Glass countertops for the kitchen , the main advantages and disadvantages

An average woman spends much of the day in the kitchen, so in our time, the design of the kitchen is given special attention. Mistresses strive to make the kitchen area modern, comfortable and functional.

Kitchens are becoming more neat, beautiful and airy. Apparently, therefore, the curiosity is becoming more and more popular as a glass countertop. But before, blindly following the fashion trends, to buy a glass countertop, it is necessary to thoroughly study the essence of the matter.

So, the glass top is a few layers of laminated glass, where the top layer is made of tempered glass. This glass has another name - triplex.

Glass countertops: advantages and disadvantages

Let's analyze what you gain by purchasing a dining table with a glass top and risk.

Advantages of

1. Originality. Agree that it is very unusual and stylish looks in the kitchen round or teardrop-shaped glass top. You can make a custom-made table of any other shape. Ie, by purchasing such a non-standard countertop, you make your kitchen different from what your friends and acquaintances already have.
   
2. Aesthetics. No one will argue that the table with a glass top looks nice, the kitchen becomes light and neat. Such a surface will be an excellent addition to the kitchen interior in any style. This is ideal for low-light rooms. The glass top can be custom made to suit your individual preferences and taste.
3. Variety of models. The glass table top can be transparent and matte, multicolored, monophonic or with a printed pattern, with or without a substitute. If you are confused by transparency, you can buy a table with a matte glass top. Then at dinner you will not have to contemplate the feet of your guests. Today, practice laminating glass countertops with a special film, which can be of different colors, with photo printing or with a picture. The film with great success can imitate a natural stone( for malachite, amber, granite, amber, etc.).Externally, glass surfaces differ little from stone surfaces, but they are much cheaper. And the range of such interesting tables of glass is constantly expanding, thanks to the efforts of designers.
4. Durability. Despite the visual lightness, glass table tops can withstand heavy loads. The thickness of this table top varies from 4 to 20 mm. The surface of such a table has a special film protective coating, which minimizes the impact from falling of a heavy object.
5. Security. Of course, if you try hard, you can break such a strong surface. But, even if this happens, then the top of tempered glass will crumble into many pieces without sharp edges. Those. In this case, the risk of injury is minimized. In addition, glass - a completely harmless material in terms of environmental cleanliness.
6. Resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Preparation of food in the kitchen can not do without excessive humidity, on the stove all the time something warms, boils and splashes. Tempered glass does not swell from the water and does not melt from hot. Just what you need in the kitchen.
7. Durability. This quality emerges from the previous paragraph. Glass - a material with a solid texture, resistant to moisture, is not subject to decay processes( like wood).Bacteria simply have no place to multiply, since glass has no pores. It is not so easy to scratch the glass surface( like plastic).If you follow the simple rules of operating glass products, then such a table top will serve you for a very long time "with faith and truth".

Disadvantages of

1. Friability. Glass is glass, even tempered. It, certainly, does not absorb a moisture, as a tree, and is not afraid of hot pans. But, it is necessary to appear on the surface of a small cracks, it is necessary to change the entire table. It will not be possible to restore it.
2. Exposure to acids. And acids in the kitchen - it's normal.
3. Crackiness and squeak. Many are annoyed by the specific sound emitted by the glass when it comes into contact with objects of kitchen utensils. But it's quite easy to deal with this, using stools under hot or wipes in various variations.
4. "Cooling" the interior. Yes, the glass is good in hot climates. In winter, the cold surface will not add comfort. But, in this case, it is worth compensating for this disadvantage by placing in the kitchen more "warm" items: a thick fleecy carpet or wooden chairs, a sofa with fabric upholstery.
5. The need for frequent washing and cleaning the surface. On the glass are very clearly visible spots that remain from water, greasy fingers, dirty dishes, so you need to wash it often. If this prospect does not suit you, then it is better to abstain from this purchase. Although, if you immediately wipe the dirt, then nothing complicated in this. After all, glass does not absorb pollution, everything remains on the surface, i.e. It is much easier to clean glass tops than, for example, wooden. To care for the glass surface, do not use abrasive materials to avoid scratching the glass. Use special cleaners.
6. Expensive. Yes, the glass top is not a cheap option. And sliding or folding tables made to order, are even more expensive.
   

Special attention should be paid to the quality of glass table tops when selecting a table, the stability of the design, which is especially important for sliding and folding variations.