Natural materials are quite expensive, so imitation is in high demand. Naturally, when choosing a particular type of such products, it is necessary to take into account the conditions under which it will be operated. When it comes to the table top made of artificial stone, in most cases the working part of the kitchen set is meant, although any table, and not just a dining table, has this constructive "element".
Each person has his own criteria for evaluating and dividing the characteristic properties of the countertop into "pluses" and "minuses".As they say, "who cares what."Consider the general characteristics and features of countertops imitating natural materials, and the reader will make the conclusions himself which exactly to choose.
By the way, not everyone understands that the phrase is an artificial stone - a generalized one. Similar materials the industry produces in a wide range. For example, concrete - a bright representative of this group. But the options for table tops are only two - acrylic and composite stones.
Therefore, consider their main advantages( they are very similar in many respects), and the shortcomings are noted separately, since they are specific. But first, briefly about what kind of materials.
Acrylic stone - polymeric formation on the basis of the smallest fractions of mineral substances "bound" by acrylic resin + coloring matter introduced into the mixture. Not to be confused with acrylic, which is the raw material for the production of washings, bathtubs and so on.
"Composite" .Although in the process more often its other name is used - agglomerate. There are several differences. Firstly, the resins are polyester( epoxy).Secondly, as a crumb - a fine grinding of marble, granite or quartz with the addition of fine filler fractions( usually glass, to give shine).Well, by itself - the coloring components, as for acrylic.
Advantages of artificial stones
We will not mention such things as attractiveness, variety of shades and the like. Everyone is able to estimate it independently. But here are some advantages from a practical, "operational" point of view, to consider.
High strength .For this parameter, the composite countertops are on the 1st place. Concerning acrylic, you can not say fully. If you overdo, for example, when cutting meat, you can cut the working part of the table with a sharp knife, not to mention the ax. But to break, to break away at inaccurate circulation the edge precisely will not turn out.
No joints( and later also slots) in the table top. Manufacturing technology involves pouring the prepared mass into the desired shape( in dimensions), resulting in a monolithic construction( the technology is described in detail here).Even if the table top is assembled from separate parts( for a surface with complex geometry), then the connection turns out to be so dense that the gap is absolutely invisible. Although in this regard, much depends on the professionalism of the master and the quality of the joint closure.
Water resistance of .This is especially true for premises such as bathrooms and kitchens. For example, a table top made of MDF or chipboard( one of the cheapest options) in such conditions has a limited "resource".No matter how its surface is protected( by a film), but the moisture can not be gradually absorbed and accumulated in the structure of the material. The liquid penetrates everywhere, and first of all, in the locations of the fastening elements.
No risk of biological "contamination" of .Materials, which include wood( namely, they are used in the manufacture of budget models of countertops), characterized by the porosity of the structure. It is in such micro cavities that various bacteria accumulate."Composite" and acrylic are monoliths, and that says it all.
Resistance to chemical compounds category "aggressive".Here again in the leaders of "composite".
Long service life of .In this regard, any costs of acquiring( producing) themselves are fully justified.
Disadvantages of acrylic
is easily damaged, but the elimination of scratches is sometimes a big "headache".Even with existing techniques and "repair" materials, this does not always work. At least, the process for self-implementation is rather difficult. Although with small damages, it is easy to restore the old form of banal polishing of the defective area. It is this minus that limits the choice of shade for the countertop. It is believed that in terms of "unobtrusive" scratches, beige and gray are preferable.
Does not tolerate high temperatures .For example, to put hot tableware on this table( whether it's a kettle or a pot) is rather risky. At best, it is a dark spot, at worst there are incrustations on the surface.
The difficulty in combining the drawings when assembling the table top from individual fragments. For example, for the basis of a complex configuration, angular structures and so on.
Disadvantages of the "composite"
- High weight. Before you buy such a tabletop, you need to think about the supporting structure. It is clear that for a small coffee table is better to stay on acrylic.
- The high density of the structure causes the difficulty of processing and mounting, especially when filigree fit is required.
- Several complex care, as the "composite" does not tolerate the impact of abrasives. You can not clean such surfaces with different brushes. Appearing scratches over time make this tabletop unattractive, it loses one of its main advantages - shine. Restoration of the original species is possible only with the use of special equipment. And this will require serious repair costs.
General disadvantages of countertops made of artificial stones
- The complexity of self-processing and "construction".Only a simple household tool can not do.
- High cost. Buy a quality product, not a fake, not everyone can afford. With a thickness of 12 mm for 1 m.will have to give at least 6 450 rubles. Plus - additional details, such as slices, inserts, antifoulings and so on. The price of one, the simplest element starts from 490 rubles.
Perhaps, the article does not mention all the pros and cons of artificial stones with respect to the table top, but for a general understanding of the essence of the matter and the expediency of buying is quite enough.
