Laminated tabletop: features, dignity and disadvantages. What you need to know by acquiring laminated tabletop informational construction site |

The countertop is called the surface that covers the floor cabinets of the kitchen headset on top. Actually, the countertop is a working plane for each mistress. That is why it is necessary to choose a functional and durable surface for themselves, 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 table top

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

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

What is the tabletop? First of all, from the base. At the same time, the basis is often the usual plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, etc. But the facing of these foundations is all sorts of materials that make a variety of tops in the appearance of tops.

Previously, all the surfaces of the kitchen were of the tree, on top of which the oil was covered. But today the Kleenka is considered "yesterday's day" and all surfaces are open to view, that is why the hostess seek to transform the kitchen.

At one time there were plastic countertops with a popular design of the kitchen, but they are short-lived by nature. Today, the choice for tops is huge. Facing can be expensive natural materials, such as wood, malachite, marble, granite. And you can use modern materials - they are cheaper and easier, such, for example, as acrylic, laminate, metal.

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

What should be a tabletop

More convenient to have a table top solid - to work and care for it is a pleasure! In addition, the smaller the joints and compounds, the richer and the kitchen headset and the room itself looks like.

Basically, one of the main advantages of the table top is the competent combination of the plate (gas or electric - not so important) and washing. In addition, the countertop often performs the role of the subband, as an additional technique is embedded here, like a fryer, and sometimes even hoods.

But the most basic mission of the countertops is the desktop, so the appearance and material from which this element has been launched must meet high requirements. Among them:

Moisture resistance. Countertops should not absorb water, on the contrary, they must protect the basis (and all the insides) from moisture: leakage, leakage, etc.
Strength. Countertops must be highly resistant to various mechanical exposures: hot dishes, careless handling of knives, blows, etc. All this should not leave at least some visible traces.
Fast cleaning. Countertops should not only be quickly cleaned from various contaminants, but also to have resistant to the use of various detergents (including aggressive). Imagine if the countertop darkens or brightens after the use of a chemical agent for cleaning kitchen surfaces.

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

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

Laminated countertops

Tabletop from chipboard, laminated plastic

Countertops made of chipboard and topped with laminate are the most popular items for the kitchen. They have a lot of advantages that made them with 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 high height, they still remain objectives and in normal form. The maximum "trouble" threatens finishing: there will be a pair of scratch or a small dent.
The chipboard itself is not moisture-resistant material, but modern impregnations are creating wonders: thanks to these means, countertops for the kitchen have an amazing water repellent ability.
Table tops from chipboard can serve for a very long time - you only need to select the correct coating for the top.
Mostly chipboard for countertops are covered with a special laminate, which has a second name - HPL plastic.
The application of laminate on the chipboard is carried out using this method as postforming.
Thanks to POSTOFORGU, laminate becomes heat-resistant and resistant to external mechanical damage (blows, cuts, scratches, etc.).
Laminate reliably protects the chipboard from various nuances that may arise during the use of such a countertop.
Countertops from chipboard, top covered with plastic, are not seamless, but if the work is performed by professionals, then the seams of a specific separation of almost imperceptible.
Laminated countertops are very important to finish the ends - this will extend them life, since the chipboard will have reliable protection against moisture.
The edge finish is performed using the same plastic that was involved when finishing a table top, although such a solution is not the best. Some manufacturers switched to improved edge and end protection - acrylic, polypropylene, steel, wood. True, such a tabletop will cost a little more expensive.
If a sink or a stove for making food is embedded in the worktop (the so-called "cooking panel"), then it is necessary to use the sealant - it will protect the chipboard from the moisture.

Table tops from laminated MDF

Such countertops make much less often than from the chipboard.

The difference between MDF from the chipboard is that wood fibers are used for the production of MDF, and for the production of chipboard chips from the tree.
If the chipboard is considered not too environmentally friendly material, as the chips are fastened with formaldehyde resins, after which this material can highlight the formaldehyde pairs. It is harmful to the human body, and especially for children. But for the manufacture of MDF, wood fibers are connected using paraffin and lingin, which is much safer for a person who works with such a table top. This is the only difference between these two building materials. Otherwise, they are identical and have the same advantages of disadvantages.
The price of the tabletop laminated from the MDF is slightly higher than its analogue from the chipboard. Since during operation it is quite difficult to see the difference between these two table tops, then choosing a working surface into the kitchen, advise only with your wallet.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminated countertops

Laminated countertops can be of any colors and sizes, so the choice depends only on the individual wishes of the owners.
The advantage of laminated countertops is that its design can be the most diverse. For example, the surface of the top can imitate natural wood or stone, leather or metal. The tabletop can have the most diverse drawing or decoration in the form of a print. Of course, it is far from natural originals to natural originals, but the similarity is sometimes striking - especially the wood goes to the glory.
Light laminated tabletops over time can lose their appearance slightly, for example, after a certain number of years, stains may appear - they 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. Especially, it will rush into the eyes if the table-top is monophonic. It will not affect the functional responsibilities - only on the appearance. Specialists advise that the laminated countertop will serve for many years without replacement, pay attention to the dark (but not black!) An option that has a neutral color or imitates natural materials: marble, wood, stone.
Acute items can leave traces on the laminated tabletop, so it is not desirable to cut something with something like that. It is not a fact that scratches will remain immediately after the first lack, rather this is a matter of time.
The laminated tabletop "insensitive" to hot. You can put pots and plates with hot meal, but immediately removed from the fire and put the hot pans still do not stand. Do not test the surface - this can lead it to a dissent.
If you are often prepared in your kitchen and a lot, choose a matte countertop - specialists claim that this choice will help as long as possible to preserve the surface in perfect condition. The fact is that the glossy surface is more susceptible to mechanical damage.
In order to save the laminated tabletop as long as possible, use special boards for cutting meat, cutting vegetables and bread - it will save and extend the life of the table top.
In the event that you spend all the kitchen work directly on the tabletop, choose a light, monophonic and matte surface.
Deep scratches of laminated countertops can lead to internal damage to chipboard or MDF, which will scatter and deform from moisture.
Standard laminated countertops have a definite size - "We have" them thickness equals 28 mm, and in Europe - 38 mm. But private firms can offer a wide variety of options if you agree, then the tabletop you can have a thickness and 50 mm.
The tabletop thick 38 cm is ideal in order to embed the cooking panels in it (especially import instances).
If you want to extend the service life of laminated table top, it is necessary to process the edge and ends of the product. This should include manufacturers, but in the event that such a service is not provided or you do not know what kind of processing (and whether it was carried out at all), then you better have all work on your own.
Choose and buy laminated tabletops only from proven manufacturers who have positive feedback and give a guarantee for their goods.
Often, manufacturers offer with the tabletop remaining tops, for example, apron. Remember that modern designers assure that the apron should not approach the styling table top, color and texture. Best of all, if it is combined with floor, curtains or facades of the kitchen wall. If you are an adherent of classics or afraid that the appearance of the kitchen will be made wrong with you, then you should not experiment - make a worktop and apron in an old-fashioned one color.
Remember that laminated countertops are afraid of vinegar - stains from this fluid can remain on the surface forever. Given such features of the table top, it is not necessary to process it with all sorts of means that can be aggressive to this surface. Especially carefully take advantage of the means that are generally not adapted to cleaning staff.