Moisture-resistant worktops for kitchen and bathroom. Stone worktop

Durable and functional countertops have long and tightly entered the interiors of modern homes. At first glance, a 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 reliably resist humidity. 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.

What are the advantages of stone countertops?

In terms of operational value, stone models are the best option. They are completely protected from the 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 the stone can be a table top 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 should provide both 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 before 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.

Types of stone waterproof countertops

In the category of stone countertops with the effect of moisture resistance, too, not everything is unambiguous. The market offers three variants of such models - on the basis of artificial stone, from crumbs of different breeds, and also from 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 that mimic natural minerals. But most importantly - the basis of such models is a wood laminated panel, which in itself lowers the protective properties.

The optimal solution can be a stone table top, 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 does not allow in its structure, not only water, but also chemical solvents. A special place in the manufacturers' lines is always taken by 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 resistance to moisture. Marble, in turn, will cause a lot of problems in the care, as it gets dirty and is also scratched.

Main characteristics

Among the shortcomings of stone models is worth noting their heaviness. Even if we are not talking about a natural granite countertop, the same agglomerate will outperform in the mass index analogs from MDF and chipboard. This aspect is just important in terms of choosing the appropriate size. 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 specifics of the particular situation in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Nuances of choosing a countertop for the kitchen

For the kitchen, the characteristics of wear resistance, protection from chemical attack and mechanical strength are especially important. Therefore, it is best to refer specifically to models from a stone agglomerate. However, depending on the operating conditions, a moisture resistant kitchen countertop 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.

Nuances of choosing a countertop for the bathroom

In the bathroom, the protection against moisture and aesthetic beauty come to the fore. Here, the natural stone can show its best qualities. But it's 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 must 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.

How to choose a shade of table top?

Regardless of what the countertop material will be, you need to approach the selection of the color solution responsibly. 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.

How much is the countertop made of stone?

Again, it is worth noting the lack of stone countertops. In this case, it's about cost. On the market, countertops are represented by segments in the form of panels, which have different prices. For example, a 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 executed, the cost of which can reach 6 thousand for the panel already in the middle segment.

Conclusion

Even at the stage of choosing a countertop, you should evaluate the possibilities 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 shell or other engineering add-ons is required. In this regard, it is recommended to order moisture resistant countertops for 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.