Countertops made of artificial stone , the main advantages and disadvantages

When choosing kitchen units focusing on the worktop - is his main work surface.It is exposed to the greatest stress during vigorous activity mistress.In addition, the table top is considered a "person" cuisine, its shape and colors must conform to the interior space.Models of artificial stone are in high demand - they have all the properties required for the work surface and look great in any interior design.

Countertopsartificial stone

Countertops made of artificial stone or top kitchens - stove, fixed on the floor modules headset.It is a monolithic, combining desks and tables, and consists of several elements.

thickness of the stamp depends on the willingness and financial capacity of the kitchen owner.It varies between 2-13 cm, and its value depends on this parameter.Buy Countertops made of artificial stone small thickness, not to buy the product of poor quality.In this case, the stone is glued to a substrate made of MDF or plywood, and most importantly in this case - the carcass durability and strength of its connection to the facings.

Product width generally corresponds to the parameters of the modules, but you can order a countertop, extending beyond the facades of kitchen units.

There are two types of composite materials:

• Acrylic Stone;
• agglomerate.

Acrylic Stone

Acrylic Stone is made of natural mineral filler.The binding material is an acrylic resin.About 2/3 of the total composition occupied by the stone mineral fillers.

the first time in acrylic stone market appeared in 1966.His company has released «DuPont» and for many years the right to manufacture the material only hers.Brand «Corian», which was produced under the artificial stone is considered to be the most famous in our time.Sometimes people think that the name of any acrylic stone.But there are many other manufacturers and, consequently, other names of this material: Staron, BITTO, Montelli, TriStone, Hi-Macsb, the Diamant, etc.

In our country, kitchen countertops made of artificial stone are available relatively recently, but the material of domestic manufacturers has a more democratic price.The quality is not inferior to foreign analogues.

As with any material, acrylic stone has some advantages and some disadvantages.

Advantages

• strength - Tops of acrylic composites are durable and can withstand active use without any adverse changes in appearance.

• Shock.
• Easy to clean - perfect countertop washed with soap and water.

• structure material - non-porous surface is pleasant and warm to the touch, do not absorb liquids and oils.

• Most colors tops.

• Possibility restoration countertops - small scratches and chips easily grind even the usual fine sandpaper.More serious damage is also easily repaired in the home.To do this, apply a sanding and polishing machine.

• acrylic stone Flexibility.Under the influence of heat from the material by creating a variety of countertops model configuration.

Despite the fact that the dark shades countertops look stylish and rich, they are more noticeable defects arising during operation.In light scratches products do not appear so quickly, especially if the products are drawing the big and middle fractions.

Disadvantages

• scratch with the active use of the tabletop.
• may receive the following from the very hot dishes - Acrylic Stone negatively reacts to heat.
• Applying too hard and abrasive sponges funds threatens the appearance of scratches on the product.

Countertops made of agglomerate

agglomerate compared with acrylic stone, much closer to the natural material.Its filler occupies 90% of the total composition of the material.As a basis serves chips of natural stone, and sometimes even the whole of his pieces.This can be marble or granite, but mostly for the production of kitchen tops used quartzite.10% of the component of agglomerate took dyes and polyester resins.Outwardly, it looks like natural stone.

Advantages sinter

• strength - worktops sinter reliable natural material and are able to serve a long time in the most intensive use.

• Shock.

• surface countertops do not absorb oils and water.

• Temperature resistance (up to 150ºC).

• without consequences tolerate the use of abrasive products.
• Appearance sinter resembles natural stone.

Disadvantages sinter

• length of the continuous top - up to 3 meters.Manufacturing countertops made of artificial stone larger, but it will be with sutures.It should be noted that they are almost not visible - the joints are sealed very well.

• material can not be restored.
• the touch table-tops as cold as stone.

• Tops of sinter heavier acrylic products.
• material lacks flexibility.This limits its use in exclusive projects.
• Price worktops sinter above its peers, made of acrylic and natural stone.This is partly due to its installation more expensive compared to acrylic product.

The unquestionable advantages of artificial stone of any kind related hygiene.The smooth surface does not allow to take root bacteria and mildew - dirt off it can be easily removed with soap and water.

Made of artificial stone wash countertops not only organically fit into the overall look of the headset, but also help maintain perfect order in the kitchen.This is facilitated by the absence of seams and smooth transitions.They are perfectly clean, absolutely silent and resistant to corrosion.