Choosing a countertop for the kitchen

The kitchen is an integral part of any house or apartment, so it needs to be furnished as conveniently and comfortably as possible. Choosing the right kitchen countertop allows you to choose the best option that will last a very long time.

countertop for kitchen
Choosing the right countertop is incredibly important. She will serve for many years and can decorate the kitchen, becoming its centerpiece.

Consider models of kitchen tables from various materials, various shapes and sizes.

How to choose a kitchen countertop

In order to make the right choice, you need to decide on the main characteristics, features and functionality of a particular model.

choice of countertops
To find the perfect countertop for your kitchen, you should carefully study the characteristics and features of a particular model.

By material

Kitchen countertops are made from a variety of materials that differ in properties, composition and characteristics. It can be: laminated chipboard with plastic, laminated MDF HPL, artificial or natural stone, wood, ceramics, steel, glass and others.

Many are interested in the question of which countertop is better than plastic or artificial stone, but it is worth studying the whole range of materials.

kitchen countertop material
A wide variety of materials are used to make kitchen countertops today.

Let's take a closer look.

Chipboard laminated with plastic

The advantages are low price, a huge range of colors and shapes, easy installation. The disadvantages include a short operational period due to the inability to resist aggressive environments, the surface begins to bubble from moisture, a hot pan cannot be placed on the surface, as traces will remain, it is easily deformed and loses its color. In addition, chipboard contains formaldehyde resin, which is harmful to humans.

laminated chipboard worktops
Laminated chipboard countertops are not expensive, they look good, but, alas, they will not last long.

MFD, HPL laminated

It has a low cost, no harmful resins in its composition, a large assortment of colors and shapes. In addition, MDF does not lend itself to the harmful effects of fungi and harmful microorganisms. But, under the influence of acids, high temperatures, excessive moisture or strong physical influence, it begins to deteriorate.

MFD countertops
Tabletops made of such material are attractive for their low cost, while they do not tolerate high temperatures poorly.

Artificial acrylic stone

It consists of dyes, acrylic chips and acrylic resin. Absolutely any shape can be made from such material. It is durable and safe for human health; if necessary, repairs can be made without problems. The disadvantages are very high price, susceptibility to physical damage, lack of resistance to high temperatures. In addition, the manufacturing process is very complicated and time-consuming, and it is also very difficult to install such a tabletop.

acrylic countertop
Acrylic countertops are durable enough and absolutely safe for human health.

Quartz Artificial Stone

Externally, the countertop strongly resembles natural stone, does not fade over time. The material does not deteriorate under the influence of acids, high temperatures. The service life is long enough, and it is also completely safe for humans. The disadvantages are a very high price, a small variety of shades, a lot of weight. It is impossible to carry out repairs on your own, all joints and connections are clearly visible that spoil the external picture.

quartz countertop
A product made from this artificial stone can be quite expensive.

A natural stone

Natural material has many advantages: resistance to high humidity, does not lose color over time, is absolutely safe for humans (with the exception of granite, which can emit radiation). But there are also disadvantages: high price, the choice of colors is very limited, seams and joints are visible, very heavy weight.

natural stone countertop
Despite all the shortcomings, natural stone countertops are very beautiful and original.

Wood

Quite popular due to its attractive appearance, easy maintenance and low price. But there are also significant advantages: it deteriorates under the influence of high temperatures, humidity, acids.

table top made of wood
Such a tabletop, alas, will not withstand long exposure to moisture and high temperatures.

Ceramics

Usually ceramic tiles are attached on top of a chipboard board. This tabletop is resistant to high temperatures and moisture. A huge assortment of shapes and colors, and an attractive price. But it must be borne in mind that the seams between the tiles must be regularly cleaned and treated with an anti-fungal agent.

Ceramic worktop
The ceramic worktop is resistant to moisture and high temperatures.

Steel

An interesting design solution. Maintenance of such a structure is very simple, it does not deteriorate under the influence of aggressive environments. When processing with an anti-corrosion coating, you can not be afraid of rust. But this tabletop is not suitable for all interiors.

table top made of steel
With proper processing, such a tabletop is not afraid of environmental influences.

Glass

It has a huge number of advantages: resistance to high temperatures, moisture, acids, easy maintenance. The cost of this design is quite high. When choosing materials, you need to rely on personal preferences and on the interior of the kitchen.

glass top
Glass table tops for tables are original, resistant to high temperatures, moisture and acids.

By size

After choosing the material, you should pay attention to the size of the structure. You will have to work with this surface every day, so you should choose the most convenient and comfortable one, take up not much space and do not interfere with access to other parts of the headset.

countertop size
The worktop should not block access to other parts of the kitchen.

First of all, you should pay attention to the height of the structure. It will depend on the height of the person who will use it. It is recommended to choose a worktop with a height of 85 to 95 centimeters. The width of the table should be approximately 60 centimeters for a medium sized kitchen.
countertop height in the kitchen
Countertops up to 90 cm high are considered optimal.

By quality

First of all, you need to pay attention to the quality of the countertop. So, it must meet the following criteria:

  • resistance to moisture;
  • inability to deform with physical and chemical stress;
  • ease of care;
  • appearance;
  • the ability to independently carry out repairs;
  • lack of harmful impurities.

quality kitchen countertop
How long the countertop will last depends on how well the countertop is made.

Pay attention to the evenness of the coating, there should be no chips or cracks. All parts must be securely fastened together. You should also pay attention to the processing of ends, sharp corners and protrusions.
how to choose a countertop
There should be no cracks or chips on the coating.

By design

It is also worth relying on the appearance of the structure. The worktop should be suitable for the overall environment and the interior of the kitchen; you need to observe the color palette and the combination of elements.

designer kitchen countertop
When choosing a countertop, the interior and general style of the kitchen must be taken into account.

Some materials, such as metal or natural stone, are not always suitable. When choosing a shade, it is recommended to give preference to discreet colors.

From manufacturers, you can most often find the following design performance, depending on the shade: white, beige, brown, gray, black, with specks. Natural materials look more noble and attractive: wood, stone. The varnished wood is suitable for almost any interior.

wood-like countertop
The wood worktop fits well with almost any kitchen interior.

Reliable and best kitchen countertops

From which manufacturer is it best to choose a countertop so as not to be mistaken? Consider the top of the most popular ones.

Slotex Premium

These are premium countertops that are artfully decorated and have reasonably good performance. It is made of high quality plastic, which is created using modern technology.

acrylic top from Slotex Premium
These countertops are considered a premium product.

The tabletop does not lend itself to the adverse effects of moisture, high temperatures. The plastic is covered with a special protective coating that prevents it from collapsing. Its thickness is 0.4 meters.

Egger

A large assortment of worktops that perfectly complement the interior of the kitchen. The company manufactures products from metal, concrete, stone, ceramics, etc. they are quite durable and reliable, easy to maintain.

countertops from Egger
Such countertops easily complement the design set in the kitchen.

Stone Hand

The manufacturer uses various materials and processing methods, modern equipment. A large number of models are presented from artificial stone and glass. Such countertops may not suit everyone, but it is worth considering this manufacturer.

kitchen countertop from stone hand
Countertops from this manufacturer are not suitable for every kitchen.

Tristone

A Korean company that produces acrylic artificial stone countertops. The product quality is at a very high level, with a wide range of colors and patterns. The cost of such products is quite affordable.

kitchen countertop from Tristone
Tristone countertops are Korean-made products of high quality.

Kronospan Shining Stone SQ

This is a wide glossy black table with specks. High quality artificial stone is used in the manufacture.

stoleshnica na kuhnyu ot Kronospan Siyayuschii Kamen SQ
Such countertops look unusual and give the kitchen a certain exclusivity.

SQ Kronospan marble

A shiny table that looks like natural marble. A large number of colors are presented: pink, gray, beige, brown and more. Perfect for a strict minimalist kitchen design.

marble kitchen countertop SQ Kronospan
Kronospan marble countertops always look great and are suitable for minimalist kitchen designs.

Hanex Duo

Artificial acrylic stone is used in the manufacture. Country of origin - South Korea. The color palette is wide enough: white, black, gold, pink and other shades. The material is quite flexible, which allows you to give it absolutely any shape.

kitchen countertop by Hanex Duo
This manufacturer makes countertops in various colors from artificial acrylic stone.

The countertop is an essential piece of furniture in the kitchen. Therefore, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to choosing a suitable model. Consider as many options as possible in order to choose the best one.

Video: how to choose a kitchen countertop and what materials to give preference to

Photo of countertops from various materials in the kitchen interior

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