The kitchen is the most visited place in the house. And it is important at the planning stage to think about how this room will look like, including the materials for the manufacture of the main elements. To date, the most budgetary, functional and ergonomic option are plastic countertops for the kitchen, reviews of which are mostly positive. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of plastic directly for the kitchen, as well as the varieties and features of caring for this material.
What is a plastic countertop
Plastic tabletop is an economy option. This material can be imitated to look like marble, granite, wood, quartz, and the cost will be six times cheaper than artificial or natural stones.
The basis of the tables withThe plastic countertop for the kitchen is chipboard or MDF, which can be of different thicknesses. High pressure chipboard material (postforming method) is combined with a thin but durable layer of HPL plastic, which refers to the decorative option. At the same time, the edges are carefully bent over the edge, and a flat and smooth surface is obtained.
HPL plastic consists of several layers of kraft paper, which are pressed together under high pressure and impregnated with resins. Thus, the material is reliably protected from moisture, mechanical damage and burnout. The quality of the material depends on the manufacturing technology.
Pros
Plastic countertops for the kitchen, the photos of which are presented above, have many advantages in addition to low cost.
The advantages of a plastic kitchen are as follows:
- affordable price - for example, the cost of a domestic-made laminated board measuring 60 x 24.5 cm and 28 mm thick can be purchased for 1,500 rubles, 38 mm thick and 3 m long - 4,000 rubles;
- variety of colors, textures and decors from classic style to trendy high-tech;
- high-quality material lasts a long time, does not fade and is not subject to mechanical stress;
- the material is not afraid of high temperatures (you can even put hot dishes on it), it is easily cleaned of dirt and does not absorb moisture or smell;
- plastic is chemical resistant.
To additional benefitscan be attributed to the fact that any drawing or even a photograph can be applied to the plastic surface by printing.
Cons
Despite the obvious advantages of plastic-coated countertops, the material also has disadvantages.
Cons of using plastic in the kitchen:
- in appearance, this material is inferior to stone and wood, it does not look so natural and organic;
- chipboard material is not durable, plastic can deform and swell under constant exposure to water;
- The weakest point of such material for countertops are the joints, which should be further processed or seals attached;
- plastic cannot be restored, unlike artificial stone, scratches on which are easy to grind off (it is better to use cutting boards on such a surface).
Varieties of plastic kitchen countertops
The plastic that is used to apply on chipboard or MDF can be of two types: High Pressure Laminstes (HPL) and Cotinuous Pressed Laminates (CPL). The first option is made under high pressure, during which several layers of paper are compressed, it is of higher quality and more durable. The second type of plastic is processed under low pressure, so its quality indicators are somewhat lower. When choosing, you should take into account the brand of plastic, which may affect the price of the finished product.
Also, plastic countertops can be of two types:
- from ready-made laminated boards of standard sizes of domestic or European production - the country of origin does not matter much here, since both Russian and foreign companies pay close attention to the quality of their products;
- a kitchen table with a plastic top can be made to order - this option will cost more, but you can choose the decor, finish, shade and other elements yourself.
How to choose and install
The Russian market has a fairly wide range of plastic countertops, both domestic and foreign. There are standard sizes 60 x 224 cm and 62 x 305 cm. If necessary, you can choose the size yourself, which can vary from 2 to 4 m with a thickness of 28-38 mm.
The most budget option is a wood-look plastic kitchen worktop made of CPL material (low pressure plastic). Despite the affordable price, the quality indicators are low. It is better to choose HPL plastic. Although it is visually impossible to distinguish one option from another, only a specialist can do this. When choosing, you should pay attention to this most important indicator.
Installation of a plastic countertop is simple, but for high-quality installation it is better to turn to a specialist who will adjust the dimensions to fit the needs of a particular room. To fit the size of MDF or chipboard, it is sawn, but if chips or cracks have formed on the spot, they cannot be eliminated, thereforeit is worth carrying out such work with special care.
How to install a plastic countertop yourself?
- All elements of the kitchen must be level and strictly horizontal. Shims, wedges or feet can be used to correct the level if provided by the manufacturer.
- Marking, which includes protrusions on the walls, is applied with a pencil or marker. The gap between the wall should be no more than 5 cm.
- Sawing the plate is done with an electric jigsaw or a hacksaw. For ease of use, a guide bar is used. You can avoid chips and cracks when sawing with masking tape, which is attached along the line where the cut will be made.
- The cut is processed with a file. Thus, all irregularities are removed.
- The places of cuts and joints are treated with silicone sealant, if necessary, this is done using metal strips. The distance from the wall is covered with a plastic plinth for kitchen worktops, which is matched to the color and design of the furniture.
Experts note that the life of a plastic kitchen depends not only on the material of manufacture, but also on the quality of the installation.
Plastic kitchen design
Plastic kitchen countertop (according to reviews) is the best option, because the range of products is so wide that you can choose the design of your own. Facades made of this material easily fit into any style.
Varieties of plastic kitchen design:
- Modern style. The kitchen with curved and frame facades looks best. It is these non-standard forms that can fit into the kitchen of an unusual layout. It is best to choose a plastic facade in the color "chameleon". It changes the color intensity depending on the lighting, the play of colors creates an unusual look to the room.
- Classic. In this design, it is better to give preference to natural materials or a plastic countertop for a wood-like kitchen. There should not be metal inserts or gloss. Curly pens (under brass or bronze) will look spectacular in such a visit.
- Modern. This style is not simple and cheap. It should combine clarity of form, harmony and elegance. The best option would be corner plastic kitchens made of MDF and PVC films.
Features of operation
The plastic tabletop requires special care. Any contamination from its surface is removed with a damp cloth. You can use detergents, but without abrasive particles. It is worth refraining from using metal sponges or hard brushes that can scratch the surface. When cutting, it is worth using a board so that there are no scratches from the knife. When scratches form, moisture penetrates the chipboard layer and causes it to warp or swell.
The weakest point of a plastic kitchen is the joints, which must be treated with sealant. Also important is the plinth, especially at the junction of the countertop with the apron.
If you put hotfrying pan on a plastic surface, then nothing will happen. But with prolonged thermal exposure, the countertop can still be deformed. Therefore, it is better to use special coasters for hot dishes.
Plastic countertop for kitchen: reviews
The plastic kitchen in the reviews is presented as a budget and quite a good option for the home. Users note not only its low cost, but also the convenience and ease of installation, and a fairly long service life with proper operation. Also noted is its low sensitivity to mechanical damage, thermal stability. But still, users are advised not to use the countertop as a hot stand or cutting board, since if scratches form, the surface cannot be restored.
In general, reviews of the plastic countertop for the kitchen are positive, but there are also negative reviews. Some users have noted that the surface deforms after a short time, there are places where the countertop is swollen. This is more likely due to improper operation, as well as the choice of the cheapest CPL brand plastic. It is inexpensive, but also short-lived material. Better give preference to HPL.
Conclusion
Summarizing, it can be argued that a plastic kitchen, with proper care, can last for decades. It is captivating that its cost is low, and there are many design and finish options. Overall, plastic is good value for money.
