Durable and functional countertops for a long time anddensely entered the interiors of modern houses. At first glance, the cumbersome and massive construction proves to be advantageous in use for a variety of reasons. Among them is easy to care, durability and resistance to mechanical damage. At the same time, not every model can withstand moisture adequately. Both in the kitchen and in the bathroom it is recommended to use moisture resistant countertops that withstand close contact with water, without losing any other performance characteristics.
In terms of operational value, stonemodels are the best option. They are completely protected from negative effects of the same moisture, temperature influence, chemical burns and mechanical damage. Nevertheless, this material is not affordable for everyone, so there may be a question of acquiring alternative options based on wood shavings. In this category, there are two solutions that are positioned as waterproof.
The most worthy competitor to a stone can becountertop made of moisture-resistant MDF, the structure of which is impregnated with special protective compounds even at the stage of production processing. Qualitative representatives of this segment must provide and resistance to moisture, and mechanical security, as well as to counteract chemicals. The second alternative to the stone is a laminated chipboard product. In this case, the barrier in front of moisture is realized not by a special structure, but by external coatings. But why should the preference be given to the stone? Due to the fact that both wood chip variants will eventually be covered with minor damage, despite the protective coatings and impregnations. And just through the places of cuts and cuts, the destructive effect of moisture will begin.
In the category of stone countertops with effectmoisture resistance is also not all unique. The market offers three variants of such models - on the basis of an artificial stone, from crumbs of various breeds, and also from a natural solid material. As for the artificial countertops of this type, then, of course, they have a distant relationship to the stone. Their structure is formed by polymer glue and particles, imitating natural minerals. But most importantly - the basis of such models is a wood laminated panel, which in itself lowers the protective properties.
The best solution can be a topstone, formed by natural granules of quartz, granite, marble and other components. Thanks to the use of binder resins and heat treatment at high temperatures, this material receives a high degree of density, which prevents its structure from not only water, but also chemical solvents. A special place in the manufacturers' lines always takes up completely natural material, bribing with natural texture and noble appearance. But in the case of a countertop, you should not count on the high performance characteristics of solid granite, for example. This is a heavy plate, which does not guarantee sufficient durability before moisture. Marble, in turn, will cause a lot of problems in the care, as it gets dirty and is also scratched.
Among the shortcomings of stone models is worth notingtheir heaviness. Even if it's not a natural granite countertop, the same agglomerate will outperform the analogues of MDF and chipboard in the mass index. This aspect is just important in terms of choosing the appropriate dimensions. Anyway, the lightest models of artificial stone have in the thickness of the order of 10-15 mm. It turns out a thin panel with which the treatment should be delicate. The standard thickness of the moisture-resistant countertop of stone agglomerate is 30-35 mm. Again, as this figure increases, so will the load on the load-bearing structure, so too much too is not worth taking. As for the width, it averages 65-70 mm. But this parameter depends on the specific situation in the kitchen or in the bathroom.
For the kitchen, characteristics are especially importantwear resistance, protection from chemical attack and mechanical strength. Therefore, it is best to refer specifically to models from a stone agglomerate. However, depending on the operating conditions, a moisture resistant countertop for the kitchen based on artificial stone can also be used. Yet this option justifies itself as an easy and at the same time durable piece of furniture. Moreover, artificial alloys with the use of polymer adhesives allow the formation of a variety of geometric lines due to the high plasticity of the composition.
In the bathroom on the foreground act exactly protectionfrom moisture and aesthetic beauty. Here, the natural stone can show its best qualities. But it is important not to forget that granite is not the best solution in terms of moisture resistance. It is advisable to give preference to marble, which has an attractive natural texture. In this case, the moisture-resistant worktop for the bathroom of this material should have a strong supporting base. Natural stone, as noted, is the heaviest material from which countertops are made. The output can also be the order of a tabletop of a small size in thickness, which will reduce the mass of the object.
No matter what the material iscountertops, you need to responsibly approach the selection of color solutions. In the case of choosing a model for a bathroom, this case is simplified. In this room, the table top of gentle pastel tones will organically display itself, although the natural contrast of the same marble can fit into almost any interior. For the kitchen, experts recommend waterproof countertops made of orange or turquoise. This choice is explained by the fact that such tones increase appetite and have a beneficial effect on a person's emotional state. Also for fans of eco-style it is possible to recommend a green shade. Light colors in the kitchen environment will contribute to a visual increase in space.
Again, it is worth noting the manifestation of a lackstone countertops. In this case, it's about cost. In the market, countertops are represented by segments in the form of panels that have different prices. For example, the model of artificial stone is considered the most affordable at this price and is sold on average for 1-1,5 thousand rubles. Approximately in the same category up to 2 thousand are products from natural minerals. From the agglomerate the most expensive moisture resistant countertops are made, the cost of which can reach 6 thousand for the panel already in the middle segment.
Even at the stage of choosing a countertop,the possibility of its installation and refinement. Both in the kitchen and in the bathroom it is more likely that integration into the niche of this panel of the sink or other engineering add-ons is required. In this regard, it is recommended to order moisture resistant countertops according to individual sizes. This solution will avoid troublesome work with adjusting the plate at home, although, of course, will require additional costs. In the future, so that the table top retains its characteristics, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the requirements for the care of the selected material. Both natural stone and agglomerates with imitating crumb have their own peculiarities with regard to maintenance, which should be taken into account.
