Bar counters in the kitchen? Why not! This interior detail has been very popular for several years now and is not going to give up its positions. It is quite simple to explain this phenomenon: bar counters are suitable for spacious kitchens and cramped studios, they act as an element of zoning and a functional work surface. It all depends on what shape and size to give this design.
Those who are going to equip their kitchen with a bar counter have a difficult task of choosing countertops. Many masters will certainly advise bar counters made of artificial stone. Before agreeing or rejecting such a proposal, it is worth studying in detail the characteristics of this material.
Varieties of artificial stone
Speaking of bar counters made of artificial stone, they usually mean a material that visually resembles natural stone and has some characteristics similar to it. At the same time, manufacturers can offer several materials with such properties at once. Among them:
- agglomerate;
- acrylic;
- liquidstone.
All of them have advantages and disadvantages, and also have some features in appearance. In order for the ordered bar counter to be a profitable and successful purchase, these features will need to be taken into account.
Sinter bar counter
What is an agglomerate? This material for the production of bar counters and countertops is considered the closest to natural stone. The fact is that the composition of the agglomerate includes from 90 to 95% of natural material in the form of crumbs. In this case, different types of natural stone are used:
- marble;
- granite;
- quartzite;
- other rocks.
During the production process, natural stone chips are mixed with fixatives, binder resins, decorative additives and coloring pigments. Due to this feature, at first glance, the agglomerate is quite difficult to distinguish from natural stone. In the kitchen, these bar counters look solid and luxurious.
Advantages and disadvantages of agglomerate countertops
Installing a bar counter finished with this type of artificial stone will be a real find for those who appreciate practicality and chic in the interior.
The appearance of such products is really luxurious, while the countertops are almost indistinguishable from those made of marble, granite or any other stone massif.
- The bar counter will be very durable and resistant to mechanical damage.
- Agglomerate can be safely used for finishing furniture in hotels, bars and restaurants, in apartments. Most of its components are of natural origin, so it is completely safe for he alth.
- These countertops are resistant to moisture and high temperatures, so even a hot pan left on the bar will not cause much trouble.
- The variety of color palette makes it possible to choose a bar counter for the kitchen with almost any interior.
- Getting rid of dirt on the surface of artificial stone is as easy as shelling pears - all you need is a damp sponge and detergent.
Among the shortcomings it is worth mentioning:
- high cost of the product;
- possible presence of seams (bar counters of large size or complex shape are made from several pieces of agglomerate);
- requires sanding if surface scratches appear.
Acrylic stone bar counters
Another type of artificial stone for countertops from bar counters is acrylic. These items are made from white clay powder using polymers, acrylic resin and dyes.
Depending on the color and style of execution, bar counters can repeat the appearance of natural stone products or be completely different from it. As for the color, there can be dozens of options.
Characteristics of acrylic bar tops
Despite the peculiarities in appearance,acrylic products are not much inferior to analogues from agglomerate. They have quite a few advantages.
- A rich selection of colors and shades makes it possible to decorate a classic interior or complement the design with a bright element.
- Complete lack of seams even in large parts of complex shape. It is possible to make a one-piece bar counter from artificial stone by using a special seamless manufacturing technology.
- Relatively light weight sets acrylic products apart from natural stone.
- Resistance to water and impact makes artificial stone bar counters durable and practical.
- Bacteria, mold and fungus do not breed on the acrylic surface, so this furniture is considered ideal in terms of hygiene.
- Artificial stone does not require special care. A damp cleaning with detergent will be enough for him.
Does this material have disadvantages? Unfortunately, yes.
- High price. Compared to plastic and chipboard, a bar made of artificial stone clearly loses in price.
- Susceptibility to heat. Hot pots should not be placed on such a surface, otherwise the bar counter will be damaged.
- Do not use hard brushes and powder cleaner when washing as the countertop will get scratched.
Liquid Stone Bar Counters
Another type of artificial stone for bar counters and countertops is liquid stone (it is oftencalled casting). The technique for the production of such products is somewhat different from the production of agglomerate and acrylic stone. The basis of the casting stone is MDF or chipboard. A special coating is applied to the base, consisting of polymeric binders and colored granules. The thickness of this layer can reach 3-15mm.
Order such countertops for racks and other work surfaces only from trusted companies with a good reputation and a long history, as poor workmanship leads to rapid wear of the product.
Advantages and disadvantages of casting stone
The characteristics of this material directly depend on the features of its manufacture.
- Beautiful texture and rich colors make choosing a countertop for a bar counter a pleasant experience.
- Relatively light weight compared to natural stone and agglomerate (light chipboard base is responsible for this).
- Due to its resistance to impact, moisture and chemical compounds, the kitchen bar can last for many years.
- Mold and fungus cannot settle on such a surface.
- Care of the casting stone is quite simple.
Among the disadvantages are the following features:
- mild odor of styrene - it can last a couple of months;
- there is a risk of cracking on the surface (this often happens when the coating has a small thickness of 3-4 mm).
Reviews on artificial stone bar counters
Artificial stone foundboth their admirers and opponents.
Those who were satisfied with the purchase note:
- high resistance to moisture - even if the washing is close, the material retains its shape for many years (chipboard and fiberboard deform and delaminate under these conditions);
- strength;
- luxurious appearance (artificial stone bar counter fits perfectly into any interior);
- repairable (even if a piece of material breaks off the countertop under mechanical impact, it can be easily restored).
Among the cons indicate:
- cracking;
- bad smell;
- unreasonably high price.
To protect yourself from buying a low-quality product, you should carefully choose the manufacturer. To begin with, it is advisable to study the reviews about the company, find out the duration of its work in the service market. In addition, the quality of the material is of great importance. Low cost may indicate the fragility of the bar.
