking of the combination of colors when choosing countertops, one should proceed from the color of the kitchen set and its material.
As for the material of kitchen furniture, it must first of all withstand the weight of the working surface and be combined with each other (wood - wood, MDF, stone, glass, etc.). TDark colors are best purchased from granite and other natural materials.
So which kitchen countertop is better?
If it does not work out to decide on the material of the tabletop, you should choose it, based on the following criteria:
- It must harmoniously fit into the interior of the kitchen;
- Provide reliable protection to the lower cabinets of the headset;
- To be resistant to moisture, heat, mechanical damage, the effects of household chemicals and do not absorb odors;
- Do not contain toxic substances;
- Just be cleaned from stains, dirt;
- Do not lose the attractive appearance.
Based on your financial position and capabilities, you should naturally choose natural materials of the working surface, as they most closely meet the above criteria and are very durable.Considering the design or design of the kitchen and the working surface itself, it is necessary to give preference to those species that will harmoniously fit into the overall interior without standing out from it and not violating its integrity.
Making the choice of countertops for the kitchen, it is worth noting that it can be of almost any shape and size, since it is almost always made to order. It is necessary to qualitatively carry out measurements, indicate the required thickness and color of the product. In order to imagine, or so to say, “try on” one or another version of the table top, you can buy a small piece of it and try on it in your kitchen “live”. This is especially true for expensive materials, because paying for marble, which simply will not look exactly in your interior, is also not entirely pleasant and justified.
Popular kitchen worktop design
Among the incredible range and types of tabletops to determine its order is quite difficult. Some models can be solid, some pieces, while others are able to have the most complex geometric shapes and almost any color. The design of the tabletops simply does not have limitations and limits.
Wooden countertops: natural and environmentally friendly
Wood tops are rightfully high in popularity and frequency of use. Since this material is amenable to repair, has many advantages and has the ability to restore its original appearance, it deserved its relevance. Wood is beautiful and natural, and if you also combine it with stone or other natural elements, you can transform your kitchen so much that you want to spend time on it just for hours. Although the tree has small flaws, they are fully compensated by the advantages.
Laminated countertops: cheap and decorative
Of course, laminated work surfaces are tempting and beautiful, bright brilliant colors catch your eye instantly. Due to its availability, it is used very often. It is desirable to observe such a rule, giving preference to this material - the material of the kitchen set should also be not expensive, so that between them there is price and external harmony.If you do not have a large financial capacity, then this is quite a budget view for you. Do not worry about the fact that it will quickly become worthless, it depends on how to use and how to care.
MDF worktops: eco-friendly and beautiful
Anyone can afford such an option, although it is a bit more expensive than a particle board, it is definitely more environmentally friendly and durable. MDF is in great demand, because it really has many positive qualities. The color palette allows you to choose almost any tone or color of the working surface in order to maximize your favorite kitchen, bring freshness and novelty to it.
Acrylic Kitchen Countertops: Non-standard Solution
Choosing acrylic as a working surface, especially if its shape is assumed to be non-standard, this will be the most appropriate option. Thanks to the technology of production of acrylic, you can easily give any shape and shades, and this in the absence of any joints, seams and loss of strength. In addition, pores are completely absent in this surface, and therefore harmful pathogenic bacteria cannot be found there. It is not erased, does not lose color and shine, in general, a great option for those who can afford it.
Sinter tabletops: imitation of naturalness
Since the composition of this material consists of a crumb of natural stones, its strength is almost the same. It is extremely hardy, beautiful and durable. It looks rich, it is very difficult to distinguish it from a real stone. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly, not afraid of chemistry, heat and moisture, does not lose color and external data. Unlike natural stone, the cost of sinter is an order of magnitude lower, which significantly expands the range of its consumers.
Glass tops: originality and creativity
Glass itself is unusually versatile, especially its high impact models. Glass can be trimmed with special stickers, painting and even with various compositions of flowers, pebbles, shells and other decorative elements located both inside and on the bottom. Moreover, if there is no need to save, you should order a thick, impact-resistant glass (naturally, taking into account the maximum allowed load on the furniture), then it will look spectacular, and serve an incredibly long period.
Many types of tabletops give a chance for a flight of fancy and satisfaction of the most creative and extraordinary ideas, both designers and ordinary citizens. It can finish not only the lower kitchen cabinets, but also coffee tables, kitchen aprons, dining tables and even window sills. The scope of its application is so wide that it is limited, perhaps, only to the fantasy and needs of people.
VIDEO: Designer kitchen countertops.