Laminated countertop: features, advantages and disadvantages. What you need to know when purchasing a laminated countertop -information construction site |

The countertop is called the surface that covers the floor cabinets of the kitchen set on top. As a matter of fact, the countertop is a working plane for every mistress. That is why it is necessary to choose a functional and strong surface for yourself, which, at the same time, will be beautiful and attractive outwardly. Recently, laminated countertops for the kitchen are very popular. This option is economical - the price of this top is low, and the operational qualities are quite acceptable.

Content

What is a countertop

The kitchen set is not only the main assistant in the kitchen, but also the decoration, as well as the pride of any mistress. The facade and countertop play a large role, as they should be practical and, what is there, just like the cook.

Most often, the countertop is a monolithic slab that is attached to floor cabinets. But sometimes the plate can consist of several parts. The thickness of the countertop varies - on average it is from 2 to 7 cm. It all depends on what material it is made of and, of course, on the wishes of the hosts. The width and length of the top corresponds to the size of the cabinets. But, the countertop can either strictly cover the cabinets, or protrude a little beyond the borders of the furniture.

What is the countertop made of? First of all, from the base. In this case, the basis is often the usual plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, etc. But the cladding of these foundations is all kinds of materials that introduce diversity into the appearance of the tops.

Previously, all the surfaces of the kitchen were made of wood, on top of which an oilcloth covered. But today the oilcloth is considered “yesterday” and all surfaces are open for viewing, which is why the housewives seek to transform the kitchen.

At one time, plastic countertops were the popular design of the kitchen, but they are in their nature short -lived. Today, the choice for tops is huge. There can be expensive natural materials, like a tree, malachite, marble, granite. And you can use modern materials - they are cheaper and simpler, such, for example, like acrylic, laminate, metal.

Counts laminated with plastic are very popular today - this is practical, fresh and inexpensive. The last point, by the way, is sometimes decisive for many of us.

What should be the countertop

It is most convenient to have a solid countertop - to work and care for it is a pleasure! In addition, the fewer joints and connections, the richer and monolithic the kitchen set and the room itself look more.

Basically, one of the main advantages of the countertop is a competent association of the plate (gas or electric - not so important) and washing. In addition, the countertop often plays the role of the auxiliary, since additional equipment is built here, such as a deep fryer, and sometimes even hoods.

But the most basic mission of the countertop is a desktop, so the appearance and material from which this element is hidden should meet high requirements. Among them:

Moisture resistance. The countertops should not absorb water, on the contrary, they should protect the base (and all the insides) from moisture: leakage, leakage, etc.
Strength. The countertops should be highly resistant to various mechanical influences: hot dishes, careless handling of knives, blows, etc. All this should not leave at least some visible traces.
Fast cleaning. The countertops should not only quickly clean from various pollution, but also have resistance to the use of various detergents (including aggressive). Imagine if the countertop darkens or lights up after using a chemical for cleaning kitchen surfaces.

In addition, the countertop itself should be suitable for the style in which the kitchen is made. It is worth noting that there are surfaces that can be used with only one style.

For example, if in the kitchen you use the high-tech style, then the countertop must be selected metal, since all other materials will look unnatural and even superfluous. But if the style of the kitchen is country or classic, then the countertop should be wooden - this is the most win -win option. For classic and modern cuisine, a countertop made of stone will also look original - it looks rich. In modern kitchens, a laminated countertop looks great. It can be adapted to various conditions.

Laminated countertops

Count of chipboard, laminated with plastic

Cstakes made of chipboard and covered with laminate are the most popular elements for the kitchen today. They have a lot of advantages that made them confident leaders among kitchen countertops. What do you need to know about these tops?

Laminated countertops have considerable strength, because even if they fall from a great height, they still remain targets in normal form. The maximum "trouble" threatens to finish: there will be a couple of scratches or a small dent.
The chipboard itself is not moisture -resistant material, but modern impregnations work miracles: thanks to these means, countertops for the kitchen have a striking water -repellent ability.
Countals from chipboard can last a very long time - you just need to choose the correct coating for the top.
Basically, chipboard for countertops is covered with a special laminate, which has a second name-HPL plastic.
The laminate on chipboard is carried out using a method such as post -forming.
Thanks to post -forming, the laminate becomes heat -resistant and resistant to external mechanical damage (strokes, cuts, scratches, etc.).
The laminate reliably protects the chipboard from various nuances that may occur during the use of such a countertop.
Countals from chipboard, covered with plastic on top, are not seamless, but if professionals do the work, then the seams of the field of specific separation are almost invisible.
In laminated countertops, the finish of the ends is very important - this will extend their life, as the chipboard will have reliable protection against moisture.
The edging of the edge is performed when using the same plastic that was involved in the finish of the countertop, although this solution is not the best. Some manufacturers switched to advanced protection of the edge and end - acrylic, polypropylene, steel, wood. True, such a countertop will cost a little more.
If a sink or stove for cooking (the so -called “hob panel”) is built into the countertop, then it is necessary to use a sealant - it will protect the chipboard additionally from moisture.

Laminated MDF countertops

Such countertops are made much less often than from chipboard.

The difference between the MDF and the chipboard is that wood fibers are used for the production of MDF, and for the production of chipboard - wood chips.
If chipboard is considered not too environmentally friendly material, since the chips are fastened with formaldehyde resins, after which this material can distinguish formaldehyde vapors. This is harmful to the human body, and especially for the nursery. But for the manufacture of MDF, wood fiber is connected using paraffin and linggin, which is much safer for a person who works with such a countertop. This is the only difference between these two building materials. Otherwise, they are identical and have the same advantages.
The price of a laminated countertop from MDF is slightly higher than its analogue from chipboard. Since during operation it is quite difficult to see the difference between these two countertops, when choosing a working surface to the kitchen, consult only with your wallet.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminated countertops

Laminated countertops can be of any color and size, so the choice depends only on the individual wishes of the owners.
The advantage of a laminated countertop is that its design can be very diverse. For example, the surface of the tops can imitate natural wood or stone, skin or metal. The countertop can have the most diverse pattern or decoration in the form of a print. Of course, such tops are far from natural originals, but the similarity is sometimes striking - especially the wood comes to glory.
Light laminated countertops over time can lose their appearance slightly, for example, stains can appear after a certain number of years - it will be difficult to wash off, which will give the tops an ugly appearance. Of course, dark spots may appear on dark surfaces, but on a bright background they will be much more noticeable. Moreover, it will be striking if the countertop is monophonic. This will not affect functional responsibilities - only to appearance. Experts advise that the laminated countertop serves for many years without replacement, pay attention to the dark (but not black!) Option that has a neutral coloring or imitates natural materials: marble, wood, stone.
Sharp objects can leave traces on a laminated countertop, so cutting something with a knife on it is still not desirable. It is not the fact that the scratches will remain immediately after the first oversight, rather this is a matter of time.
The laminated countertop is "insensitive" to the hot. You can put pots and plates with hot food on it, but immediately remove from the heat and put the hot pans yet. Do not experience the surface for strength - this can bring it into a worthless state.
If your kitchen is often prepared and a lot, choose a matt the countertop - experts say that this particular choice will help to keep the surface in perfect condition as long as possible. The fact is that the glossy surface is more susceptible to mechanical damage.
In order to save the laminated countertop for as long as possible, use special boards for cutting meat, cutting vegetables and bread - this will save and extend the life of the countertops.
In the event that you carry out all the kitchen work directly on the countertop, choose a light, plain and matte surface.
Deep scratches of the laminated countertop can lead to internal damage to the chipboard or MDF, which swell and deform from moisture.
Standard laminated countertops have a certain size - “we have” their thickness is 28 mm, and in Europe - 38 mm. But private firms can offer a wide variety of options, if you agree, then your countertop can be thick and 50 mm.
The countertop 38 cm thick is ideal in order to integrate hobs into it (especially imported specimens).
If you want to extend the service life of laminated countertops, it is necessary to process the edge and the ends of the product. This should be done by manufacturing companies, but in the event that such a service is not provided or you do not know which means of processing was carried out (and whether it was at all), then it is better for you to carry out all the work yourself.
Choose and buy laminated countertops only from trusted manufacturers who have positive reviews and give a guarantee for their goods.
Often, manufacturing companies offer the rest of the tops, for example, an apron. Remember that modern designers assure that the apron should not approach the countertop in style, color and texture. It is best if it is combined with the floor, curtains or facades of the kitchen wall. If you are a supporter of the classics or are afraid that the appearance of the kitchen will be made up wrong, then do not experiment-make a countertop and apron in the old color of the same color.
Remember that laminated countertops are afraid of vinegar - stains from this liquid can remain on the surface forever. Given these features of the countertop, it is not necessary to process it with all kinds of means that can be aggressive to this surface. Especially carefully react to those tools that are not at all adapted to cleaning countertops.