Overview of the materials market used for facing of kitchen countertops: varieties, production technology, properties, manufacturers, prices
Kitchen countertops are daily inspected for strength. Therefore, it is very important to know from which materials they are made and whether they carry the effects of water, other liquids, sometimes very aggressive, hot pots and pans, sharp blades with a knife, the whole thing that is necessary for culinary creativity.
The most common kitchen countertops are made of chipboard (less often from MDF), lined with plastic: a successful combination of practicality, affordable prices and wide design capabilities. For the second place in popularity, artificial stone products are published. This composite material is attractive externally, technologically, and most importantly, it has excellent antibacterial properties. Countertops lined with ceramic tiles coated with stainless steel, glass, as well as a wood array or natural stone, cannot be called a product of mass demand, but they find their admirers.
Countertops are installed directly on kitchen cabinets and attached self-tapping to binding crossages (above the rear and front walls) from a tree or chipboard.
Omnipresent plastic
Sellers are consultants of kitchen cabin, speaking of this product, operate with the most diverse terms: laminated tabletops covered with paper-layered, HPL plastic or high pressure plastic. Do not be afraid, they all mean the same material. It is produced by pressing special papers impregnated with thermoactive resins. Under the action of high temperature and pressure, the resins spread between the layers of the paper and are polymerized, as a result, it is painted in a solid monolith. Thus, the work surface acquires high wear resistance, impact resistance, it is not afraid of the outer objects (knives and forks), besides, plastic is immune to water, food acids and household chemicals, retains color. The number of decors is calculated not tens, but hundreds.
Egger. | 
Nolte Kuchen. | 
Nolte Kuchen. | 
Egger. |
1-2. In laminated countertops combine beauty and durability
3-4. Countertops from HPL plastic reliably imitate metal and stone
In our market, countertops lined with plastic offer companies "EuroChem-1", "Odyssey", "Skiff", "Union" (all- Russia), Egger, Westag Getalit (Burgher), Liri Industriale (Italy), Kronospan (Austria). Many large Russian furniture manufacturers produce this type of kitchen components in their own enterprises. The price of tabletops varies in the range of 1-3.7 thousand rubles. For 1 p. m.
We are still in a hurry for miracles
Often in advertising statements of manufacturers of plastic countertops are slightly exaggerated by their really wonderful properties. Therefore, many mistresses decide that it is almost eternal material, and cease to use cutting boards. Azry. Miracles do not happen, and if microarthy remains on the knives boards from the knives, then on laminated countertops and suppressed. Over time, damage becomes more, it gets water - on the kitchen tables, it is not uncommon. Moisture penetrates the product, which inevitably leads to swelling the foundations from the chipboard. In addition, all the sleeves should be protected from the water (under the sink or cooking panel), the corner compounds of countertops and their outer edges.
Rehau. | 
Photo by E. Kulibaba | 
"Kitchen Dvor" | 
Photo S. Morgunov |
5. Edge materials correspond to the style and design of furniture of leading Russian and foreign manufacturers
6. The edge of the plastic table tops of the kitchen kit Latini Cucine is made of natural wood.
7. Right docking makes the connection of two plates of the corner countertop practically imperceptible
8. Hot objects (T> 180 s) can not put on a plastic surface
Let's start with the latter. Most of the kitchen countertops are made using post-forming technology. This means that a sheet of paper-layered plastic is not simply glued to the base of the chipboard, but wrapped around its rounded front edge and bend a little on the lower side. Such technology provides good water protection. At the end beams where there is no factory post-forming, three types of edges are used on the tabletops: plastic HPL edges, according to design, suitable countertops, but fragile; from polypropylene- more elastic and hardy; Acrylic- with a decorative effect of volumetric pattern. Silicone glue ensures their fastening and sealing, and yet the joint with the working surface remains a weak place of the edge.
The angular connection of two parts of the table top is also carried out in several ways - for example, with the help of a connecting T-shaped strip: one angle is rounded under the postforming, and the other direct. A quarreled connection is a lot of advantages. First, there is a whole factory edge of one plate. Secondly, the edges of both plates are covered on top of the shelves, which protects them from water and dirt. Agenous, as far as it was not the magnitude of the corner of the kitchen from 90, parts of the countertop can be written in place so that they will tightly adjacent to the walls. The only drawback of this method is a metal strip over the surface on the junction. If it is undesirable, parts of the countertops are connected differently. After measurements, two plates are flooded with special equipment in the factory, so the adjacent edges are perfectly coincide. The reliability and tightness of the compound is provided by silicone glue. The joke is barely noticeable. But in this case, a lot depends on the qualification of the measurer and the installer. After all, the end result is influenced by the tolerance of the plate, the actual size of the supporting tumb, the skill of the artist qualitatively carry out complex fitting works. The slightest inaccuracy can reduce all the beauty of the design.
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| Registration of the end of the intuboxide side (a), inner angle (b), an external angle (B) |
The cost of the installation is the concept of rather ephemeral. Extracting companies it is 8% of the price of the table top and includes a typical set of services, including a cutout for washing, a cooking panel. There are more favorable sentences - 4%, but most often this means that the client will have to pay for each remedies separately. Part of the firms indicate the cost of mounting the lower cabinets, taking into account the price of the countertops (on average, 700 rubles. For 1 m). Others are focused on the total cost of the order: for example, over 60 thousand rubles .- Installation is free.
Support standardization
The dimensional row of plates (blanks) kitchen countertops is quite wide. The length is 4100mm, the width (depth) is 400, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1200 mm. However, 600mm is considered standard width. Of these, 20mm, as a rule, go over the edge of the cabinet so that accidentally spilled water did not flow through the facade, and about 20mm falls on the wall of the couch. Manufacturers of embedded technology took into account these circumstances, and now all European (and domestic) devices have a depth of 500-520mm and miraculously fit into a variety of table tops or under them.
However, when choosing a tabletop, in addition to depths, the thickness should be taken into account. The thickness of the HPL plastic products according to the European standard is 38mm, and most Russian- 28mm. Now the installation height of the built-in cooking panels is 33-41mm. Therefore, the stove embedded in the tabletop is 28mm thick, should fall by 5-13mm to fall inside the couch. It interferes with the nomination of boxes. Ohuzh if the ergonomics of the kitchen requires the position of the cooking panel over the junction of two Tumb, you will have to direct their side walls. Sevropian options are easier. So, the embedded devices of the Siemens companies, Bosch (both Germany) clearly stand in a tabletop with a thickness of 38mm.
Rehau. | 
"Kitchen Dvor" | 
DuPont. | 
Rehau. |
9. Even in the smallest niche, you can establish a mechanism for snaging onboard sides. These elements with a variety of design give the work surface completion, while simultaneously providing a reliable compound compound with a wall
10. Aluminum Kant edge performs protective and decorative functions at the same time
11. Working surfaces are made of solid leaf of artificial stone Cyman (DuPont) 12.3 mm thick
12. Artificial stone is distinguished by a wide palette of colors.
Offensive of artificial stone
A few years ago, an artificial stone was considered an expensive wonder. Asomart in the domestic market presented products of many manufacturers: Corian (Corian), Montelli (DuPont), Avonite, Wilsonart (USA); Hi-Macs, Staron (Samsung), Volcanics (LG) (Obaorea); Getacore (Westag Getalit), Rausolid (Rehau) (Oba Germany); Cristallino (Trend Group, Italy).
Artificial stone is a composite of mineral filler, pigments and a binder component-acrylic resin. Sometimes such a composite is called acrylate. The main plus-dense non-porous structure. It does not absorb moisture, and therefore, bacteria and fungi do not multiply on its surface. The stone has a low thermal conductivity, and it is nice to touch it. It is not by chance that operating tables in the surgical departments of the leading clinics are made precisely from such a material. The hygiene of the tables is no less relevant in domestic kitchens. When cutting meat, fish, chicken, the splashes on the table penetrate the majority of table tops, where the processes of rotting begin. Of course, this happens in meager doses, but still there is no integrity. With a worktop of artificial stone (as well as metal, glass), nothing like this will happen. Other advantages of this material are wide color gamut, diversity of docking methods and molding solutions. From one sheet you can form and wash for dishes, and a worktop or to turn the latter to the original combination of sheets of different colors and decor.
The disadvantages of artificial stone, in fact, only two: its surface is easy to scratch, and under the influence of high temperatures it can soften.
Trend Group. | 
"Kitchen Dvor" | 
Trend Group. | 
DuPont. |
13-16. Artificial stone is very racks to domestic reactivities: alcohol, vinegar, fermented milk products. But it is thermoplastic at a temperature of more than 180 s and does not tolerate contact with hot frying
To remove severe cuts or elbines, use special glue corresponding to the table top. They fill damaged places, grind- and the surface looks like a new one. Similarly, all connections are treated and produce local repairs. The wizard cuts out a spoiled area from the table, inserts a new one, the same configuration, and stains. Avoid chopped or a deformed piece of layered plastic is no longer corrected.
From the manufacturer, an artificial stone comes in the form of sheets of about 4m; 600, 760, 1000, 1200mm width; Thickness 3, 6, 9, 10, 12mm. And each company has its own dimension range. For example, Coriana thickness - 12.3mm, Montelli-12.7mm stone (Obadont), Rausolid (Rehau) - 3, 6 and 10mm. A significant thickness opens up ample opportunities for designer experiments. With a thickness of less than 10 mm, the material is necessary hard framework. This sector of products is most democratic for the price and in demand-on design with the basis of a chipboard, lined with an artificial stone with a thickness of 3mm. GETAcore tabletop price (with a depth of 600mm) - from 8 thousand rubles. For 1 p. M, Montelli - 10 thousand rubles., Corian- 17.5 thousand rubles. For 1 p. m taking into account installation.
"Kitchen Dvor" | 
Leicht. | 
ELT. | 
ELT. |
17-18. The technology of production of acrylic stone allows manufacturing products of any form without visible seams.
19-20. Material for kitchen countertops served by Italian marble Rosa Verona
Table tops of masters
Holders of kitchen interiors in classic, Mediterranean or Rustic styles are suitable, lined with mosaic, porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles of fine-format series (10 10 cm). Punch bases use waterproof plywood, and for its fasteners, metal profile. Special attention should be paid to the selection of grouts for interputric seams. This should be the composition of increased strength, for example, Sopro Saphir (Poland), price (5kg packing) - 550 rubles, Mapei Ultracolor (Italy), price (5kg) - 450 rub. The hardening, it becomes literally stone, and during cooking from the seams will not fall out.
Classic facing with a mosaic or ceramic tiles joining the most economical version of the working surface. Its price begins with 1.5 thousand rubles. For 1 p. m. More refined as a tabletop with a surface, the edges of which are decorated with shaped elements: internal and external corners, figured curbs of IT.P. But the use of such details will increase the total cost of the product several times! The fact is that they are often manufactured separately, by extrusion. After all, making a M-shaped volumetric curly element and a smooth tile on one hardware can not be, and the same will not work equally. There will always be small differences in tone and even in linear sizes. It should be philosophically. Only a creative approach is able to turn the consequence of the peculiarities of production in the highlight of the decorative finish. However, it is quite realistic to do without expensive shaped elements or arrange the edge with wood, metal, glass.
Photo by E. Kulibaba | 
Marca Corona. | 
Marca Corona. | 
"Carama" |
21. Interior kitchen-sample of English conservatism. His beauty manifests itself in the nobility of materials used: wood, marble, glass
22. For registration of the edge of the kitchen countertops, lined with ceramic tiles, a semicircular decorative curb - "pencil" of the same color was used.
23. Ceramic tile on the surface of the kitchen "Apron", the countertops and parts of the facades make the trim harmonious, gives it a uniformity, makes it easier to care
24. Tile with a pattern diversifies the monochrome surface of the kitchen "apron" and serves as decorative design of the table top
Stone Blinds
Natural stone harmoniously combines monumentality and elegance, severity and effect. This is not just a finishing material, but the symbol of the well-being and the foundation of the owners of the house.
Meanwhile, the view is that, despite the indisputable aesthetics, kitchen countertops from natural stone lose with modern artificial materials on physical and mechanical properties and resistance to domestic pollution. As manyness, many of the shortcomings of natural stone are rather contrived, and elementary kitchen furniture care rules eliminate the risk of all sorts of trouble.
For example, spots from coffee, tea, wines and other "color" drinks remain on the white and beige marble, but only if the spilled on time is not wiped and the liquid managed to penetrate the pores of the material. Modern care products will protect marble, becoming a reliable flap of water, oils, food acids. But it should be borne in mind that the procedure for applying compositions should be repeated regularly (once in 1-2 months). It is also relevant for countertops from travertine and slate. For granite, household pollution does not have such an impact. The fears of another kind are connected. It is believed that the magmatic origin of this stone is the cause of its elevated radioactive background. In fact, all types of granite, which are supposed to be used indoors, including as a material for tabletops, pass the radio monitoring and have a corresponding certificate. No respected supplier will offer products that do not meet radiation safety standards.
Leicht. | 
Photo by D. Minkin | 
Ceramica Cir. | 
Novabell |
25-26. Natural stone has a pronounced texture, original coloring. Working surfaces from it are beautiful, durable and durable
27-28. Many collections of ceramics are equipped with angular elements and borders. They give the tabletop completion, but increase the cost of the product
Table tops from natural stone make only to order. The measureer goes to the object and with the help of special devices removes all sizes, determines the configuration of the required holes with an accuracy of 1 mm. The body of the table top is cut from the plates with a thickness of 20 or 30mm, length and width of 1.5-3m. (Although the length of the ordered products rarely exceeds 2.4 m.) An interesting visual effect creates a decorative treatment of the ends: straight cut, rounding, chamfer or a wide stone edge that gives structures a special foundation.
Another characteristic feature of table tops from natural stone - the color of the color. The samples presented in the manufacturer's office will slightly differ from the finished product with a drawing of tenuals or a tint. The price of the tabletop adds from the cost of material and its processing, which is determined by the complexity of the work, and starts from 4.4 thousand rubles. For 1 p. m.
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Photo V. Nefedova | 
Mobalpa. | 
Allmilmo. |
29. At the heart of the Rausolid Countertops (Rehau) - moisture-proof chipboard (a), cladding from the "stone" sheet with a thickness of 3mm (b), a reduction - protective phenolic substrate (B)
30. The working surface of the mirror metal looks stylish and attractive, but the stains on it appear even from touching the fingers, and it is not easy to remove scratches. More winble option - metal with relief texture
31. Matte metal surface is not so bright, but noticeable traces of daily cooking, which are formed over time on any table top, can only be lost in thin polishing paste without problems
32. Hygienic and beautiful glass countertops still remain an element of exotic design.
Kitchen exotic
Stainless steel countertop is nicking hot frying pan and frozen semi-finished products, mechanical effects and means of household chemicals. It is not by chance that professional chefs of all over the world prefer precisely this material: it is durable and absolutely hygienic. Glital houses and apartments smooth or corrugated metal surfaces are found mainly in the interiors in the style of Hi-tech. The basis for them is the chipboard, on which the steel sheet is fixed with a thickness of 0.8 mm. Bursts get, bending his edges in a special press. The price of 1M2 metal countertops begins with 5.9 thousand rubles. Domestic producers "MM Industry" (Russia) comes to 17 thousand rubles. Foreign - Blanco (Germany).
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Alessi. | 
Nolte Kuchen. | 
Siematic. |
33-34. Metal kitchen countertops are perceived as a whole with metal washers, which are mounted with glue or welding.
35. The impression of a glass surface creates an original side cant on a classic laminated tabletop
36. For kitchen tables, durable deciduous breeds are preferable: Birch, oak, beech, alder, nut; From the coniferous - larch: its wood is almost no rot
Winters of classic and country are appropriate wooden table tops. Their canvas glue from individual bars. These designs are more resistant to temperature and humidity in the kitchen, and in addition, with this assembly method, you can get a shield of any length and width. From moisture and water the surface of the tree protects various oils. The price of products from domestic wood - 1.7-4.5 thousand rubles. For 1 p. m (for foreign products will have to pay 20-30% more). MM-engineering, Odyssey, Siberian Master (all-Russia) are produced this beauty.
The most exotic countertops remain glass-crystally transparent, colored or matte. By the way, the matte surface is very practical. It does not remain fingerprints, scratches are not visible. It is easy to wash. The price of an exclusion of matte glass Satinato (Vitralaan, Germany) in size is 200060040mm- about 50 thousand rubles. Perhaps it is precisely the prices of a small demand for this type of tabletop.
"Odysseus" | 
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OSMO. |
37-39. Tree, protected by special compositions, easily makes a neighborhood of kitchen sink and stove
In terms of want to say that any material on desktops of home cookies can be a real interior decoration. The main thing is to know all its advantages and disadvantages, as well as correctly care. Only then will be able to maintain the external attractiveness and consumer properties of furniture until the next cuisine update.
The editors thanks the company "Keramics", "Kitchen Dvor", "Mm Industry", GS Art, Representative offices of DuPont, Egger, Nolte Kuchen, Rehau, Trend Group for help preparing material.