Features and subtleties of the selection of plastic countertops for the kitchen

When equipping the kitchen, many are looking for stylish, practical and budget countertops that are easy to work with. Plastic products meet these and many other requirements. Thanks to them, you can equip not only an aesthetic, but also a functional work area. Plastic perfectly "imitates" natural materials, but is much cheaper.

Plastic countertops for the kitchen are canvases, the facade of which is a layer of MDF or chipboard. CPL or HPL plastic is used as a protective and decorative layer. Different models may have different values ​​of the thickness of a given finish, which affects the strength and durability of the canvas.

The quality of the countertop will largely be determined by the technology of its production and the type of plastic used. For example, CPL products have "weaker" performance. They are unstable to high temperatures and power loads.

HPL surfaces are renowned for their greater reliability. They are able to withstand short-term exposure to high temperature indicators (more than 200 degrees) and, in addition, are resistant to mechanical stress.

It is about them that will be discussed further.

For the manufacture of countertops, manufacturers use solid canvases made of chipboard. From above it is covered with specialized HPL plastic. It is made by pressing kraft paper impregnated with various resins. Despite the thinness of the decorative plastic layer (from 0.4 to 0.8 mm), it is able to provide high strength to the finished product.

To obtain a kitchen countertop, manufacturing companies often use postforming. This is a method in which 2 materials are combined (in this case, chipboard and plastic) when exposed to high temperatures and pressures. Thanks to this method, the polymer layer smoothly "enters" all the edges of the surface. The result is a product with a perfectly smooth surface without seams.

Basically, manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of plastic countertops with two thicknesses: 28 and 38 mm. The characteristics of these two products will be almost the same. However, the cost of a surface with a thickness of 38 mm will cost about 1.5 times more.

The width of the canvas is a standard parameter. Almost all slabs reach a width of 60 cm. Occasionally there are options on the market, the indicator of which can be 30, 100, 120 cm.The length of products varies widely: from 244 to 420 cm.

If the kitchen is straight, it is equipped with a solid stove.... Different angular modifications are made by arranging 2 bases.

Plastic wood countertops have a reasonable price, due to which they are preferred when arranging budget kitchens. There are products on sale that imitate various woods: from inexpensive to elite species.

Also, surfaces can imitate granite, marble and other stones. Besides, variants with various colors are popular... The variety of choices allows you to buy a plastic countertop for a kitchen with any style of interior.

Plastic work areas are moisture resistant. Thanks to this feature, they will last a long time, despite intensive use.

Other than that, there are other key benefits to these countertops.

• Resistance to mechanical damage and abrasion... The surface retains its original appearance, even if it was subjected to impacts, drops of kitchen items on it and other influences.
• High resistance to food acids and the water vapor to which the kitchen work area is often exposed.

• Thermal stability... The worktop is capable of contacting hot dishes and not deforming. Nothing will happen to the surface if you briefly put a saucepan on it that has just been removed from the stove.
• Durability... With proper care, a decorative coating can retain its aesthetics for more than one year. It does not fade or fade in the sun, thanks to which it is able to delight the owners with bright and rich colors throughout the entire period of operation.

Do not take into account only the advantages of plastic coating - you need to study the disadvantages. The disadvantage of wood-like countertops is its "unreliability". Looking at such a kitchen, you can immediately understand that the work surface is not made of natural wood, but of a material that resembles it. Therefore, these products are unlikely to be chosen by those who are used to preferring luxury.

The disadvantage is also considered unsuitable for repair. For example, stone countertops can be sanded. Such an event will allow you to get rid of scratches and abrasions and restore the aesthetics of the surface. If the plastic is damaged, the only way out is to completely replace it.... It's easier to get a new countertop.

Another disadvantage is the possibility of moisture penetration into the joints, if such are provided by the modification of the product. In this case, the water will contact the chipboard base, which will lead to its swelling. The swollen base is capable of deforming the decorative layer, which will require replacement of the countertop.

For finishing the chipboard board, plastic can be used in various colors. Variations that imitate wood can reproduce both light woods and darker ones.

In addition, manufacturers make the surface matte or glossy. The former have a slightly rough texture, the latter are brilliant.

What to choose - everyone decides for himself. However, before buying, you need to take into account some of the nuances that relate to gloss:

• a shiny surface is impractical: stains from a kitchen rag, handprints, crumbs are visible on it;
• small abrasions and scratches will be strongly visible on the glossy countertop;
• if the gloss is not properly cared for, it will quickly lose its original appearance.

In order for the tabletop to serve "faithfully" for more than one year and at the same time retain its original aesthetic qualities, it is important to listen to a number of recommendations from experts.

• The most durable products are those with seamless ends. Surfaces with decorative edges are rarely on sale. It is better to refuse to purchase them: during operation, moisture will penetrate into the joints, which will lead to their flaking and deformation of the facade slab.
• If there is a choice of products with different thickness of the decorative layer, it is advisable to buy an option with a large parameter. Such products belong to German and Italian production.

• When choosing a countertop, you need to pay attention to its color and stylistic performance. The product should be combined with the kitchen or in harmony with furniture and interior items, for example, with curtains, wallpaper, linoleum. Note that light shades are preferable to dark ones: splashes of water, drops of grease and other dirt are not so noticeable on them.
• Before buying, you need to ask the seller for quality certificates for the products sold. So the buyer will be able to reduce the risks of purchasing a low-quality product that does not meet the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.

In order for the working surface to serve as long as possible, it is necessary to adhere to several rules regarding its operation:

• to prevent scratching, use cutting boards when cutting food;
• to prevent swelling of the decorative layer, you need to put hot dishes on heat-resistant supports.

Feedback from buyers of plastic countertops is especially interesting for those who want to purchase such a product to equip their kitchen. According to reviews, most people do not regret their choice. They point out that a plastic surface is an affordable way to decorate a kitchen in a functional and tasteful way.

Among the advantages, buyers note:

• low cost;
• moisture resistance;
• good decorative qualities;
• abrasion resistance;
• ease of care.

In general, buyers leave positive feedback on plastic countertops. In their opinion, this is the best solution for those who are used to purchasing goods with an optimal ratio of their cost and quality.

Learn more about plastic kitchen countertops in the next video.