Countertops in the kitchen: functional and practical surface

Any modern kitchen is a part of the countertop. This is the main working area, on which the cooking. Therefore, it should be durable and reliable. Another important factor is the exterior design. About that, what materials can be manufactured countertops in the kitchen, what are the characteristics of their operation, can be found in the proposed article.

Materials for the tops: the diversity of species used

Continuous development and improvement of material processing technologies allow the use for the manufacture of countertops more and more of their species. The advent of more modern compositions does not mean reduction of operational qualities, but rather the contrary. On the basis of the usual kitchen chipboard appear more durable coating, natural polished surfaces, they are applied to gloss, haze is attached.

The use of new materials for countertops also contributes to the pursuit of sustainability. Expanding the use of natural compounds, improved processing synthetic materials and aimed at minimizing the total exclusion of harmful emissions.

The primary materials used for the manufacture of kitchen worktops are:

• solid wood;
• wood products;
• plastic;
• glass;
• metal;
• a rock;
• ceramic tile;
• concrete.

Wooden kitchen worktops can be produced as a whole array, and by bonding the treated boards. Among the wood-based materials is leading DSP. A variety of options for countertops laminated chipboard (laminated chipboard) allow you to select the surface for any interior. The plastic in the manufacture of table tops may be used both as coating and as a separate element.

Tempered glass is used, it can have a decorative treatment. As the metal used for kitchen furniture thin steel, which is covered by base working surface. Currently quite popular stone products - natural or artificial. Concrete countertops are not a model of mass production, but who want to install this variant is growing. It is gaining popularity and coverage of ceramic tile countertops.

Quality, time-tested: wood countertops for the kitchen

Wood - the oldest material used for making furniture. To date, he has not lost its significance, changed, and improved methods of processing only. Therefore, it is actively used for the production of kitchen worktops. The main distinguishing features of wood as a material for furniture are:

1. The availability of treatment. Countertops made of wood easily into any shape. It is possible to preserve the natural colors and texture, coated with a protective, tinting compositions.
2. Environmentally friendly. Even evolved under certain conditions (e.g., by heating) harmful substances individual trees become completely safe after treatment.
3. Quite a high wear resistance. Made of solid countertops can be operated for decades.
4. Refurbishment of the opportunity. Cleared damaged or lost aesthetics topsheet wooden surface and the coating is updated.

For the manufacture of countertops use different tree species. The most affordable, simple to process - pine and ash. The main disadvantage of these tree species - soft structure. Even due to minor mechanical effects on the surface of the dents left. Higher strength characterized oak, walnut, cherry. Countertops made of such material is more difficult to handle, are much more expensive.

Important!Softwoods are less prone to cracking than solid.

In the manufacture of wooden kitchen worktops on its surface a protective coating is required to be applied - varnish or oil. Varnishes less heat-resistant, the coating is easily damaged. Oil compositions reliably protected from moisture, retain the natural structure, but require periodic updating.

Countertops made of chipboard and MDF: good functionality and the addition of interior

The most common for the manufacture of tabletops are wood materials. They consist of wood wastes (sawdust or chips) and additional compounds. By mixing, pressing and bonding the above components are made slab. CPD - chipboard, MDF is sawdust. In the manufacture of kitchen worktops MDF and chipboard worktops laminated apply their views. The process of lamination plates as follows:

• paper impregnated with resins in special dryers, by printing it bears structural pattern;
• Paper prepared film is superimposed on the ideal surface of the sheet;
• via press resins bind to the surface of the wood material (cold process);
• paper is heated and fixed to the surface of the sheet by nip rollers (hot method).

When lamination is used three kinds of paper: a base (density 150 g / m²), the coating monochromatic or patterned (density up to 170 g / m²) and a protective, transparent (density of 40 g / m²). This technology provides worktops wood material high performance and aesthetic qualities:

• moisture resistance;
• the relative thermal stability;
• decorative.

Sections tops of similar material hermetically sealed, thus preventing moisture penetration and release of harmful substances.

With a variety of colors, patterns and structure surfaces, tabletops chipboard and MDF are hereby interior decoration. White kitchen with brown counter top combines the rigor and luxury simultaneously. The dark color of the work surface hides traces of pollution and emphasizes crystal clear white facades. Under simulated natural wood surface gloss favorably shades of light green facade. Among a variety of countertops made of laminated wood panels, you can always find an interesting option to create the desired interior of kitchen.

High performance worktop postforming

Postforming - a modern method of processing sheets of particle board and MDF. Products made from such material are the cheapest in the segment. To understand how to select the countertop for the kitchen of quality, it is necessary to obtain information about the features of the coating. In the furniture catalogs a lot of kitchen furniture with work surfaces under the skin, calico, simulating stone, wood and so on. D. Such decorative effects and allows for postforming. The method involves applying to the surface of the wallboard of the following materials:

• kraft paper (contact directly with the base);
• decorative plastic (superimposed on the paper);
• acrylic and melamine (upper protective layer).

The basis of the process - heating the plastic to a temperature of 220 ° C. The technology is considered to be inexpensive and simple, providing products, processed by this method, the following positive features:

• high levels of moisture and heat resistance;
• strength;
• wide possibilities design processing;
• low price.

Useful advice! When buying postforming countertops should carefully examine the integrity of the coating, particularly the end portions. The chips and cracks will fall moisture gradually destroying the integrity of the bases of the working surface.

Among the low-cost option of artificial materials with surface treatment are the best postforming worktops for the kitchen. They combine perfectly with both the facades of wood-based panels, and with a more presentable - wood. Surfaces such countertops have been therefore easy to clean, even without adding special means.

Interior fashion stone countertops for the kitchen

Natural stone can decorate any room. It is no exception and kitchen. The steadily growing interest in the stone countertops - are more a fashion statement and a manifestation of the desire for environmental friendliness.

The material has a considerable weight, is quite complicated to handle. In the manufacture of kitchen furniture arrangement is used for horizontal work surfaces. For stone worktops for the kitchen to meet the following requirements:

• durability (Falling metal objects from it should not be split off pieces);
• smooth surface (rough structure complicates the cleaning process contributes to the accumulation in the recesses food residue);
• non-porous structure (pore promote penetration of liquid);
• aesthetic treatment.

Related article:

Dimensions countertops for the kitchen: the priority of ergonomics and rationality

Height length Width. Standard dimensions. Material manufacturing of working surfaces. Corner countertops for a small kitchen. Evrozapil.

As a natural material for countertops in granite and marble is mainly used. granite strength can not be questioned, the surface can not be scratched or split off. This material has nice colors and interesting texture. Granite processing complex and expensive, so the price of finished goods significant. Split granite slab countertops possible. If this should happen, it is not subject to repair - only replacement.

Useful advice!It is not necessary to purchase granite worktops those who have a need for frequent changes in the interior. The operational period of the product has several decades.

Very popular are made of artificial stone countertops. In terms of such a working surface size has advantages: does not depend on the size of the slab. Color countertops for the kitchen of this type also are varied, allowing you to choose a more suitable option for the interior.

Two basic material used for manufacturing countertops:

1. Acrylic Stone. Non-toxic, does not absorb odors, water-resistant, heat resistant.
2. Quartz agglomerate. Has a monolithic structure does not react to a hostile environment, heat-resistant.

The performance characteristics of these materials have many similarities, the differences are insignificant. Quartz surface may be either smooth glossy and opaque, even rough. Acryl is more characteristic luster.

Mistress among the best: marble countertop

Among the natural materials for the manufacture of countertops marble occupies a special place. It is possible to drill, sharpen, cut, chisel work on it without fear of splitting. This combination of tenderness and firmness, pure white and bright yellow, red shades.

However, marble countertops is easy to damage the chemical composition. On it there are traces of coffee stains from wine, berries, if not removed in time. The roughness of the upper surface make it difficult to care for such a work surface. For those who most appreciate the design aesthetic component, these features will not be a problem. Cutting and slicing boards exist. Contaminated vegetables or berries colorants can be spread on paper towels and the like. D.

Such inappropriate cooking element beside the simple embodiment of furniture chipboard or plastics. If selected marble worktop for the kitchen, the dining table surface should be made of the same material or from another skillfully matched designer. This stone should be in the way "of the furniture frame."

Marble does not tolerate the neighborhood with other stone products. It is better to install the hob from keramostekla, matte sink having a calm and tabletop-contrast color.

Countertops made of tiles as an alternative to stone surfaces

A good alternative to a stone countertop work surface, laid with ceramic tiles. Material availability, a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, the ability to run their own hands make these countertops are increasingly popular. Ceramic coating for countertops meets all basic requirements for such surfaces, it is characterized by:

• waterproof;
• thermal stability;
• crashworthiness.

Tile is easy to clean, does not absorb odors, resists the penetration of natural coloring liquids. This coating can be performed independently by arranging a flat base for laying. The important point is the choice. In addition to compliance with design requirements, should pay attention to such indicators:

1. The structure of the outer cover. The most acceptable smooth surface, bulges and cavities interfere comfort. Glossy tabletop much noticeable stains.
2. The dimensions of the tiles. It should optimally be laid on the table. Part number or slightly reduced size portion rings may lead to a significant reduction aesthetics.
3. The quality of the material. The table top is operated very intensively, it is better not to save money and purchase the tiles of granite or other material with similar performance characteristics.

Useful advice!Given that the basis on which the tiles will be laid, made of particle board or plywood, you must acquire the means for sealing seams, providing reliable moisture barrier. Otherwise, it may swell the wood stove.

The monolithic kitchen: aesthetics and long service life

In evaluating the quality characteristics of table tops, even stone, special attention is paid to the seams. On them it depends not only aesthetic, but also in most cases life. The main indicator - the tightness. Monolithic dishes embodiment avoids the problems of moisture, grease and food residues between the wall and the top and in the wash zone, as virtually has no seams. Coating walls called "apron", countertop sink and are integrally.

As a material for countertops blocks most commonly used natural or artificial stone. Run an element of kitchen furniture to order quite expensive. Modern manufacturers to organize monolithic kitchen offer options when working surface and an apron made from one material, such as a laminated countertop and wall covering slabs of the same quality or same tabletop and the wall lined with the same tiles.

The latter option not only provides a comfortable use of the work surface, but also offers great opportunities for design creativity. Replacing the tiles can significantly change the interior of the kitchen without having to buy new furniture.

Features countertops for the kitchen table-island

Fashionable and convenient element of modern kitchen - table-island. This is an additional work surface. This piece of furniture can be installed in the center of the kitchen and stand by itself or be adjacent to one side of the working wall. Kitchen islands come in very different shapes: square, rectangular, in the form of a semicircle, and so on.. Sometimes the surface of tables mounted sink, installed hob. Quite often in the space of the islands under the table permanently installed appliances: oven, microwave oven.

Depending on the operating features selected and worktop. Most often it is made to order, as there is not even approximate the standards for such kitchens. Multideck and island kitchen worktop surface need not be identical. The thickness can depend on the taste preferences or characteristics of the material consumed.

For such tables worktops there are no restrictions in the use of materials of manufacture. Do not use the baseboards and overhead restrictive bumpers. For table-islands preferably monolithic surface since seams and joints (unless the surface is not lined with ceramic tiles) significantly reduce the aesthetic level.

Useful advice! Do not try to make the countertop for the island-table from laminated wood yourself. Treat the cut surfaces so as to achieve a complete seal, can not be at home.

Ergonomic and height countertop kitchen units

You can negate all the efforts on arrangement of a comfortable kitchen, if we neglect one of the most important characteristics of the countertops - height. The working surface is used actively, actions are performed in a standing position, therefore, requires the optimum dimensional embodiment, respective maximum ergonomics.

Kitchen countertop height has a standard size - is 85 cm. Exhibited in pavilions and showrooms samples corresponds to a given dimensional indicator. However, people above 185 cm and 155 cm below using a tabletop will be uncomfortable. If the growth of the host responds to the above values, it is necessary to align the height of the countertop. You can do this in several ways:

1. Buy furniture on adjustable legs. They can increase the height of 4 cm.
2. To establish a working wall on the podium.
3. Replace estimated for this embodiment for furniture countertop having a thickness of other indicators. Together with the adjustable legs it can lead to a significant change in surface height.

Useful advice! In the case of the working surface of the replacement to change the height of the tops is better to use DSP. They may have different, sometimes significantly different thickness with the rest of identical characteristics.

Fabrication countertops for the kitchen with his hands

If the standard versions of artificial countertops for the kitchen for some reason are not satisfied, and natural products are not available because of the price, it is possible to make your own countertop. This may be necessary in the case when the need to replace the damaged surface and the size of such finished products do not have.

The most accessible for the manufacture of material - chipboard. Countertop for the kitchen from wood board cut is easy. However, as mentioned above, in the home is almost impossible to seal the sections. The recommended option - the surface of the concrete. Sheets of particleboard, MDF or plywood is appropriate to use as a base.

The sequence of execution may be as follows. From one sheet of reconstituted wood countertop must carve out and attached to the bumpers slices of slats. The resulting compounds in the field gap must be filled with silicone, a base surface should be fluff release agent - the concrete does not penetrate into the slots and do not stick to the mold.

You need to buy ready-made or make a wire lattice with cells no more 5x5 cm, the size of 1 cm smaller on all sides than the base. Then the batch of concrete is required to perform, having the following composition:

• Part 1 - cement;
• 2 parts - rubble or other filler;
• 2 parts - sand;
• plasticizer (in accordance with the instructions recommendations);
• dye (0.2 kg per 10 kg solution);
• the resulting mixture was diluted with water to a consistency of thick cream.

It is necessary to fill the formwork solution to half, put the net and put the remaining concrete, cover with foil and leave to solidify for 7-10 days. Then, using grinding requires removing coarse unevenness disc grind smaller, apply a polishing paste.

Useful advice!When replacing the countertops should be evaluated endurance bearings. It may be necessary to strengthen the lower module with additional bars.

How to install the countertop in the kitchen: practical tips and tricks

Installing kitchen countertops made in various ways. To a large extent it depends on mount technology manufacturing and dimensions of the material. There are several points that you should pay attention by mounting any countertop:

1. level of the floor on which furniture is set lower module must be perfectly flat. Otherwise distortions and gaps between the table top and the support are inevitable.
2. Should carefully align the horizontal level of the top of the unit, where the working surface will be installed. Projections and irregularities must always be clean.
3. Edges of washing slices, regardless of the material to be processed. Even if the worktop is not exposed to moisture on unprepared surfaces will collect dirt and bacteria.
4. Natural stone countertops, being quite a heavy material, requires the use of solid support. Equally important is the contact area between the support and the table top: the larger it is, the more reliable installation.

If a company with sales offers installation of countertops, do not give up. It is always cheaper than hiring foreign experts. And the responsibility for the mistakes and errors during installation, as well as their removal automatically falls on the selling organization.

What to choose countertop for the kitchen: the best options

When choosing a countertop one of the most important indicators are financial opportunities. If a low level, it is necessary to stay on top made of wood or plastic. Offers a lot, to find a setting that matches the interior of the kitchen, it's easy. Particleboard and MDF are easy to handle, so we offer a very interesting shape and decorative design of the model. Such work surfaces there are also disadvantages:

• relatively rapid wear of the upper layer;
• swelling of the surface at the seams and cuts;
• no possibility of recovery - only the replacement.

How to choose countertop for the kitchen? If this issue occurs because of the uncertainty, which give preference to - the natural or artificial stone, should be guided by personal taste and interior design requirements. The performance characteristics of these two types of material are practically identical. May make the right choice will help the comparison of work surfaces:

1. Table tops made of natural and artificial stones have no significant difference in price. Certain embodiments are more expensive artificial surfaces made of natural material.
2. Surfaces made of artificial stone beyond repair and restoration, natural material can only be replaced.
3. Solid tabletop artificial stone have large dimensions, the surface of the natural material are limited in size slabs.
4. Products from a natural stone look presentable.

When comparing the natural stone surfaces should be noted that the price is below a marble countertop, but granite surface more resistant to coloring agents and mechanical stress.

Useful advice!When buying granite countertops need to be sure to request a quality certificate confirming the absence in the material harmful impurities.

Special material for countertops - solid wood. Natural, ecological and aesthetic impressed many. However, during the operation of such surfaces require careful selection means for cleaning them can not put hot objects, the presence of even small cracks leads to the ingress of moisture and damage material.

What is the best countertop for the kitchen: user reviews

Before choosing any thing will not be superfluous to get acquainted with the views of other customers. Ikea countertops are quite popular. Reviews of them, however, are not always positive.

"The wooden countertop in my second year. Outwardly beautiful, it is glued together from pieces. I thought joints deteriorate. No, the water flows into, nothing bad happens, but there are a few dents. Son trying to bend a spoon - left a trail as a result. What and who did the rest, I do not know. My husband says that removes sanding. It calms. I'm in a wooden countertop disappointed. "

Marina, Belgorod

"He took a year and a half ago, countertop made of laminated chipboard. According to the instructions on it anything you can not do. We all do. However, the pan from the stove first to stand put. Nothing happened to the surface. But the edge is hardly sealed. I sink in the end - 30 cm from the end. Almost immediately I began to swell. This lack of big. "

Ivan, Gukovo

There are many and positive reviews

"Inexpensive, and the dimensions are wrong. If you hold a knife on the table, it is possible to leave a trail. If the cutting boards to use, no damage will not. All my compositions and dry cleaner use - surface is not spoiled. "

Elena, Voronezh

"Ikea has long Countertops made of pine do not, so that the wooden worktops they are good. I'm in the kitchen for a second year. I want to rub the composition of wax, brush up. Beautifully and naturally, I have the whole kitchen out of wood. "

Darina, Grozny

It can be a useful and such a view:

"Shiny countertop longer would not put. It is clean only when not using it. I have gained a microfiber to wipe it easier. After cooking at once in order cite. During the day after her husband and son always remains. Beautiful, but not to stick us. I do not even know how it can be kept clean. "

Polina, Kolomna

Fireworks interesting ideas: photo countertops for the kitchen

Photo countertops in the Internet - an inexhaustible source of ideas for creating a cozy interior of kitchen. You can determine for themselves what forms and materials combine well.

Countertops under kitchen wood is almost universal goal. It is in harmony with both light and dark facades, with their invoice need not be "under the tree."

Heavy wooden facades perfectly complement not thick countertops of natural or artificial stone. For light, pastel-colored furniture more suitable worktops green or brown stone. White marble background looks great on darker, but be sure to monochrome furnishings. Darker shades of stone in harmony with light furniture and facades, where preserved natural structure of wood.

It is interesting to look at the picture bright kitchen with dark counter top. This color combination makes it possible to allocate a geometrically formalized work area, creates an original contrast. Bright housing parts contribute to the feeling of cleanliness, heat comfort. Glossy surface dark room countertops give luxury and despite characteristics of color, expanding space.

Countertops in the kitchen: the main requirements to the interior

Wondering how to choose a countertop for the kitchen, you need to take into account not only technical, but also aesthetic appeal. Appearance countertops must integrate harmoniously with the interior. There are important and sizes, and color, and shape, and features decorative treatment. It takes into account all parameters can be used only if there is already a design project in completed form. Modern computer programs make it possible to visualize the intended environment. A few practical tips to help avoid mistakes and create a beautiful interior in the kitchen:

1. It is not necessary to purchase the countertop of natural stone, if the facade of the furniture is made of inexpensive types of chipboard.
2. It is better to choose light shades of laminated wood materials. They are less noticeable wear of the top layer, which allows longer-lasting aesthetics.
3. If the food situation has turned out uninteresting, dull, it is worth to buy a glossy countertop deep, but soft colors. This variant will live notes and "overshadow" other furniture.
4. The working surface of natural stone is more suitable for large kitchens. And indeed the surface should have a length of at least 2.5 m, or in the kitchen should be more horizontal surfaces of the same material.
5. It is necessary to countertop was definitely 3-4 shades darker than white for the kitchen, otherwise the whole room will be obsessively sterile.

Harmony of shapes and colors - the main condition for the creation of interesting kitchen interior.

Perfect appearance and strength of the table top will be happy to create the kitchen culinary highlights. Make the right choice will help the information posted to this article.