How to choose the best countertop for the kitchen?

In the kitchen, everything should be practical, organic and functional. When equipping this room, it is important to pay due attention to absolutely all the components. An important role in the design of the kitchen set is played by the countertop. Its selection should be approached deliberately and responsibly, since it is this surface that takes on the main load. Today we will consider in detail how to choose the best countertops.

In the arrangement of the kitchen, nothing should go by the wayside. It is necessary to pay attention to even the smallest details in the setting. Many people underestimate the importance of choosing the perfect countertop for a kitchen unit. In fact, this element takes on impressive loads and is always involved in all the processes taking place in the kitchen, so you need to choose it very carefully.

Consider what should be the best countertop for a kitchen set.

• It is necessary to choose such options that will be as comfortable as possible and durable.
• Due attention should be paid to the material from which the countertops are made. It must be waterproof and moisture resistant, because in the kitchen there is always a high level of humidity. Avoid contact of countertops with water will not succeed, even if you really try.
• The countertop must be resistant to mechanical damage.Otherwise, it will quickly lose its presentation if it is accidentally touched by its sharp kitchen utensils.
• It is important to select such options for countertops that are not afraid of temperature changes and their high values, since in the kitchen such phenomena are normal.
• No less important is the design of countertops. They should be in harmony with the kitchen set, and with the whole atmosphere in the room as a whole. Otherwise, the interior will seem incomplete, disharmonious.
• It is advisable to choose such options for countertops that are simple and unpretentious in care.
• Worktops should be resistant to acids and dyes.
• It is worth giving preference to such products that can be subsequently repaired, if necessary.
• They should not contain hazardous and harmful chemicals that could harm the health of households.

Countertops for kitchen sets are made from various materials. We will get to know the most popular instances more closely and find out what their pros and cons are.

Budget options that are very common. Usually their design is stereotyped, unremarkable. This material has the following positive qualities.

• Affordable - products from it are widespread and cheap.
• Malleable in production.
• Presented in a huge range of colors. In addition, many well-known (and not so) brands produce countertops from chipboard.
• Typically, chipboard parts are installed quickly and easily. Even a person who has never dealt with such procedures can easily cope with this.

At the chipboard There are not only advantages, but also disadvantages. Get acquainted with them.

• This material is “afraid” of dyes and aggressive liquid formulations. It is not advisable to spill juices, wine, lemonades, coffee on such a countertop. Even tap water should not get on these surfaces. As a result, characteristic spots may appear.
• If water enters a poorly protected area of ​​the substrate, the material may eventually begin to swell.
• If you use worktops from chipboard constantly, over time they can lose color saturation in places where stains are constantly wiped or various kinds of abrasive compounds are used.
• LDSP can not boast of good heat resistance.
• In the manufacture of this material, formaldehyde resins are used that adversely affect human health. They are released if the chipboard is at high temperatures. You can find materials of classes E-1 or E-0 (there are less formaldehydes in them), but it will be difficult to do this, as well as make sure that the seller really offers you products from this particular raw material.
• The shelf life of the worktops from chipboard is not the longest - on average about 5 years.

More dense than chipboard. This material contains no hazardous formaldehydes.

We will analyze the main advantages of this material.

• MDF is inexpensive.
• It is made without the use of formaldehyde resins. Instead, lingin and paraffin are used.
• It is presented in a huge assortment. The colors are very different. MDF imitates well more expensive luxury materials.
• Resistant to fungi and harmful microorganisms.

And now we will consider what MDF has weaknesses.

• Weak resistance to acids and dyes. Over time, MDF can change color in areas where spots are actively rubbed.
• It does not have sufficient heat resistance.
• To strong blows MDF is unstable. If a heavy object falls on such a countertop, a dent will remain on the surface.
• If MDF has been in contact with water for a long time, material may begin to swell at the joints.

Many consumers looking for durable, practical and beautiful work surfaces, stop on artificial stone products. This material is available in two varieties:

• acrylic;
• agglomerate.

Acrylic designs can have absolutely any shape. Their production consists in bonding fine mineral chips and various color pigments with acrylic resin.

Consider the main advantages of acrylic.

• This is the perfect solution for intricate design ideas. Acrylic worktops look great in modern progressive interiors.
• Products from this material look stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
• Countertops are monolithic, do not have joints.
• The color scheme of acrylic countertops can amaze with its variety.
• It is an environmentally friendly and safe material.
• Over time, acrylic does not fade, does not lose its brightness.
• It has a “warm” effect in case of tactile contact.
• Acrylic is repairable.

The disadvantages of acrylic are as follows:

• it costs expensive;
• subject to external mechanical damage;
• susceptible to acid exposure, “afraid” of dyes;
• difficult to install;
• differs in low heat resistance;
• Acrylic countertops are made for a long time.

Consider what is good agglomerate (quartz):

• looks presentable;
• resistant to acids and coloring components;
• its color does not wear out, does not fade over time;
• hygienic and environmentally friendly;
• durable - lasts at least 10 years.

Agglomerate is a very practical material, but not without flaws:

• has a high cost;
• a small range of colors;
• joints on this material are clearly visible;
• practically unsuitable for repair;
• It has an impressive weight.

The basis of such countertops laid natural granite. These are some of the most wear-resistant and durable options. Let's analyze their advantages.

• Granite countertops look natural and rich.
• They are not afraid of moisture, moisture and acids. Thermal loads at all levels for granite countertops are not dangerous.
• Loss of color for such products is not terrible. They do not fade, are not subject to abrasion.
• It is a durable material that can last for decades.

As for the shortcomings, the following points can be attributed to them.

• Granite countertops are very expensive.
• The color scheme is poor, the joints are clearly visible.
• Powerful dyes granite countertops can absorb into their structure. They often remain irreducible spots.
• Such products weigh a lot.
• It will not be possible to repair granite countertops after severe damage.
• In rare cases, granite has a high radiation background.

Many manufacturers make high-quality and environmentally friendly countertops from solid wood. Most often, these products are made from rocks such as oak, walnut, ash, bamboo or iroko.

Here are the main advantages of such instances.

• Solid wood worktops have a beautiful and natural look. They bring cosiness and warmth to the interior of the kitchen. Differ in unique tactile sensations.
• If the wood is properly varnished and proper care is provided, it will not be afraid of contact with moisture.
• The cost of such products is average.
• The appearance of wooden models can be updated by resorting to polishing.

We will understand what disadvantages are at the countertops made of wood.

• Wood is not refractory, has a very low thermal resistance.
• Due to jumps in moisture indicators, the wood runs the risk of drying out or sagging.
• If moisture gets on poorly protected joints, the tree may begin to swell.
• Natural wood is afraid of acids and coloring components. Such countertops will require regular and thorough care.
• If wood worktops are often exposed to moisture and moisture, they will soon become the target of “attacks” of fungi and various microorganisms.

Chic natural material, ideal for the production of kitchen worktops. It has such advantages.

• It has an amazing appearance. Its texture is deep and unique. With such countertops, the kitchen will become truly luxurious.
• It keeps cool, which is especially useful in hot seasons.
• These products are reliable, durable.

But there are also disadvantages:

• marble is susceptible to coloring compounds;
• does not tolerate temperature jumps;
• it is not recommended to put hot objects on marble countertops;
• chips often form at the edges;
• marble countertops cost a tidy sum;
• their palette is more than limited;
• you need to regularly care for marble.

The countertop must have color suitable for the whole interior cuisine in general. The selected shade should not create disharmony in the setting. If kitchen cabinets are dark, then the countertop is better to choose light or even white. If the headset, on the contrary, is light, then the countertops can contrast with it and be dark (black options are allowed). With bright, colored kitchens, simple white or shaded work surfaces look interesting.

Worktops should harmoniously fit into the formed image of the kitchen. In restrained and discreet stylistic directions, the use of models from budget materials such as chipboard or plastic is allowed. If we are talking about modern trends - hi-tech or minimalism, then countertops made of glass, artificial stone or metal will be appropriate. It is desirable that the working surfaces in progressive interiors are concise, monophonic. The upper part of the product can be either glossy or matte.

In classical ensembles, countertops made of wood of natural origin will be successful. In a rustic country style, both wood and stone surfaces look good. If the kitchen interior is designed in expensive, fanciful directions (rococo, baroque), then the best solutions will be expensive stone, marble or granite countertops of high quality.

The best in quality are branded countertops. Consider a small rating of the most popular manufacturers producing quality products.

• Duropal. The homeland of this brand is Germany. Duroral countertops are famous for their impeccable quality and the presence of a special groove-drop eliminator. German products are made from safe materials that are not subject to mechanical damage.

• DuPont Montelli. The next well-known company in our review is from Italy. Products of this production, made of artificial stone, have one feature - they are flexible, which positively affects their mechanical characteristics.

• Dekton. Spanish brand producing high-quality countertops. The manufacturer makes models of different colors from durable and wear-resistant materials.

• "Scythian". A well-known factory in Russia that produces high-quality kitchen worktops that are not subject to abrasion, mechanical damage, moisture or sunlight. The design of Skif products is also attractive.

In choosing kitchen worktops, you should adhere to the recommendations of specialists.

• If you select countertops made of natural or artificial stone, it must be borne in mind that their surfaces are characterized by increased hardness. This should be remembered when placing dishes on the countertops.
• Matte surfaces of countertops are more practical than glossy.
• Before buying, it is worth getting to know the storefront option to find out what it is in terms of tactile sensations.
• If the products are made of MDF or chipboard, it is better to pick them up light, because these materials will fade over time and against a dark background it will be much more noticeable.
• If you want to choose gorgeous stone countertops, you should consider the quadrature of the kitchen. In a small room, such products will not look. They should be used in spacious kitchens.
• Selecting models made from natural wood, it is necessary to choose a piece of wood.

See how to choose the right countertop for your kitchen in the next video.