If you are going to make repairs, you will probably start by examining the range of modern materials. Today there are a lot of them. Wood and plastic, ceramics and glass, various synthetic compounds that allow you to make your home as cozy and beautiful as you would like it to be. Today, new material has begun to gain popularity, which has already won the hearts of most housewives. Are you wondering what artificial stone is? If yes, then our article is especially for you.
Technological subtleties
We are all used to the fact that at home there are many things made of wood. Kitchen cabinets, window sills, tables, all this used to be made of natural boards, and later they were replaced by pressed sawdust boards covered with laminate. Beautiful, easy to manufacture, they filled the market for materials for the production of kitchen furniture for a long time, until we found out what artificial stone is. The big disadvantage of chipboard boards is that they are afraid of moisture and instantly begin to swell. That is why they began to look for a replacement for him,
Basicbenefits
If any of your friends have already ordered similar products for themselves, then for sure they can tell you what an artificial stone is. The unique combination of high decorativeness with strength, durability and decorativeness in a matter of months made it the most popular material in the world. Initially, craftsmen began to make kitchen countertops from it. Then we paid attention to all other interior items, furniture, facing plates for the kitchen and bathroom. Today we want to tell you in more detail what an artificial stone is. Its surface has no pores, which means that it does not absorb dirt and moisture, dyes. It is this property that makes it a truly unique material from which you can do anything.
Several varieties
Surely progress will not stop there, because today the stone has already completely eclipsed chipboard and MDF facades in its popularity. This is not surprising. Of course, its cost is somewhat higher, but this is offset by a long service life and amazing decorative properties. The manufacture of artificial stone involves two main technologies:
- Quartz stone is, in fact, a natural material. Its basis is quartz chips, which make up 93% of the composition. The remaining 7% are polyester resins. Quartz crumb provides the highest resistance to mechanical damage. The countertop made of artificial stone is superior in its wear resistance evennatural granite block.
- Acrylic stone - this material has nothing to do with natural materials. Although, when the consumer is allowed to touch a sample of quartz and acrylic stone, the second one causes more positive emotions. It is very dense, outwardly reminiscent of natural stone, but warm and pleasant to the touch, smooth. Acrylic stone combines excellent aesthetic, technical and hygienic properties. This material consists of one third of acrylic resins with high strength characteristics. The rest is minerals and pigments. The result is a durable and ductile material that has excellent performance properties. A countertop made of artificial stone will last for decades without losing its original appearance.
- More affordable analogues - other materials are also used for interior decoration, such as gypsum and cement. Small blocks or decorative tiles are cast from them, which are then coated with a coloring composition. They are lightweight, durable and inexpensive. With their help, finish doorways and walls.
Kitchen design with stone finishes
There is something in this that came from the depths of time. As if, together with the stone, we bring a piece of inviolability and reliability to our home. But not everyone can afford to perform interior design using natural rocks. It's just expensive. As a compromise that combines a reasonable price and an excellent result,protrude countertop made of artificial stone, as well as other interior items.
And often these products are even stronger and more beautiful than their noble counterparts. With acrylic or quartz stone you can:
- Visually highlight the bar, dining and work areas.
- Emphasize window and door openings.
- Design a kitchen apron.
- Line niches or poles.
Add brightness
The modern housewife is not surprised by the possibility of having a kitchen apron and a pink, white or green countertop. Many of them want to decorate them with beautiful drawings. Today it is possible, and it will not be necessary to stick anything additionally on the surface of the finished product. Even during production, designers will create the desired image and hide it under an acrylic apron. Now he is not threatened with any damage, the drawing will delight for many years. The stone is distinguished by the fact that dirt does not linger on it at all. Now you can stop using expensive cleaning products.
Artificial stone countertop
This is a modern trend that will not go out of fashion for a long time, due to its practicality. This material is attractive with a wide color spectrum. Manufacturers can create almost any transitions and halftones, and even age the stone with a special rub. Countertops for the kitchen made of artificial stone can have absolutely any configuration. This material is easily cut and joined without seams. Customers have appreciated the durabilitysuch a surface to abrasion. The surface of the countertop is subjected to heavy loads, and the decorative stone can retain its original appearance for several decades. If the surface becomes scratched over time, it will simply need to be polished and it will be like new again.
Sinks of a new format
We are used to the fact that they are traditionally made of steel or cheaper metals, stainless steel or even aluminum. But if you decide to make a stone countertop, then it makes sense to remove the old sink from the interior as well. First of all, it should be noted that in terms of color and texture it will be easier to choose a kitchen design from the same material. But beauty is not everything. The modern hostess also cares about functionality.
An artificial stone sink is made of granite chips and quartz sand, and acrylic is used as a binder. This combination allows to achieve the highest strength. The color scheme depends on the added dye, so you can choose absolutely any shade that you want. Artificial stone is completely immune to mechanical stress, grease does not stick to the surface, it is easily washed without the use of modern chemistry. In addition, they perfectly fit tightly to the countertop, leaving no opportunity for dirt to clog into the cracks. Thin, cheap sinks tend to rattle when water flows over them, and here you will not hear a sound.
Window sills
Until recently they were made of wood, but todayall shine snow-white, plastic. They are quite beautiful, but after a few years you can notice that the color is no longer so pure, and in some places there are spots that cannot be cleaned. What to do? Change to more functional. Window sills made of artificial stone can have any color and shape. You can put flower pots on it, no problem with stains. If you have a small kitchen, then it can be modified into another countertop. It will be a functional solution for small apartments.
What else is good about such window sills? They are UV resistant and do not change color even when exposed to high temperatures. Artificial stone has no pores, so it will never be chosen by harmful fungi and mold.
Lightweight version
Products made of artificial stone are quite heavy, so today manufacturers have learned to take a solid chipboard or MDF board as a basis, and perform stone cladding. In this case, the plate is lighter and cheaper, which does not affect the quality and properties. From it it will be possible to make a work surface and a bar counter, as well as kitchen furniture. Yes, we were not mistaken. Today it is a new direction, which is actively developing. Why don't you order a table made of artificial stone?
Furniture Features
Wooden and glass, plastic - all these interior items have become familiar. But a table made of acrylic stone will certainly focus on itself and will become an ideal decoration for any home. Especially this optionwill appeal to those who want to order a table of an absolutely incredible shape. Such an author's project will emphasize your individuality and originality of creative thinking.
If it is intended for the kitchen, it is very important that the surface is in harmony with the countertop. You can complete a project according to which the future table will, if necessary, dock with its work surface. It can be convenient when working with dough, baking.
For office cabinet
Indeed, it was originally believed that in the kitchen, artificial stone would fulfill its mission best of all. However, the material turned out to be so bright, beautiful and practical that today it can be seen almost everywhere. For example, complex, curvilinear table silhouettes in respectable directors' offices have become very popular recently. Recently, U-shaped and S-shaped structures have been increasingly used.
And then the artificial stone will be the ideal material that will allow you to implement such a project. The unique ability to combine colors allows you to achieve any visual effect. Old, mossy stone, with gilding, with slate inclusions, everything that will blend perfectly with the interior and reflect its general idea.
For baths and saunas
What do you expect to see when you enter a steam room? Wooden walls and shelves, and in the next room there is a metal bath, ranging from a small one to a huge pool. But modern materials completely change the idea thatwhat should be the bath. Wooden walls are beautiful, but short-lived, so they are replaced by stone. But if finishing with natural rocks is very expensive, then an artificial analogue will allow you to create a masterpiece for a very reasonable price. Moreover, wall cladding in this case is much easier. If working with granite or marble requires you to first install a metal frame, then everything is much simpler here. Lubricate the surface with tile adhesive and press the stone. That's it, your dream has come true.
But the designers went even further and created an artificial stone bath project. Small and large, with and without hydromassage, they resemble a natural reservoir, allowing you to fully relax and escape from problems. The original appearance is admirable, while the color scheme will depend on the desire of the client. Most often, natural, natural shades are used. For example, brown spots on a beige background. It is beautiful, gentle and very stylish. As if in the middle of your bathroom, a small stone grotto has grown, filled with water from an underground source. Artificial stone for baths and saunas has become a new, revolutionary material that has opened up incredible design possibilities. The cost can hardly be called low, but the appearance, functionality and service life are also very different from everything that existed before.
Instead of a conclusion
Artificial stone has triumphantly entered the field of interior design and is not going to give up its positions. Beautiful, functional, durable, today it is widely used in the development of ready-made and customized solutions.for kitchen. And what could be better. Bright, stylish and durable kitchen, which is not afraid of mechanical damage and moisture. Year after year, the coverage will remain the same as on the first day. Today, artificial stone has gone beyond the kitchen and stepped into living rooms, offices. Surprisingly, in almost every room he finds a use for himself, organically getting used to the interior, complementing and decorating it. The only thing the designer needs to take care of is good lighting so that the stone comes to life and reveals its beauty.
