Countertop for the kitchen: types and description

So the time has come to repair the kitchen room. All finishing work has already been completed and there is only one unresolved issue: the kitchen worktop! I want her to be comfortable and rational, serve faithfully and not hit hard on her wallet. To begin with, we will analyze the materials from which countertops are made.

Kitchen worktop: choices

Particleboard and MDF

One of the cheapest options is particleboard or MDF countertops with plastic coated, from 800 rubles / lm. Particleboard is classified according to the emission of harmful substances of formaldehyde: E1 (low emission level and, as a consequence, higher cost), E2 (high emission level, lower price category).

Furniture with such a tabletop should be bought if it has been preliminarily prepared and has qualities such as water resistance and fire resistance (it can withstand temperatures up to 240 ° C for 20 seconds). Otherwise, with frequent moisture on the countertop, it will lose its initial appearance and deteriorate within a year.

Of the advantages, it can be noteda wide palette of colors, ease of care, colors do not fade in the sun.

Tiled

Followed by ceramic tiled worktops., are in the same price range as tabletops from chipboard about 800 rubles / lm. The price depends mainly on the tile itself: Russian production is much cheaper, Italian tile is one of the most expensive, and tile from Spain occupies the average price range.

Of the benefits:moisture resistance, does not fade in the sun, resistant to chemical, mechanical and thermal influences.

Stainless steel

For a stainless steel worktop, you will have to lay out from 2000 rubles / lm. The price will depend on the thickness of the metal sheet: the thicker, the more expensive. The countertop can be mirrored (higher price segment), matte (lower price range, repaired by grinding), refreshed (difficult to clean). Additional options, such as engraving, will increase the cost of countertops.

Positive sides:hygiene, impact resistance, heat resistance, moisture resistance, the possibility of restoration (matte surface). But not standing on the surface fingerprints, scratches, dirt, bumps are visible.

Fake diamond

The next are countertops made of artificial stone, their prices start at 8,000 rubles / lm. But the price can vary greatly depending on the color, thickness of the material, its ductility, etc. Despite their artificial origin, artificial stone countertops outperform natural stone countertops: they tolerate high temperature differences (natural stone can crack), do not fade in the sun, and do not absorb moisture (as porous marble does).

Of the advantages of this countertop, you can also highlight: hygiene (the surface of the countertops has no joints), maintainability (polished and the problem is solved), a very large palette of colors.

A natural stone

A natural stone worktop is one of the most expensive pleasures in the kitchen. Prices for them start at 10,000 rubles / lm. The price primarily depends on the stone from which the countertop itself is made, additional engraving and on the method of processing the stone slab.

These countertops emphasize the status of their owner. However, do not forget that they require careful handling. Stains from grease and wine may remain on the surface, which can only be removed by grinding or special cleaning agents. Not resistant to acids and mechanical stress observed in marble

So to summarize

One of the cheapest are countertops made of chipboard or MDF, the most expensive are natural stone. And the place for practicality is shared by countertops made of artificial stone and stainless steel. The choice is yours and a successful purchase.