Tips for Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertops: The Best Materials and Manufacturers

For any housewife, choosing a kitchen is a serious matter. It is a zone of personal space: after all, it is here that the process of culinary creativity, a flight of imagination, the embodiment of a woman's destiny associated with caring for a family takes place.

And if the kitchen is also 2 in 1 - combined with the dining room, then here it is necessary to take into account the functionality, convenience for younger family members, the appropriate interior, so that you can receive guests, celebrate family celebrations, get-togethers with friends on occasion and without.

When buying a kitchen set, the question immediately arises about the selection of a working area.

The table top is the surface of the headset that covers the lower part of the facade.

Which one is better to buy: solid, rectangular, multi-colored? What model is in fashion now? How to choose once for a long time, so that it pleases the eyes, does not require much maintenance, so that it retains its beautiful appearance and shine for a long time?

There are a lot of questions. To deal with them, make the right choice when buying, read this article and tips that are collected especially for you.

Criterias of choice

In the process of culinary creativity, table covers undergo various processes associated with food preparation: splashes of fat, oil spills, cuts, chips, stains from spilled wine or juice; exposure to extreme temperature changes (hot pots and pans, or frozen foods), exposure to moisture (when cleaning), impacts (something fell from the top drawer); can undergo deformation, lose its original attractive appearance, working functionality - all this leads to its unsuitability.

Based on the processes described above, the criterion for the suitable qualities of the working surface will be: its durability, practicality, moisture resistance, ease of care, beautiful appearance, health safety, resistance to temperatures.

The width of the working area is usually standard - about 60 cm, the length depends on the design of the headset itself, the thickness is from 2.7 cm.

It comes in various shapes: rectangular, round, u-shaped, l-shaped, square. Length and shape may not be standard, custom made.

Since only the avaricious pays twice, we will choose a kitchen countertop with the best value for money. To do this, consider the most popular options from which they are made.

General overview of materials

They come in different types, depending on what they were made from:

• natural stone - granite, marble, limestone, lava stone, mudstone;
• artificial stone - quartz (agglomerate), acrylic;
• concrete;
• wood;
• glass, bioglass;
• steel;
• plastic, MDF, laminated chipboard;
• epoxy resin.

Consider the pros and cons of different materials surfaces.

A natural stone

He will decorate the kitchen, make it individual, unique.By its structure, it is porous, therefore it must be polished and undergo regular processing after 2-3 years.

Granite and marble are used in the manufacture of surfaces.

Granite

The best, most durable material for kitchen countertops.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

During operation, it is advisable to use coasters under the hot, cutting boards. Clean with gentle detergents with added glycerin. Do not use hard or metal wool.

Requires regular polishing. Small cracks, scratches can be repaired by yourself using mastic or other special mixtures.

Suitable for lovers of practical, durable things, creating a kitchen in a classic style.

How to choose what to look for:

When choosing a granite countertop, you need to make sure that the stone is natural. To do this, ask for a product certificate confirming its quality. The document should indicate the material class # 1, which means “suitable for all categories of construction”, with a low radiation background. Clarify what means you can take care of. Allow for the final weight of the cover so that it can be supported by the cabinets to which it will be fixed.

The affordable cost of some types of granite is possible by reducing the cost of processing it.

Marble

It is also a natural porous stone.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

Special products for natural stone. Dust is removed with a damp cloth. If something is spilled, then immediately rinse this place with water, dry with a towel. If the liquid has managed to be absorbed, sand and then polish. It is advisable to carry out regular maintenance with wax-based products. Do not use abrasives, hard brushes, sponges, washcloths.

Marble is a beautiful option for covering the facade.

marble Suitable for large spaces, creating a comfortable, cozy environment.

How to choose what to look for:

When choosing a marble countertop, you should make sure that it is natural by confirming the quality in the certificate. It indicates the class corresponding to this type - this is A or A / B. Clarify the final price of the product, taking into account the processing, additional details.

Limestone

Natural porous, relatively soft rock. There are denser and looser rocks.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

In case of contamination, it is necessary to immediately clean the stains using special detergents. Use of cutting boards, hot coasters. With careful use, it will last longer than marble.

Periodic treatment with a waterproof compound, good quality sealant is important.

Limestone - The ability to create a sophisticated style of marbled ambience but at a lower cost.

How to choose what to look for:

When buying, it is better to choose hard and dense limestone, mined in France or Germany.

Lava stone

Or basalt - little known, not widespread, but gaining popularity.An elite natural material of great value to collectors. Natural color - tea rose, blue, black, gray, white. It is mined in places of volcanic eruptions that have ceased to operate.

Has a stylish, noble, modern appearance.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

When leaving, it is enough to wipe with a soft damp cloth, clean with compounds without abrasive additives, soapy water or non-aggressive detergents.

Basalt countertop is suitable for creating a prestigious and noble style in the kitchen area, emphasizing the delicate taste and prestige of the headset.

Argillite

Natural natural rock - clay stone. In fact, it is hardened clay that does not soak when exposed to water.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

In the process of using the working area, use cutting boards, hot coasters. In case of contamination, it is advisable to immediately clean the surface with a damp soft cloth, without using hard brushes or metal sponges. Additionally impregnate with special oils, carry out regular polishing.

The argillite kitchen worktop will highlight the elegance and sophistication of the kitchen. Suitable for creating a stylish element of the kitchen interior.

Fake diamond

Good because it imitates natural stone, more affordable, varied in colors. The artificial material includes quartz stone (the most popular), acrylic (from acrylic resin, pigments).

Quartz

Closest to natural (96% consists of natural quartz chips). Its hardness is higher than that of granite.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

Use hot coasters, as withstands high temperatures only for a while. Do not cut on the surface. traces of mechanical stress remain. Do not use abrasive substances, hard brushes, sponges. Glossy surfaces require constant wiping of fingerprints.

Suitable for creating kitchen surfaces with simple shapes with imitation of natural natural stone at high budget possibilities.

How to choose what to look for:

When choosing, it is worth considering the high cost of the material, correlating the impossibility of repair and the need for replacement. When installing, do not open with a crystallizer, otherwise it will absorb construction dust and the color will turn whitish. Pay attention to the thickness, sometimes 1, 2, 3 cm - choose the right one. It must be homogeneous, otherwise it is a marriage. It is necessary to abandon the Chinese production with a low cost and the ability to save money in favor of European or Korean manufacturers.

Having faced the choice of which company is better for a quartz countertop, we advise you to pay attention to: Zodiag (USA), Silestone (USA), Caesarstone (Israel), Technistone (Czech Republic), HanStone (South Korea), Plaza Stone (Russia), Vicostone ( Vietnam).

Acrylic

It is created from a combination of acrylic resin with the addition of natural mineral fillers, pigment additives. The most expensive ingredient in the composition is polymethyl methacrylate, the more of it, the stronger the stone.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

The acrylic surface is quite easy to clean, but neatness is required: using hot coasters, cutting boards. Easy to clean with non-abrasive, gentle detergents using soft sponges.

This type of material is suitable for the manufacture of worktops with complex shapes, individual curves.

Subject to the precautions of operation, it will last a long time.

How to choose what to look for:

Choosing lighter shades will make scratches or cuts less noticeable. Specify the thickness: the most suitable will be 2 cm. Ask what the substrate is made of. Is there a warranty for the product?

Rating of quality acrylic kitchen worktops (in descending order of price):

Corian (USA), Montelli (USA), Staron (LG, South Korea), Max-Top (Russia).

Concrete countertop

Modern technologies offer original options for the manufacture of countertops. One of them is concrete, which is growing in popularity. As a standard, we are already accustomed to using concrete for foundation construction. A concrete countertop is a non-standard solution to the issue. Interior concrete with the addition of organic and mineral additives, color scheme, is made using a prepared form. Then the surface is sanded, treated with a water-repellent compound, polished, and an acrylic coating is applied. This is completely manual production. The acceptable lid thickness is 0.5 cm. Options with thicker "shapes" will be too heavy.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

A concrete surface requires care similar to that of natural stone countertops. Abrasive products must be excluded; chemicals containing acids. Requires periodic waxing.

How to choose what to look for:

The competition for this type of material is low, so there can be a big difference in the price of the finished product.

First, you need to compare the technical characteristics with the cost, then choose the manufacturer.

Wood table top

To create a special warm atmosphere and emphasize the individuality of your kitchen, countertops made of natural material - solid wood are suitable for all lovers of wooden products. They will look lighter than stone countertops. They can be made of various types of wood.

The best material is oak, beech, larch, which has a natural antiseptic. It can absorb or release moisture when there is a drop in humidity. Ash is sensitive to high temperatures. Pine, birch, walnut are suitable for simpler options.In the place of the sink, it is better to combine wood with a waterproof material: for example, glass or stone. Due to the different density of the wood, the weight of the wooden canvas can be different - from heavy, massive, to more lightweight.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

It is not necessary to leave moisture on the kitchen work area made of wood for a long time, it is better to wipe it off immediately. Cut food using cutting boards. To avoid light spots or burning, use hot coasters. Requires constant treatment with special oils and restoration of the varnish coating.

Requires a neat attitude, careful regular care. Dirt can be easily removed with a soapy solution and then wiping dry with a microfiber cloth that will polish the surface well. Abrasives and solvents are contraindicated. You can also use special care products for wooden furniture, following the instructions in the instructions. With proper care, this type of countertop is durable.

Wood is a great solution for creating a rustic kitchen that never goes out of style.

Wood is a suitable material when you need a quick solution to a kitchen issue.

How to choose what to look for:

When buying, it is advisable to specify the type of wood, from which impregnation: from natural oils, wax or interior varnish. The thickness of the wooden countertop must be at least 2.5 cm for its durability. The material should be moisture resistant or treated with water repellent agents.

The best foreign manufacturers of kitchen surfaces are German, Italian, Scandinavian, Belarusian firms.

Glass top

Scary as it sounds - glass countertops evoking a picture of a pile of glass shards, but they are very popular. They are made of tempered glass, they are strong enough in operation, durable. They visually enlarge the space by adding light. To balance the coldness of the material, you can add warm tones to the interior. The most durable surfaces are made of specially tempered three-layer glass, called triplex.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Various color variations are possible. Dark, colored, transparent, tinted, monochromatic, optical, patterned. Matte shades with imitation of texture. Glass creates a cool atmosphere in the room.

How to care:

The material is convenient for cleaning. It is easy to clean: with a soft cloth or napkin with glass solution, which should then be washed off with water to avoid contact of products with detergents. By simply cleaning up a sufficient soap solution without the use of abrasives.

Better not to choose a home with small children. Suitable for allergy sufferers.

glass Suitable for creating a modern, stylish, beautiful interior, with an unusual and exclusive design.

How to choose what to look for:

When buying a product, you need to clarify how the surface is processed - the top layer must be hardened, and the lower part must be laminated. If it is made of triplex, then it will break into small, not sharp pieces, without injuring anyone. Thickness 0.8 cm, high enough density is the most suitable option. The well-finished edges of the countertop will protect you from cuts.

Bioglass

The constant development of production technologies in the search for new materials for the manufacture of kitchen countertops has given the world a new option - bioglass. Made from glass waste left over from various industries. They are processed and then pressed in a special way. The appearance of this type of material is like a whole glass. It has a transparent structure, the same moisture resistant, easy to clean. You cannot cut on this surface, you must have cutting boards.

Steel table top

Due to their high strength, such surfaces are suitable for public catering, but are also used for hi-tech apartments, perfectly combined with metal household appliances. They are made on the basis of chipboard, covered with steel sheet, and the lower surface is fixed with plastic. The edges are sanded and then fixed to avoid water ingress.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

Such kitchen countertops are convenient for cleaning and do not require additional efforts. Wet cleaning with warm water with the addition of a small amount of a special product will allow you to clean it well. The resulting limescale can be removed with food grade vinegar and then rinsing with water.

steel table top - A great option for creating a stylish, modern interior.

How to choose what to look for:

Check with the seller that the steel is 304 type - the highest quality, high class. In terms of the degree of processing quality, the best will be 4 - it reflects less light, and finger stains will not be so noticeable. A good quality finish, sanding edges and corners, will help prevent liquids from getting inside.

Plastic countertops

Material for HTL plastic consists of several layers of kraft paper (high density) pressed under high pressure with a resin interlayer. Top covered with polymeric materials. The thicker the plastic, the more durable it is (maximum 0.8 cm). Plastic HPL and CPL are similar in appearance, but CPL is lower in quality and characteristics.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

The plastic table top is convenient and easy to clean, withstands the action of aggressive detergents, using hard types of brushes. It is necessary to use coasters for hot dishes, cutting boards.

How to choose what to look for:

The thicker the plastic panel, the longer it will last. The thickness reaches 0.8 mm. It is preferable to choose a model with a drip tray. It is located on the inside of the hem. This is an additional protection against moisture penetration and table deformation.

The basis for the plastic cover is MDF or chipboard.

MDF

(finely dispersed fraction) - medium density fiber board.

It is made from compressed small wood shavings with the addition of mineral and non-mineral binders. Such materials are permitted in the manufacture of children's furniture.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

Clean without the use of abrasive substances, chlorine, acids. On glossy surfaces, finger stains and moisture are noticeable. Matte models are more practical to use. Do not cut food on the table, do not put hot dishes in order to avoid dark burn spots.

A decent choice of a budget option for a kitchen countertop if you want to create an eco-friendly option that is as close to wood as possible.

How to choose what to look for:

During the purchase, it should be noted that there are more expensive models that are preferable due to the higher quality of the coating. Read the instruction manual for this product.

Chipboard (chipboard)

It is made on the basis of chipboard (wood chipboard) boards, which have a loose composition, bound by substances of non-mineral origin, subsequently pressed.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

The joints are closed with metal or plastic strips.

How to care:

It is not recommended to use abrasive products, hard brushes, metal scouring pads to avoid scratches. For extra protection against hot dishes, it is recommended to use hot racks. Cut products only on special cutting boards. Not all chemicals are suitable for cleaning, you need to choose a special type.

This is a practical, inexpensive option that requires careful handling. The perfect combination of price and quality with a small budget.

The best choice for a budget option.

When installing, it is better to use a sealant so that moisture does not get into the joints, and the plate does not swell.

How to choose what to look for:

It should be checked that the laminated part is well secured underneath to help prevent moisture ingress. It is better to choose a moisture-resistant chipboard of class F1 - it is less toxic, of higher quality (determined by the certificate). The desired thickness of the product is 3.8 cm. It is better to choose a base from a moisture-resistant chipboard, covered with plastic by postforming (using high temperatures, pressure on the material).

Epoxy resin

This type of material is obtained by combining a resin and a hardener. It has a transparent texture. This makes it possible to add any decorative elements to the poured surface. This option can be ordered or made by hand. Suitable for updating the old, changing the appearance of a boring headset, as additional surface protection.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

How to care:

During operation, use cutting boards, hot coasters. Do not use aggressive chemicals. With frequent use of soapy water, it loses its glossy shine. For daily cleaning, use a damp soft cloth and wipe dry.

An inexpensive option, suitable for creating a protective layer of the table, changing the appearance, updating the kitchen.

Which countertops are better

• The most popular models are based on chipboard and MDF coated with plastic.This is the best value for money.
• The most practical countertops are quartz. They withstand almost all the necessary parameters: moisture, scratches, heat, shock, easy to clean, affordable.
• Eco-friendly products include kitchen surfaces made of MDF, solid wood, glass.
• The most durable option would be a granite table cover.
• Artificial stone will please with its practicality and water resistance during operation.
• The most beautiful, stylish countertops are available in metal or glass.

If you are having difficulties with which one to choose, then you can think about combining materials. Wood and stone, wood and glass go well with each other.

A more water-resistant material can be inserted in the part where the greatest exposure to water or heat occurs.

How much does a kitchen countertop cost

To find out how much a particular model of a kitchen countertop costs, you need to understand that the price depends on the shape, the presence of curved lines or bends on it, the edge (profile), the design of the wall space, cutouts for equipment, color, additional options, thickness, country manufacturer.

Products of foreign firms are more expensive, but this does not provide a quality guarantee. It depends on the production technology, as well as the method of processing the material.

Decent quality is offered by domestic manufacturers at much affordable prices.

Selection errors

• In order not to be mistaken when buying, it is necessary to take into account that expensive countertops are not chosen for cheaper kitchen options and vice versa. They must adhere to the general style.
• When choosing table covers, it is necessary to take into account that cuts or scratches will be more visible on the planes of dark tones. On light shades, they are less noticeable.
• A glossy finish requires more attention, as well as time to keep it clean.
• Light matte - the easiest to care for.
• When purchasing a work surface for kitchen tables, always specify what the final weight of the purchase will be, its cost. What additional care is required, which cleaning agents are preferable for this type of product.

Best manufacturers of 2020

Of the foreign manufacturers that have already established themselves in the furniture market for more than one decade of work, one can single out the following companies:

• Ikea (Sweden);
• Leicht (Germany);
• lerua merlin (France);
• Poggenpohl (Germany);
• Alno (Germany).

Of the domestic manufacturers, the best enterprises for the production of furniture components are:

• Stylish kitchens (Russia);
• Zetta (Russia);
• Maria (Russia);
• Call (Belarus).

According to customer reviews, the popularity rating of firms that meet the basic requirements for selection looks like this:

• 1 place Ikea;
• 2nd place Stylish kitchens;
• 3rd place Leroy Merlin;
• 4th place Call;
• 5th place Kitchen yard.

Having familiarized yourself in detail with popular models, a description of the characteristics of materials for manufacturing, an overview of manufacturing firms, it is quite possible to determine your criteria for choosing in favor of your favorite kitchen countertop model, taking into account the popularity, price and quality.

We wish you a good shopping for years to come!