The kitchen in modern life occupies a leading position among the premises of your house or apartment. This place is not only for eating, and where a woman spends her main time. This is the heart of the home, where the whole family gathers, a place of communication with relatives. It is for this reason that the kitchen should be cozy, bright, be like a hearth, spreading its warmth and positive atmosphere throughout the home.
Variety of countertop materials
Every detail in the kitchen must be carefully thought out and matched to the individual style of the kitchen. The tabletop plays a significant role in the creation of this style, and the comfort and service life of this room also largely depend on it.
In today's market, there are many types of countertops, the mainthe materials for their production are:
- Particleboard (Particleboard).
- Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF).
- Array of wood.
- Glass.
- Artificial stone.
- Natural marble or granite.
- Stainless steel.
Artificial stone
From the numerous choices - the best reviews of artificial stone countertops. With its performance characteristics, it is in no way inferior to natural stone, granite or marble, but much cheaper. Properties such as:
- strength;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- moisture resistant;
- immunity to aggressive chemical preparations (acids, dyes, etc.);
- melt heat resistance
make these countertops almost eternal.
An artificial stone countertop, according to reviews, is full of positive characteristics from simple housewives who decide to install it in their apartment. You can cut food or chop meat on it without a cutting board, scratches on the surface from such procedures do not remain.
The variety of types of artificial stone can satisfy any skeptical buyer. They differ in mixtures of mineral fillers, the main of which will be discussed below.
Acrylic artificial stone
An artificial stone countertop is the most popular type of surface according to consumer reviews. Technologymanufacturing includes the combination of the smallest crumb of aluminum trihydrate (soft filler ATH) with an acrylic resin color pigment binder.
This composition provides a homogeneous, cast stone structure without pores, which compares favorably with natural material. The countertop made of artificial stone with a sink, according to reviews, has hygienic properties, does not get wet, is resistant to mold and the development of microbes. Under the influence of water and household chemicals, no traces remain.
Acrylic board's main advantage is its flexibility, allowing it to be molded into any shape. In combination with the absence of any limitation in the size of the canvas, it allows you to make a combination of an acrylic table with an artificial stone top, reviews of which are presented in this article. The use of such material contributes to the realization of the most extravagant ideas of a designer kitchen.
Polyester artificial stone
The countertop for the kitchen made of artificial stone, according to customer reviews, has a lot of advantages. In its composition, polyester is similar to acrylic stone, only polyester resin is used as a binder in production. It is this difference that significantly affects the popularity of polyester stone, since the resin used is much cheaper than acrylic, therefore, the entire price of the product is more affordable for the general population.
Polyester resin tabletop has excellent strength characteristics, has a respectable appearance.
Disadvantages include:
- The stone feels quite cold to the touch.
- Surface is susceptible to mechanical damage, scratch resistant.
- The most important thing is that the polyester resin component (styrene) emits a specific smell for quite a long time, which is quite uncomfortable. Over time, the smell disappears, but for this you need to wait.
Quartz agglomerate
The main difference from acrylic is the predominant use of natural stone, the share ratio of which is reached up to 90-95%. The main components are fine-grained quartz, crushed granite or marble can also be used. The particles of these components are bonded with high quality polyester resin.
Reviews about this type of artificial stone countertop are rather mixed.
From positive impressions, it is noted that:
- This material is much stronger and more durable than acrylic material.
- There is a maximum imitation of a monolithic stone, giving an expensive presentable look.
Negative properties include:
- The material is unpleasant to the touch, as it constantly feels cold from it.
- To avoid scratching, it is not recommended to cut food directly on the surface of the stone.
Despite all these disagreements, quartz agglomerate is in high demand among consumers, its characteristics are superioracrylic material.
Casted marble
Artificial stone countertops, according to people who appreciate real beauty, have exclusivity and high quality. Due to its excellent decorative properties, marble has always been in high demand in construction.
Cast marble is produced from 80% marble chips, which are mixed with a binder resin. The top layer is covered with a gel-like composition, a decorative and protective coating, which may consist of liquid glass. In terms of its strength characteristics, cast marble is superior to natural material, and at the same time, the first option is much cheaper.
The working range of using cast marble is from -50 to +80 °C, compared to +5 to +180 °C for acrylic stone. It is preferable to use it in non-insulated rooms or outdoors.
Final arguments
Studying reviews of which artificial stone is best for countertops, we can say with confidence that any of the listed types will find its consumer even among the wide budgetary circle of the population.
From a luxury item only for rich people, it has turned into an affordable thing for everyone. And in the best colors emphasizes the status of the ideal housewife.
For the functional use of an artificial stone countertop, so that it performs the tasks assigned to it as much as possible, it is necessary to properly care for it. The best tips for caring for countertops are listed below.
Daily Care
Daily carecountertop made of artificial stone, according to reviews, does not require much time, the material is unpretentious in care. You will not feel any difficulty. This is predetermined by the uniform texture of the material, the absence of butt joints (the main place for accumulation of dirt and bacteria breeding).
For daily cleaning of dirt and greasy stains, it will be enough to wipe the surface with a soft cloth dipped in water or a damp cloth. For larger and more complex stains, it is advisable to use a variety of liquid detergents or soapy water.
To remove dried and stubborn stains on a matte surface, you can resort to the grinding method with a dry scouring powder or sandpaper. Once the stain has been removed, the surface needs to be polished, for which you can use abrasive polish, cloth-based sanding paper or toothpaste.
Glossy surfaces should be cleaned very carefully and only use helium household cleaners and polish to avoid minor scratches.
Features of caring for a white countertop
White countertop made of artificial stone, according to reviews, requires more thorough daily care. Modern shades of white are a bright, energetic, debilitating color. White is perfect for housewives who prefer a strict classic style. Such a countertop can visually expand the space of your kitchen, it does not look bulky, light and elegant.
The main disadvantage of whitecolors are considered difficult to maintain natural whiteness. And the hostess will have to devote more time to caring for a white surface compared to a countertop with a darker shade. The main rule for caring for a white countertop is express cleaning, it consists in wiping fresh stains with a damp cloth immediately during cooking.
The main enemy of snow-white artificial stone is water with a high s alt content. If a yellow coating has formed, it is advised to use a chlorine solution in a ratio of 1 to 1 with water or an acetic solution in a ratio of 1 to 2. To soak, the mixture is poured onto the surface of the countertop and, after at least 15 minutes, thoroughly washed with warm soapy water.
It is necessary to protect the white surface from direct sunlight, which blurs the originally sparkling white surface into yellow. This can be prevented by curtains or blinds, which will block the sun's rays.
Some tips to increase the life of artificial stone countertops
Not forgetting the proverb: “A drop sharpens a stone not by force, but by the frequency of its fall”, you must follow simple rules that allow you to enjoy the nobility and natural purity of your countertop for a long time:
- You need to stop using strong household chemicals - solvents, acetone or acid cleaners for metal. Better to use toothpaste or tooth powder.
- Avoid using countertop surfacelike a cutting board.
- Use a thermal pad for hot pans and pots.
- To avoid cracks or chips, strong and sharp impacts of hard and sharp objects on the countertop should be avoided.
We hope that our information will help you choose a countertop for your kitchen, and care tips will ensure a long and faithful service for many years.
