Kitchen countertops: functional and practical surfaces

Any modern kitchen set includes a worktop. This is the main work area where food preparation takes place. Therefore, it must be strong and reliable. The external design is also an important factor. About what materials can be made kitchen countertops, what are the features of their operation, you can find out from the proposed article.

The worktop is the main kitchen surface, which must be of high quality and beautiful

Worktop materials: variety of used types

Continuous development and improvement of materials processing technologies allow using more and more new types of countertops for the manufacture of countertops. The emergence of more modern formulations does not mean a decrease in the level of performance at all, but rather the opposite. On the usual basis of chipboard kitchens, more durable coatings appear, natural surfaces are sanded, gloss is applied to them, and matt is given.

Concrete countertops in the kitchen look impressive and unusual

The commitment to sustainability also contributes to the use of new materials for worktops. The use of natural compounds is expanding, the processing of synthetic materials is being improved, aimed at minimizing and completely eliminating harmful emissions.

The main materials used to make kitchen countertops are:

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

Glass kitchen countertops are rare

Wooden kitchen countertops can be produced from solid wood or by gluing treated boards. Particleboard is the leader among wood materials. Various options for laminated chipboard (laminated chipboard) countertops allow you to choose a surface for any interior.In the manufacture of countertops, plastic can be used both as a coating and as an independent element.

The glass is tempered, it can be decorative. The metal used for kitchen furniture is thin steel, which covers the base of the work surface. Currently, products made of stone - natural or artificial, are quite popular. Concrete countertops are not a mass-produced model, but more and more people want to install this option. Ceramic tiles are also gaining popularity.

Time-tested quality: wooden kitchen worktop

Wood is the oldest material used to make furniture. To date, it has not lost its importance, only processing methods have changed and improved. Therefore, it is actively used for the production of kitchen countertops. The main distinguishing features of wood as a material for furniture are:

For the manufacture of countertops, pine, ash, cherry, walnut, oak are used

1. Availability of processing. The wood worktop is easy to shape. You can keep the natural shades and texture, cover with protective, toning compounds.
2. Environmental friendliness. Even the harmful substances of certain tree species released under certain conditions (for example, when heated) become completely safe after treatment.
3. Quite high wear resistance. Tabletops made of solid wood can be used for more than a dozen years.
4. The possibility of restoration. The damaged or aesthetically impaired top layer of the wooden surface is removed and the coating is renewed.

Various tree species are used for the manufacture of countertops. The most accessible, uncomplicated ones in processing are pine and ash. The main disadvantage of these tree species is the softness of the structure. Even minor mechanical influences leave dents on the surface. The wood of oak, walnut, cherry is characterized by a higher strength. Tabletops made of this material are more difficult to process and are much more expensive.

Wooden countertops are durable and environmentally friendly

Important! Soft woods are less prone to cracking than hard woods.

When making a wooden countertop in the kitchen, a protective coating is necessarily applied to its surface - varnish or oil. Varnishes are less heat-resistant, the coating is easily damaged. Oil formulations more reliably protect against moisture penetration, retain their natural structure, but require periodic renewal.

Chipboard and MDF countertops: good functionality and complement to the interior

The most common materials used in countertops are wood-based materials. They consist of woodworking waste (sawdust or shavings) and additional compounds. Plates are produced by mixing, gluing and pressing the above components. Chipboard - chipboard, MDF consists of sawdust. In the manufacture of MDF countertops and chipboard countertops for the kitchen, their laminated types are used. The process of laminating the boards is carried out as follows:

Kitchen countertops made of MDF and chipboard are the most popular

• paper is impregnated with resins in special drying installations, by means of printing a structural pattern is applied to it;
• the prepared paper film is applied to the ideal sheet surface;
• using a press, the resins are connected to the surface of the wood material (cold method);
• the paper is heated and fixed to the surface of the sheet by means of pressure rollers (hot method).

Three types of paper are used for lamination: base (up to 150 g / m²), covering plain or patterned (up to 170 g / m²) and protective, transparent (up to 40 g / m²).This technology provides wood-based countertops with high performance and aesthetic qualities:

• moisture resistance;
• relative heat resistance;
• decorativeness.

Wood-based worktops are highly moisture resistant

Sections of countertops made of such a material are hermetically sealed, which prevents the penetration of moisture and the release of harmful substances.

Thanks to the variety of colors, patterns, surface structure, chipboard and MDF countertops become a real interior decoration. White kitchen with brown countertop combines austerity and luxury at the same time. The dark color of the work surface hides traces of dirt and emphasizes the crystal clear white fronts. The surface imitated under natural wood favorably sets off the gloss of the light green facade. Among the variety of worktops made of laminated wood panels, you can always find an interesting option to create the desired kitchen interior.

High performance postforming worktops

Postforming is a modern way of processing chipboard and MDF sheets. Products made from this material are the cheapest in their segment. To understand how to choose a quality kitchen countertop, you need to get information about the features of the coating. In furniture catalogs, there are a lot of kitchen furniture with work surfaces imitating leather, chintz, imitating stone, wood, etc. Such decorative effects can be achieved by postforming. This method involves applying the following materials to the surface of wood-based panels:

Postformed countertops are the cheapest of all

• kraft paper (in direct contact with the base);
• decorative plastic (applied to paper);
• acrylic and melamine (protective top layer).

The process is based on heating the plastic to a temperature of 220 ° C. The technology is considered inexpensive and uncomplicated, providing products processed in this way with the following positive qualities:

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

Postforming worktops are durable, heat and moisture resistant

Useful advice! When buying a postforming countertop, you should carefully examine the integrity of the coating, especially the end sections. Moisture will get into chips and cracks, gradually destroying the integrity of the base of the working surface.

Among the inexpensive options made from artificial materials, post-formed surfaces are considered the best countertops for the kitchen. They are perfectly combined with both wood-based panel facades and more presentable wooden ones. The surfaces of such countertops do not have pores, therefore, they are easy to clean even without adding special products.

Interior fashion for stone countertops for the kitchen

Products made from natural stone can decorate any room. The kitchen is no exception. The steadily growing interest in stone countertops is more a tribute to fashion and a manifestation of the desire for sustainability.

Stone countertop will be the main decoration of any kitchen

The material has significant weight and is rather difficult to process. In the manufacture of kitchen furniture, it is used for arranging horizontal work surfaces. The following requirements are imposed on stone countertops for kitchens:

• strength (when metal objects fall from it, pieces should not break off);
• smooth surface (a rough structure complicates the washing process, contributes to the accumulation of product residues in the recesses);
• non-porous structure (pores facilitate liquid penetration);
• aesthetics of processing.

Related article:

Sizes of kitchen countertops: priority of ergonomics and rationality

Height length Width. Standard dimensions.Work surface material. Corner countertops for a small kitchen. Eurozapil.

Granite and marble are mainly used as natural materials for countertops. The durability of granite is beyond doubt, the surface cannot be scratched or chipped off. This material has pleasant shades and an interesting texture. Granite processing is complicated and expensive, so the prices for finished products are significant. It is impossible to split the granite countertop slab. If this nevertheless happened, it cannot be repaired - only replaced.

Kitchen countertops are made from natural and artificial stone

Useful advice! You should not purchase a granite countertop for those who need frequent interior changes. The operational period of this product is several decades.

Artificial stone countertops are very popular. In terms of size, such a working surface has the following advantages: it does not depend on the size of the slab. The colors of countertops for a kitchen of this type also differ in variety, which allows you to choose an option that is more suitable for the interior.

There are two main materials used for the manufacture of countertops:

1. Acrylic stone. Non-toxic, odorless, waterproof, heat-resistant.
2. Quartz agglomerate. It has a monolithic structure, does not react to an aggressive environment, and is heat-resistant.

The performance characteristics of these materials have much in common, the differences are insignificant. Quartz surfaces can be either smooth glossy or matte, even rough. Gloss is more typical for acrylic products.

Favorite among the best: marble countertop

Among the natural materials for the manufacture of countertops, marble occupies a special place. It can be drilled, sharpened, sawed, used with a chisel, without fear of splitting. This is a combination of tenderness and firmness, pure white and bright yellow, red shades.

However, marble countertops are easily damaged by chemical compounds. Traces of coffee, wine stains, berries remain on it if they are not removed in time. The roughness of the upper plane makes it difficult to maintain such a work surface. For those who value design and the aesthetic component most of all, these features will not be a problem. There are boards for cutting and slicing products. Contaminated vegetables or colored berries can be laid out on paper towels, etc.

Marble countertops look very nice, but the material is difficult to maintain

Such a kitchen element is inappropriate next to furniture made from simple chipboard or plastic options. If a marble countertop is chosen for the kitchen, then the surface of the dining table should be made of a similar material or from another skillfully selected by the designer. This stone must be in an expensive "furniture frame".

Marble does not tolerate being adjacent to other stone products. It is better to install a ceramic glass hob, a matte sink, which has a calm and non-contrasting shade of the countertop.

Tile countertops as an alternative to stone surfaces

A worthy alternative to stone countertops is a ceramic tiled work surface. The availability of material, a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, the ability to do it yourself make such countertops more and more popular. Ceramic coating for countertops meets all the basic requirements for such surfaces, it is characterized by:

Kitchen countertops made of tiles - a worthy alternative to stone products

• waterproof;
• heat resistance;
• impact resistance.

The tile is easy to clean, does not absorb odors, and resists the penetration of coloring natural liquids. Such a coating can be done independently by organizing a flat base for laying. The important point is the choice.In addition to compliance with design requirements, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

1. External coating structure. Smooth surface is most acceptable, bulges and depressions interfere with comfortable use. On the glossy countertop, streaks are noticeable.
2. Tile sizes. It should fit optimally on the worktop. An incomplete row or slightly reduced size of part of the tiles can lead to a significant reduction in aesthetics.
3. The quality of the material. The tabletop is used intensively enough, it is better not to save money and purchase tiles made of porcelain stoneware or other material with similar performance indicators.

Ceramic tile worktops are durable and heat resistant

Useful advice! Given that the base on which the tiles will be laid is made of chipboard or plywood, it is necessary to purchase means for sealing the seams that provide reliable moisture insulation. Otherwise, the wood board may swell.

Monolithic kitchen: aesthetics and long service life

When evaluating the quality characteristics of countertops, even stone ones, special attention is paid to the seams. Not only aesthetics depend on them, but in most cases the service life. The main indicator is tightness. The monolithic version of the kitchen avoids the problems of moisture, grease and food debris getting between the wall and the countertop and into the sink area, since it has practically no seams. The wall covering, called the “apron,” the countertop and the sink form a single unit.

Natural or artificial stone is most often used as a material for block countertops. It is quite expensive to carry out such an element of kitchen furniture to order. Modern manufacturers for organizing a monolithic kitchen offer options when the work surface and backsplash are made from the same material, for example: a laminated worktop and a wall covering from a plate of the same quality, or the tabletop and wall are lined with the same tiles.

Monolithic countertops help prevent moisture and dirt from entering between the joints

The latter option not only provides a comfortable use of the work surface, but also opens up ample opportunities for design creativity. Replacing the tiles allows you to significantly change the interior of the kitchen without purchasing new furniture.

Features of island kitchen countertops

A trendy and convenient element of modern kitchens is the island table. This is an additional work surface. This piece of furniture can be installed in the center of the kitchen and stand completely separate or adjoin one side to the work wall. Kitchen islands come in very different shapes: square, rectangular, in the form of a semicircle, etc. Sometimes a sink is built into the surface of such tables, and a hob is installed. Quite often, household appliances are permanently installed in the space of such islands under the countertop: an oven, a microwave oven.

Depending on the features of the operation, the tabletop is also selected. Most often it is made to order, since there are no even approximate standards for such kitchen furniture. A kitchen countertop and an island surface do not have to be identical. The thickness may depend on taste or on the characteristics of the material used.

The tabletop for the island table is selected based on the conditions of its use

For tabletops of such tables, there are no restrictions on the use of materials of manufacture. Skirting boards and overhead limiting boards are not used. For island tables, monolithic surfaces are preferable, since seams and joints (unless the surface is lined with ceramic tiles) significantly reduce the aesthetic level.

Useful advice! You should not try to make a table top for an island table from laminated chipboard yourself.It is impossible to process the cut surfaces in such a way as to achieve complete tightness at home.

Ergonomics and height of the kitchen countertop

You can negate all efforts to equip a comfortable kitchen if you neglect one of the most important characteristics of the countertop - height. The working surface is used quite actively, the actions are carried out in a standing position, therefore, an optimal overall option is needed, which is most appropriate for ergonomics.

The standard height of the kitchen worktop is 85 centimeters

The height of the kitchen countertop has a standard size - it is 85 cm. The samples displayed in the pavilions and exhibition halls correspond to this dimensional indicator. However, people above 185 cm and below 155 cm will find it inconvenient to use such a tabletop. If the growth of the owner meets the above values, it is necessary to adjust the height of the countertop. This can be done in several ways:

1. Purchase furniture with adjustable legs. They can increase the height by 4 cm.
2. Install the work wall on the podium.
3. Replace the countertop intended for this furniture with an option with different thickness indicators. Together with the adjustable feet, this can lead to a significant change in surface height.

Useful advice! In case of replacing the work surface in order to change the height, it is better to use chipboard countertops. They can have different, sometimes significantly different thickness with completely identical other characteristics.

DIY kitchen countertops

If the standard options for artificial kitchen countertops for some reason do not suit, and natural products are not available due to the price, it is quite possible to make the countertop yourself. Such a need may also arise when the replacement of a damaged surface is required, and finished products do not have such dimensions.

The most accessible material for manufacturing is chipboard. It is not difficult to cut a kitchen countertop from a wood board. However, as mentioned above, it is almost impossible to seal the slices at home. The recommended option is a concrete surface. Chipboard, MDF or plywood sheets are appropriate for use as a base.

The sequence of execution can be as follows. From a sheet of one of the wood materials, you need to cut out a tabletop and attach the sides from the slats to the cuts. The gaps formed at the joints must be filled with silicone, the surface of the base should be coated with an anti-adhesive agent - the concrete will not penetrate into the cracks and will not stick to the formwork.

The kitchen worktop can be made with your own hands

It is necessary to buy a ready-made or make a wire mesh with cells no more than 5x5 cm, 1 cm smaller on all sides than the base. Then you need to mix concrete with the following composition:

• Part 1 - cement;
• 2 parts - crushed stone or other filler;
• 2 parts - sand;
• plasticizer (in accordance with the recommendations of the instructions);
• dye (0.2 kg per 10 kg of solution);
• dilute the resulting mixture with water until the consistency of thick sour cream.

It is necessary to fill the formwork halfway with mortar, lay the mesh and lay out the remaining concrete, cover with foil and leave to harden for 7-10 days. Then, using a grinder, it is required to remove the irregularities with a coarse-grained disc, grind with a smaller one, apply a polishing paste.

The easiest way to make a do-it-yourself countertop from wood

Useful advice! When replacing a tabletop, the endurance of the supports should be assessed. It may be necessary to reinforce the lower module with additional bars.

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

Kitchen countertops are installed in various ways. To a greater extent, the installation technology depends on the material of manufacture and the size of the product.There are several points to pay attention to when mounting any countertop:

1. The floor level on which the lower furniture module will be installed must be perfectly level. Otherwise, distortions and gaps between the table top and the support are inevitable.
2. It is necessary to carefully align the horizontal level of the upper part of the furniture, where the work surface will be installed. Protrusions and irregularities must be removed.
3. The edges of the sink slices, regardless of the material of manufacture, must be processed. Even if the countertop is not exposed to moisture, dirt and bacteria will accumulate on unprepared surfaces.
4. Natural stone countertops, being a rather heavy material, requires strong supports. The contact area between the support and the table top is no less important: the larger it is, the more reliable the installation.

If there is no experience, then it is better to entrust the installation of the countertop to specialists.

If the company, along with the sale, offers the installation of a countertop, you should not refuse. It's always cheaper than hiring outside professionals. And the responsibility for mistakes and errors during installation, as well as their elimination, automatically falls on the selling organization.

Which countertop to choose for the kitchen: the best options

When choosing a countertop, one of the significant indicators is financial capacity. If the level is not high, you should stop at worktops made of wood materials or plastic. There are many proposals, it is not difficult to find an option that matches the interior of the kitchen. Particleboard and MDF are easy to process, therefore, models are offered that are very interesting in form and decorative design. Such work surfaces also have disadvantages:

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

First of all, when choosing a countertop, you must be guided by personal preferences.

How to choose a kitchen countertop? If this question arises in connection with the uncertainty of what to give preference to - natural or artificial stone, you should be guided by your own taste and interior requirements. The performance characteristics of these two types of material are practically the same. Perhaps comparing work surfaces will help make the right choice:

1. Natural and artificial stone countertops do not differ significantly in price. Some options for artificial surfaces are more expensive than those made of natural material.
2. Artificial stone surfaces are subject to repair and restoration, natural material can only be replaced.
3. Monolithic countertops made of artificial stone have large dimensions, surfaces made of natural material are limited by the dimensions of slabs.
4. Products made from natural stone look more presentable.

When comparing natural stone surfaces, it should be noted that the price of a marble countertop is lower, but the granite surface is more resistant to staining and mechanical stress.

Useful advice! When buying granite countertops, you must definitely require a quality certificate confirming the absence of harmful impurities in the material.

A special material for the manufacture of countertops is solid wood. Naturalness, environmental friendliness and aesthetics appeal to many. However, during operation, such surfaces require careful selection of cleaning agents, hot objects should not be placed on them, the presence of even small cracks leads to moisture penetration and damage to the material.

Which countertop is best for the kitchen: user reviews

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

Feedback from other buyers can help guide your decision

“The wooden tabletop is my second year. Outwardly beautiful, it is glued from pieces. I thought the seams would go bad. No, the water is leaking, nothing bad happens, but there are already a few dents. The son tried to bend the spoon - as a result, a trace remained. What and who did the rest, I don't even know. The husband says he will remove it by grinding. It is calming. I was disappointed in the wooden countertop. "

Marina, Belgorod

“I took a laminated chipboard worktop a year and a half ago. According to the instructions, nothing can be done on it. We do everything. True, we first put the pots from the stove on the coasters. Nothing happened to the surface. But the edges are poorly sealed. I have a sink at the end - 30 centimeters from the end. Almost immediately it began to swell. This is a big drawback. "

Ivan, Gukovo

There are many positive opinions:

“Inexpensive and the size is just right. If you hold a knife across the table, you can leave a trace. If you use cutting boards, there will be no damage. I use all the compounds and dry cleaning agent - the surface has not deteriorated. "

Elena, Voronezh

“Ikea worktops have not been made of pine for a long time, so their wooden countertops are good. This is my second year in the kitchen. I want to rub it with wax, refresh. Nice and natural, my whole kitchen is made of wood. "

Darina, Grozny

This opinion may also be useful:

IKEA countertops are popular among users.

“I will never put a glossy countertop on. It is clean only when not in use. I already typed in microfiber to make it easier to wipe. After cooking, I immediately put it in order. During the day after a husband or son, traces always remain. Beautiful, but we are not related. I don't even know how it can be kept clean. "

Polina, Kolomna

Fireworks of interesting ideas: photo of kitchen countertops

Photos of countertops on the Internet are an inexhaustible source of ideas for creating a cozy kitchen interior. You can determine for yourself which forms and materials combine well.

A wood-like countertop for the kitchen is almost a universal option. It is in harmony with both light and dark facades, and their texture does not have to be "wood-like".

Heavy wood fronts perfectly complement non-thick natural or artificial stone countertops. For light, pastel furniture, green or brown stone countertops are more suitable. White marble looks great against a backdrop of darker but definitely monochrome furnishings. Darker shades of stone are in harmony with light furniture and facades, where the natural structure of wood is preserved.

Light kitchens with dark countertops look interesting in the photo. This color combination allows you to highlight the geometrically designed work area, creates an original contrast. Light body parts contribute to the feeling of cleanliness, warmth and comfort. The glossy surfaces of the dark countertops add luxury to the room and, despite the color, expand the space.

Kitchen countertops: basic requirements for the interior

Asking how to choose a kitchen countertop, you need to take into account not only technical, but also aesthetic indicators. The appearance of the countertop should harmoniously fit into the interior. The size, color, shape, and features of decorative processing are important here. All indicators can be taken into account only if there is already a completed design project. Modern computer programs make it possible to visualize the proposed environment. A few practical tips will help you avoid mistakes and create a beautiful interior in your kitchen:

The countertop must be selected based on the overall interior of the kitchen

1. You should not buy a countertop made of natural stone if the furniture facade is made of inexpensive types of chipboard.
2. It is better to choose light shades of laminated wood materials.Wear on the top layer is less noticeable on them, which allows you to maintain aesthetics longer.
3. If the kitchen furnishings turned out to be uninteresting, dull, it is worth purchasing a glossy countertop of a deep, but dim color. This option will bring a lively touch and "will not overshadow" other furniture.
4. Natural stone worktop is more suitable for large kitchens. And the surface itself must have a length of at least 2.5 m, or in the kitchen there must also be horizontal surfaces made of the same material.
5. It is necessary that the countertop for a white kitchen must be 3-4 tones darker, otherwise the whole room will be obtrusively sterile.

Harmony of shapes and colors is the main condition for creating an interesting kitchen interior.

The impeccable appearance and durability of the countertop will make it possible to create culinary masterpieces with pleasure in the kitchen. The information in this article will help you make the right choice.