Kitchen countertops: types and features of choice
A correctly selected worktop is a guarantee of a long service life for your kitchen set.
Such products differ in size, color, material and, of course, price.
But still, the main criterion for choosing any countertop for a kitchen space is the material of manufacture.
Main features of choice
The main requirements for any countertop are: a high level of resistance to temperature changes and the effects of water and moisture; impact resistance and resistance to high temperatures (heat resistance), and to various mechanical damage; long service life and wear resistance; ease of maintenance (possibility of using abrasive detergents and cleaning agents).
Chipboard and MDF panels for covering
Boards made from pressed wood chips are the most common and popular material among furniture companies today. The boards are in no way inferior to solid wood in terms of strength and resistance to mechanical damage, high humidity, and temperature changes.
A coating of this type is excellent for subsequent decorative finishing, and in addition, has a more affordable price. Even when working independently, the financial investment in the material is fully recouped by its beautiful decor and excellent quality characteristics.
Aesthetic factor
The aesthetic appeal of the product is also of considerable importance, because we spend quite a lot of time in the kitchen. Today there is a huge selection of kitchen countertops in size, design and color.
It is important that the furniture fits harmoniously into the overall interior of the room. A kitchen with a black countertop looks quite impressive.
But it is better to install such furniture in spacious rooms. At the same time, it is very important to properly organize the lighting to make the kitchen look more colorful and stylish.
A white kitchen with a white countertop will be an excellent option for a small space. This design will visually expand the space and looks quite stylish and neat.
Color solutions
If you have already decided on the material for the countertop, then it’s time to choose its color. After all, the colors of kitchen countertops should not disturb the ensemble of the room and be perceived as a single whole with the kitchen.
If your kitchen cabinets are dark colors, then a light or white countertop will look good. When the kitchen is made in light colors, then a dark countertop or even black one looks nice. White or shaded surfaces also combine well with colored kitchens.
It is also important to consider the color and material of the kitchen apron. For example, an interesting idea when the apron and tabletop are made of the same color and materials, but different in texture. Also, in more classic interiors, you can play with the contrasting color scheme of the countertop and apron.
Read: Voltage Symbols
Chipboard countertops
The advantages of countertops made of this material are: affordable price; resistance to high temperatures; large selection of colors; manufacturability in installation; ease of care.
Kitchen countertops made of chipboard are most often made of plastic. In this case, the chipboard acts as its basis. Such products are equipped with a rounded plastic edge and a drip tray.
Among the shortcomings, one can only highlight the low level of resistance to moisture and the possibility of deformation when exposed to too high temperatures;
Countertop materials
The following materials can be used for the production of countertops:
1. Chipboard (chipboard). This is one of the most common and budget options. Due to its lightness and variety of colors, it can be used in any design solution. The top of the slab is covered with a special protective film, so the countertop in the kitchen made of chipboard is not afraid of moisture, but it is afraid of cuts and mechanical damage. After all, when moisture gets into the damaged area, the slab will immediately swell and become deformed.
Read: Interior of a small kitchen - 110 bright photos of modern design
2. MDF (direct competitor to chipboard). Unlike chipboard, MDF boards are more reliable and are not afraid of moisture. And if the tabletop is also finished with veneer, it is almost no different from real wood.
3. Plastic. I cover MDF tabletops with plastic on top. This gives scope for design imagination and will satisfy any requests for shapes and colors. But such countertops are “afraid” of hot things.
4. Stainless steel. The stainless steel tabletop will serve its owners for a long time. However, this is an expensive material. Although the price will depend on the thickness of the sheet, the quality of the metal, and specularity.
5. Glass or acrylic is suitable for modern or futuristic designs. Although such a tabletop will be impact-resistant, it will still be afraid of mechanical influences
6. Artificial stone will be a price alternative to glass. The visual beauty and durability have made faux kitchen countertops popular. The main popular solutions are marble countertops.
7. Natural stone is used in the manufacture of countertops mainly for exclusive orders. Such products will last almost forever and do not require special care. When ordering a countertop made of marble, granite or sandstone, you need to take into account the thickness of the future countertop. After all, thin fabric is susceptible to chips and cracks.
Fake diamond
Kitchen countertops made of artificial stone are perhaps the most common option for such products. Most often, such countertops consist of 90% quartz chips and 10% special polymer binders.
The main advantages of this option are:
- high level of resistance to any mechanical damage (impacts, cuts, chips);
- good resistance to penetration of water and moisture, making it easy to care for and wash;
- heat resistance, even a saucepan or kettle removed from the stove is not dangerous for such a countertop;
- a wide choice of design solutions for edging;
- variability of color and design solutions;
- absence of steps, seams, joints;
- Possibility to order tabletops of any shape and configuration.
In addition, such countertops can be made with any surface texture (matte, glossy, porous). It is also possible to install cast sinks by choosing the right color scheme, which can create the integrity of the entire composition.
Among their features are: average pricing policy, mandatory professional installation, manufacturing exclusively in factory conditions.
Metal and glass
Sometimes traditional solutions are not at all suitable for creating a unique interior. For a high-tech kitchen, you can purchase a metal countertop. It is distinguished by its resistance to dirt and high temperatures. It is not difficult to keep such a surface clean; to do this, you only need to clean the surface on time.
Tempered glass is used to produce glass countertops. This is a very expensive and rare material. Most often, countertops are made with only small decorative inserts. They look great, but are high maintenance.
Accessories and their selection
You can buy a countertop for the kitchen, as well as accessories, both in a stationary kitchen furniture store and on specialized online resources.
The plinth for the countertop in the kitchen is an integral attribute when installing a kitchen unit. This part simultaneously performs two important functions: practical (preventing water and crumbs from getting between the countertop and the wall) and aesthetic.
Such products can have different shapes and have different levels of rounded corners. They also differ from each other in decorative design. The manufacturing materials for such elements can be plastic (PVC), aluminum and ceramics.
Skirting boards for the table top can be equilateral and have identical sides along the perimeter of 22 mm and versatile (their width is 22 mm, and the height can vary within 190 mm).
Kitchen countertop - win-win combinations
The kitchen countertop can be in different colors. Usually it matches the color of the apron and presents kitchen facades in a favorable light.
How about a black countertop? (with photos of kitchens)
A kitchen with a black countertop is elegant. It is better to choose a set of lower cabinets in a contrasting solution. These can be light shades:
- beige;
- brown;
- gray;
- yellow;
- lilac;
- or blue.
White high-tech and minimalist kitchens with a black countertop installed look very respectable and expensive. Classic headsets in this color design look no less interesting.
White countertop in a white kitchen
How do you like these kitchens? The white tabletop seems to dissolve against a snow-white background, visually sweeping away the boundaries of space and making the space somehow unreal. This design solution is the best option for small rooms with insufficient natural light.
Small bright splashes can be used as accents. Take your favorite color and dilute the sterility of the white kitchen with it. These can be contrasting shades of napkins, flower pots, dishes, towels, and kitchen appliances. But don’t be overzealous - there should be no more than 5% bright spots, otherwise the interior will look tasteless.
How does a wooden countertop look in a white kitchen?
A white kitchen is an excellent solution for a Scandinavian-style interior. Take a look at these photos of sets with a wooden tabletop.
The interior is light, airy and at the same time warm and cozy at home. You want to be here, no matter why: cook, dine, or just chat.
The tabletop material does not have to be natural wood. You can choose an option from chipboard. In appearance it will be no worse, but in price - much more economical. With proper care, this countertop will last a long time and maintain a presentable appearance. The main thing is to remove dirt in a timely manner. This can be done using non-abrasive detergents.
Kitchen design with gray countertop
Monochrome gray kitchens are not boring. On the contrary, today it is a trend. A gray countertop in this case will be a logical finishing touch. Here, for example, is this design.
As you can see, the gray palette is rich and varied. There are a lot of interesting shades that look modern and stylish. At the same time, a special atmosphere of calm and regularity of life is created in the kitchen. Kitchens decorated in an industrial style look good in this color scheme.
Due to its neutrality, gray easily “gets along” with other unexpected colors. How do you like this interior?
