What to use to make kitchen worktops?
Are you looking forward to furnishing your kitchen? You are probably wondering what material to use to make kitchen worktops. There are a lot of raw materials available on the market, but their technical parameters are very different from each other. We decided to come to your aid and compare some of the most popular ones, paying attention to the strengths and weaknesses of each of them. Here is what we have prepared.
The most popular materials for kitchen worktops:
Granite is the hardest and most solid material of all the materials available on the market. The worktops that will be made of it have excellent resistance to mechanical damage, including scratches, moisture, high temperature and stains. They are antibacterial and hygienic. Their perfectly smooth surface prevents dirt from penetrating into their pores, so they are easy to clean. They do not require impregnation, although many stonemasons recommend it, and any scratches or splinters resulting from exploitation can be removed during grinding. Unfortunately, stone kitchen worktops cost a lot and are heavy, so it is necessary to adapt the furniture for their installation. However, their beautiful and exclusive appearance rewards everything.
Composite is as durable as granite. It is produced from mixtures of stone minerals, which are combined with synthetic resins and pigments. What definitely works to its advantage is the ability to form it freely. Composite worktops can be given various shapes, which makes it possible to get rid of the joints connecting individual elements. Moreover, they are durable, resistant, easy to care for and lighter than those made of natural stone. However, they have one disadvantage – high price.
Conglomerate is a very similar product to composite. It is created by combining ground marble and granite with polyester resin. Unfortunately, kitchen worktops made of it are less durable than granite and composite worktops. Yes, they can withstand high temperatures, are resistant to moisture, stains and chemicals, but it is much easier to scratch them. In addition, marble conglomerates wear out quickly. However, they can be renovated to restore their former glory. In addition, it is worth mentioning that they come in a rich palette of colors, are lighter than granite, and their price is quite affordable.
Glass is a durable material resistant to moisture and high temperatures, so placing hot pots on it or installing it near the cooker will not harm it completely. It looks great in modern interiors. In most cases glass tops are made to order. They can have a matt or transparent finish. Unfortunately, they are not resistant to mechanical damage, which can occur under the impact of pestle, but it is quite difficult to scratch them, which is an unquestionable advantage. They are not cheap, but it is worth paying extra for good quality.
Wood is the material that is the least durable and resistant of all the above. Wooden kitchen worktops are not resistant to fire, high temperatures and mechanical damage, so they are easy to scratch. They do not tolerate humidity very well unless they are made of a suitable type of wood and impregnated with a food-grade agent. Unfortunately, there is no certainty that frequent contact with water will not cause them to swell or deform. However, they cannot be deprived of the fact that they are universal, they look beautiful in every kitchen, they are warm to the touch and quite cheap.
