Laminated countertop: features, advantages and disadvantages

The top is called a surface that covers the top of the kitchen cabinet cupboards. Strictly speaking, the table top is the working plane for each hostess. That is why it is necessary to choose for yourself a functional and strong surface, which, at the same time, will be beautiful and attractive externally. Laminated countertops for the kitchen are very popular lately. This option is economical - the price of this top is not high, and the performance is quite acceptable.

What is the table top

Kitchen set is not only the main assistant in the kitchen, but also an ornament, as well as the pride of any mistress. The facade and table top play a big role, as they should be practical and, what's there, just like the cook.

Most often, the countertop is a monolithic plate, which is attached to the floor cabinets. But sometimes the plate can consist of several parts. The thickness of the table top varies - on average, it is 2 to 7 cm. Everything depends on what material it is made of and, of course, on the wishes of the owners. The width and length of the top corresponds to the size of the cabinets. But, the table top can either strictly cover the cabinets, or slightly protrude beyond the furniture.

What does the table top consist of? First of all, from the foundation. In this case, common plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, etc. are often the basis. But the lining of these bases is all sorts of materials that bring variety to the appearance of the tops.

Previously, all the surfaces of the kitchen were made of wood, on top of which the oilcloth was lined. But today the oilcloth is considered "yesterday" and all surfaces are open for viewing, that's why the housewives are trying to transform the kitchen.

At one time, the popular design of the kitchen was plastic countertops, but they are by nature short-lived. Today, the choice for tops is huge. Facing can be expensive natural materials, like wood, malachite, marble, granite. And you can use modern materials - they are cheaper and simpler, such, for example, as acrylic, laminate, metal.

Today, tabletops, laminated with plastic are very popular today - it's practical, fresh and inexpensive. The last point, by the way, is sometimes decisive for many of us.

What should the

countertop look like The most convenient thing is to have a solid tabletop - it's a pleasure to work and look after it! In addition, the fewer joints and joints, the richer and monolithic the kitchen set and the room itself looks.

Basically, one of the main advantages of a countertop is the competent combination of a plate( gas or electric - not so important) and a sink. In addition, the table top performs often the role of an assistant, since additional technology is being built here, like a fryer, and sometimes even a hood.

But the most basic mission of the countertop is the desktop, so the appearance and the material from which this element is tailored must meet high requirements. Among them:

1. Water resistance. Worktops should not absorb water, on the contrary, they must protect the substrate( and all the insides) from moisture: leaks, leakage, etc.
2. Strength. Worktops should be highly resistant to various mechanical effects: hot dishes, careless handling of knives, bumps, etc. All this should not leave at least some visible traces.
3. Quick cleaning. Worktops should not only be quickly cleaned of various contaminants, but also have resistance to the use of various detergents( including aggressive ones).Imagine if the table top darkens or brightens after using a chemical cleaner for cleaning kitchen surfaces.

In addition, the table top itself should fit the style in which the kitchen is made. It is worth noting that there are surfaces that can be used with only one style.

For example, if you use high-tech style in the kitchen, then the countertop must be selected metal, as all other materials will look unnatural and even superfluous. But if the style of the country kitchen or classic, then the table top should be wooden - this is the most win-win option. For the classic and modern cuisine, the countertop made of stone will also look original - it looks rich. In modern kitchens, the laminated table top looks great. It can be adapted to different conditions.

Laminated worktops

Worktop made of particleboard, laminated with plastic

Worktops made of chipboard and topped with laminate - the most popular today elements for the kitchen. They have a lot of merits, which made them confident leaders among kitchen countertops. What do you need to know about these tops?

1. Laminated countertops have a lot of strength, because even if they fall from a great height, they still remain targets and in normal form. The maximum "trouble" threatens to finish: there will be a couple of scratches or a small dent.
2. The chipboard itself is not a moisture-resistant material, but modern impregnations work wonders: thanks to these tools, the kitchen countertops have an amazing water-repellent ability.
3. The worktops from chipboard can last very long - you just need to choose the right coating for the top.
4. Basically, chipboard for countertops is covered with a special laminate, which has a second name - HPL-plastic.
5. The laminate is applied to the chipboard using a method such as postforming.
6. Thanks to postforming, the laminate becomes heat-resistant and resistant to external mechanical damage( bumps, cuts, scratches, etc.).
7. Laminate protects the chipboard reliably from various nuances that can arise during the use of such a table top.
8. The worktops made of particle board, covered with plastic on top, are not seamless, but if the work is done by professionals, then the seams of the specific field are almost invisible.
9. Laminated countertops are very important finishing of the ends - this will prolong their life, since the chipboard will have a reliable protection against moisture.
10. Edge finishing is performed using the same plastic that was used to finish the countertop, although this is not the best solution. Some manufacturers switched to improved protection of the edge and end - acrylic, polypropylene, steel, wood. True, such a table top will cost a little more.
11. If a sink or cooker is built in the countertop( so-called "hob"), it is necessary to use a sealant - it will protect the chipboard in addition to moisture.

Table tops made of laminated MDF

Such table tops are made much less often than from chipboard.

1. The difference between MDF and chipboard is that wood fibers are used for the production of MDF, and wood chips are used for chipboard production.
2. If the EAF is considered not too environmentally friendly material, since the chips are bonded with formaldehyde resins, then this material can release formaldehyde vapor. This is harmful for the human body, and especially for the child. But for the production of MDF wood fibers are combined with paraffin and lingine, which is much safer for a person who works with such a table top. This is the only difference between these two building materials. In the rest they are identical and have the same advantages of disadvantages.
3. The price of a laminated countertop from MDF is slightly higher than its counterpart from chipboard. Since during operation it is difficult to see the difference between these two table tops, then choosing your work surface in the kitchen, consult only with your wallet.

Advantages and disadvantages of

laminate worktops

1. Laminated countertops can be any colors and sizes, so the choice depends on the individual wishes of the owners.
2. The advantage of a laminated worktop is that its design can be very diverse. For example, the top surface can imitate a natural tree or stone, leather or metal. The worktop can have a variety of designs or prints. Of course, that to natural originals such tops are far away, but the similarity is sometimes striking - especially wood is coming to fame.
3. Light laminated countertops may lose their appearance with time, for example, after a certain number of years spots may appear - they will be difficult to wash off, which will give the tops an ugly appearance. Of course, as dark surfaces may appear dark spots, but on a light background they will be much more noticeable. Moreover, it will catch your eye if the countertop is solid. On functional duties this will not affect - only the appearance. Experts advise that the laminated worktop has served for many years without replacement, pay attention to the dark( but not black!) Option, which has a neutral color or simulates natural materials: marble, wood, stone.
4. Sharp objects can leave marks on the laminated table top, so cutting something with a knife on it is still not advisable. Not the fact that the scratches will remain immediately after the first oversight, it is rather a matter of time.
5. The laminated worktop is "insensitive" to hot. On it you can put pots and plates with hot food, but immediately remove from the fire and put hot pans still not worth it. Do not test the strength of the surface - this can lead to its unfit state.
6. If your kitchen is often prepared and a lot, choose a matte worktop - experts say that this choice will help preserve the surface in the ideal condition for as long as possible. The fact is that the glossy surface is more susceptible to mechanical damage.
7. In order to keep the laminate top as long as possible, use special boards for cutting meat, slicing vegetables and bread - this will preserve and prolong the life of the countertop.
8. If you are conducting all the kitchen work directly on the countertop, choose a light, solid and matte surface.
9. Deep scratches of the laminated worktop can lead to internal damage to the chipboard or MDF, which swells and deforms from moisture.
10. Standard laminated countertops have a certain size - "we" have a thickness of 28 mm, and in Europe - 38 mm. But private firms can offer a wide variety of options, if you agree, then the table top you can have a thickness of 50 mm.
11. The 38 cm thick countertop is ideal for incorporating hobs in it( especially imported ones).
12. If you want to extend the life of laminated worktops, it is necessary to process the edge and ends of the product. This should be dealt with by manufacturing companies, but in the event that such a service is not provided for or you do not know what kind of tool was processed( and if it was at all), then you'd better do all the work yourself.
13. Choose and buy laminated worktops only from trusted manufacturers who have positive reviews and give a guarantee on their products.
14. Often, manufacturers offer other tops along with the top, for example, an apron. Remember that modern designers assure that the apron should not approach the table top in style, color and texture. It is best if it is combined with the floor, curtains or facades of the kitchen wall. If you are an adherent of the classics or are afraid that the appearance of the kitchen will be designed by you incorrectly, then do not experiment - make the countertop and apron in the old fashioned manner of the same color.
15. Remember that laminated worktops are afraid of vinegar - stains from this liquid can stay on the surface forever. Given such features of the countertop, it is not necessary to process it with all sorts of means that can be aggressive to this surface. Especially cautiously refer to those tools that are not generally adapted to cleaning the countertops.

Laminated countertops. Photos of

Laminated countertops.

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