A glass countertop is not only an attractive element in the interior of the room, but also a practical thing that is convenient in daily use. You can read further about the main types, features and advantages of countertops made of glass.
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Glass tabletops for the kitchen: advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of glass countertops should be noted:
1. Aesthetic appearance in the interior of the room.
After installing a tabletop made of hardened glass, a kitchen is created in a very unusual and stylish image. Among the variety of shapes, patterns and flowers of glass countertops, everyone will be able to choose the surface to their liking. Such elements in small -sized rooms look especially good, thereby visually expanding them.
In addition, the use of such countertops involves the installation of LED backlight, which gives the kitchen a little magic and mystery.
Glass countertops differ in variety of surfaces: mirror, matte, multi -colored, models that mimic natural stones, so this surface will fit into any type of interior.
2. A high level of wear resistance and durability.
Even after prolonged use, the glass surface does not change the shape and does not abore. If you choose the optimal glass thickness, then it can withstand even large loads. The lower layers of the glass should be laminated, and the upper, without fail, hardened. Therefore, with proper care, a glass countertop will last more than a dozen years.
3. Simplicity and hygiene of care.
There are many various kinds of pollution in the kitchen, but it is the glass surfaces that are most stable to them, they do not absorb dirt, so in order to wash the countertop, a damp rag, and if desired, detergent. In addition, glass is stable before forming the fungus and mold.
4. Resistance before exposure to high temperature.
This condition is ensured if the hardened type of glass is used. The countertops are not melted under the influence of high temperature, they are not able to absorb moisture or steam, and under the influence of all these factors they do not lose their appearance.
5. Environmental safety.
It is because of natural origin that glass is a harmless material that does not distinguish harmful substances into the environment. In addition to environmental safety, glass made of a triplex ensures complete safety. In the event that it accidentally breaks, it immediately breaks up into the smallest parts.
Having learned about the large number of advantages of glass countertops, one should not forget about their disadvantages that will help to determine the need to install such products.
We offer to familiarize themselves with them:
1. Fragility and risk of damage.
Tables with a glass countertop are still prone to cracking when exposed to severe loads or during a blow. After that, the formation of non -aesthetic chips that require immediate replacement of the entire surface.
2. Creating cold in the atmosphere of the room.
Although the glass speaks of the good material prosperity of its owners and the exquisite taste, but at the same time it fills the room with a certain cold, alienation and stiffness. To save the situation, additional objects made of wood, textile curtains, pillows and warm tones are used.
3. The presence of a creak and other unpleasant sounds.
During operation, glass makes unpleasant sounds, which not everyone likes. To drown sounds, it is necessary to use various kinds of prefixes, napkins and tacks, which is not very convenient.
4. The need for frequent washing.
Although caring for a glass surface is not too heavy, it requires constant washing, since any dishes or even touch can leave stains or traces on the countertop. Glass is unstable to the effects of a certain kind of acids, which are almost daily used in the kitchen.
5. Glass countertop: Price.
To purchase a glass countertop, you should spend good money, as it will be too expensive, and if necessary, in ordering an individual drawing or finish, you must still pay extra.
Glass countertop - place in the interior
A great addition to the kitchen will be a countertop made of glass. This element of the room, first of all, attracts with its brilliance and subtlety. Such a countertop will easily complement any type of room, the main thing is that other elements made in this technique are also present there. For the kitchen, these will be shelves, a designer apron, possibly a glass floor.
The first and most important advantage of the countertop made of glass is its eccentricity and exclusive, which it brings into the atmosphere of the room. In this design solution, the aesthetic component and practicality of use is perfectly combined with each other.
Since the kitchen is the place on the territory of which there is constantly movement, cooking, steam and moisture-disagreement, the countertop should have special strength. In some cases, a special tempered glass is used to manufacture, preventing premature wear and spoilage of the material.
Among the main advantages of glass countertops should be highlighted:
- stability in front of temperature changes;
- resistance in front of fat;
- stability before the influence of chemicals;
- the absence of seams, as on tiles, for example, avoids the appearance of fungus and mold;
- using hardened glass allows you to withstand huge mechanical loads.
In order to further increase the power of the glass countertop, special glass is used in the form of a triplex, which has a special layer that improves its strength characteristics.
To make glass for countertops, exclusively environmentally friendly materials are used in the form of sand from quartz, lime, soda. Therefore, the surface of the countertop does not need special care. It is quite hygienic and easy to carry out disinfection.
Another important advantage of the glass countertop is the variety of its variations in accordance with the appearance of the surface. The surface of the countertop is glossy - shiny and matte - more calm. In the variety of texture ideas and drawings, the fantasy of designers is endless. Any drawings, patterns, besides this, the option of simulating glass of stone, wood, marble, etc. is possible on glass countertops.
Although glasses made of glass have high mechanical strength, there is still a risk of cracks on it, when exposed to severe loads. The help of a simple chip or crack requires the help of professionals, but in most cases, the countertop requires replacement.
Therefore, during the operation of the surface, special safety measures should be observed and, above all, do not put hot dishes on glass, for this there are special stands. When installing the countertop on the surface of too heavy objects, do it carefully and slowly in order to avoid damage.
If we consider the efficiency of the purchase of a glass countertop, then most likely it refers to its disadvantages, since such an element of the decor differs in a decent cost, which is several times higher than the price of alternative types of countertops.
Although it is not necessary to spent on additional funds that provide care for the countertop and its processing. In addition, with proper care, a glass countertop will last several times more than wooden. Therefore, having spent once, you do not have to spend money again. All types of countertops are distinguished by the presence of rounded corners, in order to avoid injuries to sharp glass corners.
Glass countertops occupy a special place in the interior and are highly popular among famous designers.
There are many original ideas that allow you to make a glass countertop the main element of the kitchen. For example, the option of installing a countertop on the surface on which photography is applied will allow not only any drawing or picture on it, but even a family photo. Such a pattern is applied to a particularly strong glass - triplex. There are several technologies for applying photo printing on a glass surface:
- use of color film;
- film with photo printing;
- the film on which the drawing is depicted.
The option differs in extraordinary when the glass imitates marble, stone, wood, amber, malachite or other type of decoration. And the extreme sections of the countertop, in this case, are processed according to the use of fake technology.
Another option for decorating the countertop is the use of mirror glass for its manufacture. If you observe all manufacturing technologies, then this surface will differ in special strength. The interior, in this case, will become lighter and spacious.
The easiest way that allows you to apply a drawing on a glass countertop is the use of a decorative film. She will help to get a countertop exactly the shade that is needed. In addition, there is an opportunity in applying any drawings or patterns. This method of design is characterized by an affordable cost and good operational characteristics.
One of the more expensive and complex methods for decorating a glass countertop is the application of ultraviolet printing. The duration of such a drawing is much higher than that of the film. In addition, it is stable before exposure to high temperature and steam.
In order to completely exclude the risk of damage to the picture, the image is laminated in a triplex, thus, the pattern remains in integrity all the time.
The use of a stemalite technique allows you to achieve an extraordinary result when designing a countertop. It implies the application of a plain pigment only on the countertop. This method implies the use of a coloring substance that is mixed with a glass mass in the process of its manufacture. This type of staining has the highest resistance, since the glass is baked at a temperature of 70 degrees.
Glass countertops photo:
Sandbrown surface treatment allows you to achieve the effect of matte glass. In addition, the option of applying a variety of patterns is possible, which will look even more expressive on the matte surface.
Some designers offer to mount various kinds of lamps on the surface of countertops, which emphasize its brilliance and sophistication.
The most important point of installing a countertop is its harmony with other interior details. For example, a pattern or pattern on the surface of the countertop may be partially repeated in wall decoration or on curtains. The glass countertop looks great with other glass elements of the kitchen.
The best stylistic solution for the kitchen or bathroom with a glass countertop is its processing in high-tech style. Regardless of the size of the room, such a countertop will fit well into any interior. In a small room, she will let light streams through herself, and thus make the room lighter, more comfortable and spacious. And in a large kitchen, a countertop made of glass will look concise and elegant. Glass can make the situation simpler and more free.
DIY glass tabletop: Recommendations for manufacturing
In order to buy glass for countertops, it is better to contact a specialized institution in which it will be pre -cut in accordance with the previously specified parameters.
As a fastening of glass countertops, we will use the frame method. It is simpler and allow you to add the effect of lightness and weightlessness made by the counterattack.
Let's try to make a hi-tech counthole, its main components will be a combination of glass with metal. To purchase accessories, contact a specialized store. There will help to choose the legs of the countertops, which easily withstand the load from the glass.
For fixing glass and legs, special glue is required. Choose the glue of any manufacturer that is able to glue the glass surface to the metal. But, keep in mind that for its polymerization, ultraviolet rays are used in the form of a special ultra -power lamp, which is sold in construction stores.
The quality of the connection is the highest, even when trying to disconnect the foot of the countertop from the surface, it breaks off with glass.
After fixing the legs on the pre -cut surface of the countertop, it remains to wait for the glue to dry and install it in the right place. Keep in mind that such a countertop has a higher fragility than purchased, so when treating it you need to be extremely careful. To decorate the surface, use special colors that are designed to draw on glass objects. The option of stickers of a special film with a variety of drawings is possible. Such a countertop will cost much cheaper, but in appearance it will not yield to its purchased version.
Recommendations for the care of a glass tabletop
- Periodically wipe the surface with a clean rag moistened in a special solution, which is designed to wash glasses or in vinegar. Ordinary water leaves stains on the surface.
- To give the countertop a shine, it needs to be rubbed with a napkin or a regular newspaper.
- Do not cut products on the countertop, use a cutting board for this. Since there is a risk of small scratches.
- When persistent pollution appears on the glass surface, it is recommended to remove them using non -abrasive, creamy detergents.
- When small chips or deformations appear on the surface, call the master urgently.
Subject to these recommendations, the glass tabletop will serve you for many years.
