Kitchen tops should be resistant to humidity, high temperature, cleansing agents, substantial load, and mechanical damage. In addition, they must be presentable in the kitchen and ensure convenient working conditions. Here are the tips as to the main types of tops used in kitchens.
Kitchen worktops made of postforming. Postforming is a laminate glued on a chipboard. This is the cheapest and the most common solution. Its curved edges are finished with the same material and prevent water from leaking in. However, it may be problematic to combine tops made of different materials. Postforming is a durable material which is resistant to abrasion and discolouring. You can get it in different colours.
Kitchen worktops made of natural stone. There are many types of natural stones. Kitchen tops are well-matched if made of hard and non-absorbable stones. Granite is perfect for a kitchen top. Unfortunately, the price of tops made of natural stones are several times more expensive than that made of postforming, but they are much more durable.
Kitchen tops made of glued laminated timber. They can be made of domestic timber, e.g. pine, oak, ash, beech or exotic timber, e.g. tectona, mahogany, merbau, apella, or badi. In this case, polishing is required to refresh the surface. The durability of such tops depends on the type of timber. At present, solid wood is replaced by glued laminated timber, which is much more resistant to distortion and cracking.
Composite kitchen tops. Tops made of composites such as staron, kerrock, and corian are soft, relatively light and resistant to scrapes, high temperature, and chemicals. Their qualities are sometimes superior to that of natural stone. Their biggest advantage is a seamless connection. All links between tops are blended, so what you’ve got is a uniform and smooth surface which is impervious to water. Composite is easy to handle. You can form it into any shape and use the material both on the top as well as the sink. However, they are 10 times more expensive than postforming.
• Kitchen tops made of ceramic tiles. Panels are stuck to a water-resistant chipboard. Ceramic tops are characterised by their resistance to damage and humidity. Our customers have an extensive offer of ceramics to choose from, so they can come up with a top with a very original structure. They are perfect for unique and unusual interiors.
