Artificial stone kitchen countertops: types and choices

The question of what should be the countertop for a kitchen set is especially relevant for those whose kitchen is under renovation or those who have decided to replace the old set. Many people prefer artificial stone options. However, before buying products from such material, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with their features, the various types of raw materials used for their manufacture, as well as the rules for caring for such countertops. All these and other nuances will be discussed in detail in this article.

Kitchen countertops made of artificial stone are composed of a material that includes stone chips and synthetic resins. This raw material has been produced since 1967 and is currently represented by many different companies in the furniture market.

Artificial stone differs from other materials in that its surface is absolutely devoid of porous formations.

The artificial stone countertop has a number of positive qualities, which definitely makes many buyers choose it.

• Antibacterial properties, which are due to the absence of pores on the surface of the material.Particles of food, liquids and other substances do not penetrate the structure of the countertop, leaving it clean and preventing the appearance and growth of unwanted microorganisms.
• This property also explains another positive sign of such products - the ease with which they lend themselves to cleaning. The dirt, without fixing in the pores, can be removed even without the help of chemical cleaning agents.
• If cuts or cracks may appear on countertops made from other raw materials during operation, then they will definitely not appear on a product made of artificial stone even after a long time. Raw materials of this type are not susceptible to the effects of the blades, so it is difficult to damage them in this way. But it is worth remembering that the material may not withstand strong blows.
• A surface made from such raw materials can withstand high temperatures. Also, areas of mold and mildew are not formed on it.
• The design of the kitchen countertop, made of artificial stone, is often distinguished by its originality. You can make the surface look truly spectacular and unusual, since the options for possible colors offered by firms are very diverse.
• Even if the surface of the headset is exposed to ultraviolet rays, the appearance of the artificial stone will not deteriorate in the least.

As for the disadvantages of this type of countertops, the following nuances should be noted.

• The cost of such a part of a kitchen set will be rather big. The minimum price for one running meter of this product is 7,000 rubles, but many products are even more expensive.
• If it becomes necessary to correct the shape of the countertop, then it is quite difficult to change the artificial stone on your own. Even if you can cut off the unwanted part with the help of tools, it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve perfect evenness and polish level.

As can be seen from these lists, the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages.

The worktops of the kitchen set, made of artificial stone, are classified into a number of varieties. One of the criteria is the thickness of the product. It varies in the following ranges.

• From 3 to 12 mm - an indicator typical for products created on the basis of acrylic stone. As a frame, a special substrate made of chipboard, plywood or MDF is used here, on which the facing part is attached.
• Thickness values ​​from 10 to 20 mm can be inherent in composite-type plates, the structure of which does not include a substrate. Sometimes, to visually thicken such a tabletop, a side can be glued.
• The three-centimeter model no longer requires additional thickening attributes. It may not differ much in cost, but the West of this design will be much larger.

Another criterion for dividing into varieties is the shape of the end of countertops made of unnatural stone:

• the straight version without bevels is the simplest and is made to order;
• straight end type 2 + 2 combines simplicity and elegance;
• there are also models with a rounded end;
• the traditional option for a quartz variety of artificial stone is the butt called "pigeon breast";
• if the upper edge of the countertop is wider than the lower one and protrudes above it, forming a beveled corner of the edge, then this option is called "duck nose";
• soft lines are characteristic of the semicircular end of the product.

It is also worth paying attention to the shape of the countertop. This parameter can be used in order to cover with a layer of this material not only the headset, but also other parts of the kitchen. The main forms are as follows.

• Rectangular products are a traditional option that is often used specifically for headsets with a sink and other attributes. It is noteworthy that if the length of the coating is 3 m, and the selected material is acrylic, then a solid plate without any seams will be used for your kitchen.
• Sometimes a set in the kitchen goes into a bar counter, and it is for such cases that countertops made of artificial stone with an arched silhouette are in demand. This option looks strict, but at the same time very restrained and elegant.
• If there are corner-type tables in the kitchen, then a square-shaped countertop will come in handy.

The following materials are used as the main raw materials for countertops of this type.

A popular composite is quartz agglomerate, which consists of more than 90% quartz chips, as well as polyester resin, decorative additives and dyes. The positive sides of a countertop made of such material include:

• high strength, which most often explains the long service life of products;
• even from the influence of corrosive liquids, the material will not suffer, and as for the temperature, contact with hot objects is quite acceptable for a short time;
• the surface is very easy to clean;
• can be embodied in a variety of designs and textures, including matte or textured;
• has a high level of environmental friendliness.

Disadvantages of agglomerate countertops:

• the duration of the manufacture of a set for your kitchen;
• high cost of products, as well as installation, which is not an easy process;
• the impossibility of installing monolithic slabs, especially for large headsets, which is why the tabletops are laid with seams;
• the material can be embodied only in products of simple geometry.

The composition of acrylic stone includes components such as acrylic resin, stone chips, as well as various pigments. Among the advantages of using this material as a tabletop, the following features can be noted:

• uniformity of texture, implying not only the absence of even micropores, but also the integrity of the entire product;
• most relevant for creating products of an unusual shape;
• countertops can be embodied in a huge number of color options;
• unlike natural stone, such material acquires room temperature, therefore it is very pleasant to the touch;
• acrylic lends itself to self-grinding, with the help of which it is easy to eliminate defects with your own hands;

However, some negative characteristics of the material should not be ignored:

• the main one is its susceptibility to scratches and cuts;
• if a strong dye is spilled onto the surface, then there is a risk that the countertop will absorb it;
• they are less resistant to aggressive substances, for example, acids, if acidic liquids get on such a surface, wipe it immediately;
• also, do not take risks and let the countertop come into contact with hot objects and too hot dishes.

The palette of colors in which an artificial stone countertop can be decorated is quite diverse. The main options include the following:

• imitation of a natural stone surface;
• a single color option, which is a variety of bright, dark or light colors;
• an abstract color containing an ornament that does not imitate a stone surface.

Since the purchase of a table cover or a headset in the kitchen requires both financial, and time costs, you should be responsible for the choice of this product.

• If you are considering options with the ability to repeatedly polish if defects occur, choose thicker countertops.
• Be sure to make sure that the design of the kitchen cover matches the concept of the interior of the room. You can also find stylish, versatile options that will work in color and texture to suit most design concepts.
• If you are looking to purchase a dark or monochromatic tabletop made of unnatural stone, please note that if scratches appear on it, they will be more noticeable than on a surface with an ornament or a lighter color.
• Consider the price range when choosing. It is better to think over the budget in advance based on the surface area of ​​the coating, additional installation costs, the cost of the selected artificial material. For acrylic models, the price range for 1m2 varies from $ 100 to $ 320, while the minimum price for quartz counterparts is $ 150, and the maximum price is $ 500.
• Choose products after reading the reviews of the manufacturing companies in advance.

So that the selected tabletop will serve as long as possible and be subject to mechanical damage as little as possible, a number of conditions for its care and operation must be observed.

• Minimize contact of hot dishes with the surface.
• Also refrain from using aggressive detergents or abrasive particles.
• Be sure to use a chopping board when chopping food to reduce the chance of the knife blades coming into contact with the artificial stone.
• Even sponges for washing are best used with the soft side, otherwise the product will often require polishing.
• If mineral deposits have formed, they can be removed without corrosive liquids. Ordinary whiteness or bleach will come in handy. Apply them to the surface for a quarter of an hour, and then remove along with the remaining dirt.

For the pros and cons of artificial stone kitchen countertops, see the following video.