An overview of materials for kitchen worktops
Are you wondering about suitable materials for kitchen worktops? There are different types to choose from. The choice may not be easy however, because they differ in appearance, type of finish, technical parameters and the way they should be cared for and these factors influence the durability of the worktop and comfort of use. In order to make it easier for you, we decided to prepare an overview of the most popular materials from which kitchen worktops are produced.
Materials for kitchen worktops available on the market:
- Laminate (postforming) – is one of cheapest materials. Unfortunately its durability is not very high and the same thing pertains to its resistance to mechanical damage. However, it should be noted, that it is available in wide range of colours, is stain proof and handles cleaning agents and exposure to high temperatures quite well. Unfortunately it has to be protected from scratches and its edges should also be protected from water exposure, because the water can penetrate the material and cause ugly bulges.
- Wood – wooden kitchen worktops are beautiful and elegant but their resistance to harmful factors leaves a lot to be desired. The must be protected from high temperature, UV radiation and moisture. Unfortunately they are quite soft, so scratches and dents easily appear on their surface. A sharp knife, little power and the worktop may be destroyed! If you decide to buy such worktop, buy glued laminated timber, which will not become warped during contact with water. Make sure it has been well impregnated. A protective layer of varnish will make it impossible for the dirt and liquids to penetrate the structure of wood.
- Metal – kitchen worktops made of metal work well in modern, loft-style interiors. Most often they are produced from aluminium or stainless steel. Their durability and resistance is satisfactory. They are hygienic, easy to keep clean and resistant to permanent stains. Water, high temperature or cleaning agents with acidic pH cause them no harm.
- Glass – it is durable and attractive. It can have different types of finish and it can also be decorated. The surface is ideally smooth, so it is easy to keep clean. It is resistant to stains, but it is not resistant to impact – it cracks quite easily. Contact with sharp objects may effect in ugly scratches.
- Natural stone – is noble, elegant, with incredible durability and resistance, especially once impregnated. It is expensive but it is worth its price. It is resistant to wear, it is very hard to scratch and permanently damage it. Fire, high temperature or water do not change its properties. The only thing you should remember if you decide for a stone kitchen worktop is to care for it with special cleaning agents, immediately remove coffee, wine or beetroot stains and limit the contact with acids.
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