In any house or apartment, the most important and cozy place is the kitchen. Men will be able to confirm this fact, because, as you know, the way to their heart lies precisely through the stomach. They can't get past the kitchen. Women are also sure of this fact - they often spend a lot of time in the kitchens.
Each housewife has her own idea of functionality and beauty of kitchen furniture. When it comes to choosing countertops for the kitchen, the choice itself, for the most part, depends not only on the wishes, but also on the budget. Today, there are a variety of types of countertops for the kitchen. Let's try to find out which ones you can buy and how they differ.
What are the requirements for countertops
This part of the kitchen set performs an important task. Cooking takes place on it.
Based on this, it must endure any impact and serious stress. Hot dishes are placed on this element, various products are cut on it, it is often washed.
Firstand the most important requirement is resistance to moisture and high temperatures. Then the countertop must have a high impact resistance. In addition, this part must be resistant to impact, various mechanical wear. Another requirement is that the countertop should not absorb various odors, oils, fats and everything else that accompanies the cooking process.
Also, this element of kitchen furniture should be easy to clean with and without detergents.
Today there are types of countertops for the kitchen from different materials. They meet these requirements to a greater or lesser extent. Consider what is popular in today's furniture market.
Budget-friendly kitchen solutions
Most people are unable to purchase expensive furniture. Therefore, many people buy inexpensive, but quite durable and reliable products. They meet all the requirements, and besides, they are tasteful.
Among inexpensive models are products made of chipboard and MDF. There are several options for such countertops. All of them have individual characteristics. Dimensions and geometry are determined by the parameters of the kitchen set.
Particleboard products: high quality at affordable prices
What is chipboard? This is a chipboard. These materials are produced by pressing with the addition of formaldehyde resins. For the manufacture of countertops, not every chipboard is used, but only a special type. This is a material with a high level of moisture resistance.
During the production of such waterproof boards, before startingpressing, a special paraffin emulsion or paraffin in molten form is added to the chips. Thanks to this, moisture resistance increases.
But chipboard also has a significant disadvantage - the material emits formaldehydes harmful to people into the air.
If we talk about environmental standards, then there are two classes of plates. The first is E1, which has a higher level of environmental friendliness - it practically does not emit polymer resins into the air. E2 has a low environmental class.
So, many types of chipboard kitchen countertops have high moisture resistance, strength, and low price. Additionally, as a decoration, manufacturers trim the countertops with veneer, plastic or film. The most popular finishing materials are still PVC film and plastic.
Advantages and disadvantages of chipboard solutions
So, the main advantage is the affordable price that manufacturers set for these models. But, despite the budget, these are reliable and durable products. Chipboard, which is covered with plastic or film, has a high resistance to abrasion. There are also no seams. Here, take a look at what types of kitchen countertops made of MDF and chipboard can look like. The photos below will help you choose the right model.
Now there is a huge selection of a variety of colors and textures - a variety of shades are available to customers. On sale there are models in both bright and discreet colors. The surface of such a countertop can be made to look like marble or tile, wood, stone or other materials.
Among the shortcomings is the moisture fear of the material, no matter how manufacturers insist on sustainability. If it hits the edge or end, the plate begins to deform. Also, the product is not very resistant to mechanical damage. And, finally, if the process of deformation has begun, then often such a countertop is no longer subject to repair.
Postforming: a profitable solution
These types of countertops for the kitchen are all the same chipboard or MDF boards finished with plastic.
Produce these parts of the kitchen set by means of pressure and high temperatures. There is nothing surprising here. The thickness of the plastic coating can reach several centimeters.
Postforming: advantages and disadvantages
The first plus is the affordable price again. So, manufacturers set the cost of such models starting from $ 30 per linear meter. Products withstand mechanical stress, are protected from moisture, have heat resistance and UV resistance. Often such solutions are used for non-standard furniture.
Among the shortcomings are visible seams at the joints of the panels. It is also considered a disadvantage that this material is sold only in certain sizes.
Plastic is the most budget choice
Types of kitchen worktops made of MDF or chipboard have their own characteristics. As you can see, all solutions are similar to each other. The plastic used for finishing is actuallyin fact, multi-layer paper, which is impregnated with special resins and pressed under high pressure. The process of exposure to high temperatures produces a very durable surface.
The top layer is reliably protected by a polymer material that is highly resistant to wear. Take a look at what some types of kitchen countertops look like. Photos of various models of different price categories of products can be seen below.
Advantages and disadvantages of plastic models
So, here is the most favorable cost among inexpensive counterparts. During the production process, the plate can receive any coating, texture and color. You can also post a photo or some image. The price of the solution is only 15-30 dollars.
Disadvantages are also present. It is necessary to additionally process the end part.
It is also necessary to seal the places that come into contact with the hob with sealants. If moisture gets on the unprotected part, the panel will swell. If there will be serious impacts on it, then it is better to look at the types of stone kitchen countertops. The price is much higher, but the resistance is close to the maximum.
Laminated models: high quality
These panels are based on postforming. Laminate is a kraft paper with several layers. It is impregnated with synthetic resin. Any designs can be applied to the surface, and then a coating of melamine or acrylic resin is applied.
Among the advantages in the first place is the price. It is about 80 dollars per linear meter.
This surface can withstand scratches and non-aggressive substances. These models are very easy to care for. The surface can simulate a variety of materials. These are the most popular types of kitchen countertops made of MDF and chipboard. Organic and inorganic acids will make the decorative coating cloudy in an instant. This is the only drawback.
LDSP: a large selection of colors and textures
These worktops are made by pressing wood shavings at high temperatures. Melamine film is used as a protective layer. This material is as popular as laminated products. The advantage will be a low price - from $ 60, high resistance to various cleaning compounds, a huge number of various textures and colors, durability.
Well, and the cons - you can't do without them. The panel is unstable to moisture and mechanical stress.
It is very easy to scratch. Manufacturers do not release these models in non-standard sizes. Well, another significant drawback is the complete unsuitability for repair or restoration.
Types of MDF kitchen worktops: time-tested reliability
The base is a fibreboard, where the wood fibers are connected using lignin or paraffin. These materials are safe and have long been used inproduction of furniture products. These countertops can be made in absolutely any color, and the price of these solutions is more than affordable.
Unsightly stains and scratches may occur on light-colored surfaces over time and under harsh conditions.
If the plate is glossy, then even the smallest damage will be clearly visible. These models, as, indeed, all other types of countertops for the kitchen, the description of which is given above, do not like strong humidity.
The price is formed based on the thickness. So, countertops up to 10 mm thick will cost from 30 to 40 dollars, a panel with a thickness of 16-18 mm - 16-45 dollars. Thick 25mm panels are available from $45.
All of these are inexpensive and affordable countertop models for every family.
Of course, they do not look as expensive and elegant as some types of kitchen countertops made of artificial stone, marble or granite, but they have a different niche. This is a completely budget solution.
If you carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each chipboard or MDF product option, as well as financial opportunities, you can get a good inexpensive work surface.
