Kitchen Countertops:
a variety of materials to choose from
The function and appearance of a kitchen are decisively influenced by the material and nature of the countertop. We prepare our dishes on our countertops. The countertop surface is also storage space and should be scratch resistant and durable. Modern worktops from Parlun are truly versatile. With proper care, it will bring you years of pleasure.
In the following, we have put together an overview of the most common surfaces and countertop materials for your dream kitchen. You’ll learn everything you need to know about their advantages and what to look for when making your choice. Besides, whether you want an elegant gray kitchen or the white kitchen of your dreams, Parlun will provide you with the perfect countertop for you.
Advantages of laminate countertops
Easy to care for
Inexpensive
Stable
Odorless and tasteless
Laminate countertops:
beautiful and inexpensive
The laminate countertops are not only inexpensive but there are few countertops that can beat them in terms of versatility. Do you prefer granite or oak or do you prefer a specific color? This kitchen countertop is all about being able to transform into what you like. That’s why laminate has been the most commonly used material in kitchens for years. Laminate can be classic, or it can have the look of wood or granite. It can also have the look of concrete and the latest color trends. Most importantly, laminate is easy to maintain and has uncomplicated maintenance procedures.
Shapes and textures of laminate countertops
The core of a laminate countertop usually consists of a particleboard base coated with colored or patterned plastic (HPL, CPL). When it comes to the thickness and shape of laminate countertops, you have several options:
- 38 mm thick with a rounded leading edge
- 38 mm thick with 90° angled edges, called decorative edges
- 16 mm thick with decorative edges
- More thicknesses are available according to individual requirements
Natural stone countertops:
durable and timeless
In kitchens where people laugh and cook, Parlun’s sturdy natural stone countertops leave no mark on the countertop even as the years pass. You can choose from a comfortable country house style or a modern cooking style. Natural stone countertops are both durable and versatile. They bring modern style and taste to life and exude natural charm.
Shapes and textures of natural stone countertops
At Parlun, you can find impregnated natural stone countertops made of granite and marble. Their irregular patterns make each kitchen unique and impressive for its value. If you are careful in maintaining this countertop, it will last for a long time.
Renew the impregnation regularly with special care products approximately every two years. In this way, you can protect your natural stone countertops from stains caused by food, especially if the kitchen is used frequently.
Advantages of natural stone countertops
Free of contaminants
Heat resistant
Extremely strong and durable
Advantages of ceramic countertops
Food-safe, insensitive to moisture or acids
Hygienic and odorless
Free of contaminants
Easy to clean
Resistant to external influences, such as heat, UV radiation, scratches, etc.
Ceramic countertops:
Strong and durable
Ceramics was so popular as a material that even the ancient Greeks used it to fire vases, which can still be admired in museums. In recent years, ceramics has developed into one of the strongest and most durable materials, as it is indestructible and extremely heat resistant. So ceramics do not stop at applications for kitchen countertops. Their hygienic purity, extraordinary smoothness, and general insensitivity are remarkable. If you are looking for very high-quality and simple product, ceramic countertops are your best choice.
The shape and texture of ceramic countertops
Porcelain ceramics are pressed and fired at high temperatures to form a smooth, extremely hard layer on top of the base material. Bacteria, odors, liquids, sharp knives and UV radiation have no chance to cause damage to ceramic countertops. Stains can also be quickly removed from ceramic slabs. Ceramic countertops are the ideal choice for your kitchen.
Glass countertops:
sturdiness
Today, the sturdiness of glass is no longer an oxymoron. Glass here does not mean water glasses or salad bowls. We are talking about a different kind of glass. In recent years, this glass has been used as worktops in modern kitchens, which is resilient, low-maintenance glass. Their high hardness makes them ideal for busy kitchens. Whether you prefer a glossy shine or the softness of a matte satin finish, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Parlun’s glass countertop collection.
Glass countertop shapes and textures
These modern glasses are made of quartz sand, limestone, and soda, which are fused at extreme temperatures to create a very stable and scratch-resistant product. You can choose between glossy and matte countertops. The latter is virtually invisible to fingerprints and scratches. parlun’s glass countertops are a worthwhile purchase.
Advantages of glass countertops
Easy to clean
Odorless
Hygienic
Heat resistant
Waterproof
Does not require much maintenance
Table of Contents
Kitchen countertops: do not underestimate the choice of countertops
There is a wide range of countertop designs and materials to choose from.
Do you prefer to install a sink or a tumbler flush? Choosing a countertop is not just about the material. In fact, the planning issues are just as important as the costs. Therefore, you should be aware of the different materials as well as the design possibilities.
Why is the choice of countertop so important?
A kitchen countertop is often known as a countertop. It is the surface directly adjacent to the base cabinet.
Countertops in the kitchen are used as:
- Practical storage space
- A place to prepare food
Important note: The countertop is the part of the kitchen that is under the maximum amount of pressure.
However, the countertop is also important for the sink area and the choice of the hob. Finally, the sink or cooktop is installed on the countertop, so be sure to specify the type of installation in advance. This is especially important when built-in sinks and stoves are installed flush with the surface.
The following plans show how closely the choice of built-in sink and countertop is related.
- Built-in sink made of countertop material
- Built-in drainer into the kitchen countertop
- Undercounter sink
Minimum requirements for countertops
Kitchen countertops must withstand heavy loads for years. This is where people chop vegetables, place pots and pans, and small household appliances such as toasters, food processors or blenders can find their place on kitchen countertops.
Therefore, your countertop should meet the standards and should comply with the following requirements
- Easy to care for
- Be sturdy and fade resistant
- Correct working height
- Be well-lit
Costs are related to other criteria as well. However, working height and sufficient working light are essential to optimize the workflow.
Kitchen countertop depth
Typically, the depth of a kitchen worktop is 60 cm. This is because most of the work in the kitchen takes place in the first 30 cm of the countertop. The back 30 cm can be used as shelves for kitchen utensils and ingredients. Because they are far away, they do not interfere with people’s kitchen work.
Tip: The kitchen gadgets and accessories on the back of the worktop won’t get in your way
Kitchen countertop thickness
The thickness of the countertop varies depending on the material and your optical preference.
- The most common worktop thicknesses range from 1 to 6 cm.
- Ultra-thin: 1 to 1.6 cm
- Thin: 2 to 3 cm
- Standard: 4 cm
- Super standard: 6 cm
Depending on the manufacturer, other thicknesses of the countertop are available.
If you want a particularly thin and sturdy worktop, you should choose stainless steel or ceramic rather than glass. This is because extremely thick worktops are not easy to install. For heavier materials such as concrete and natural stone, we recommend that you choose the thinnest possible slab. Firstly, it makes installation easier. Secondly, the weight on the base cabinet is reduced.
Tip: You can also get a particularly sturdy countertop to look with a beveled front edge thickness of up to 12 cm.
One trick to make a countertop look thicker is to use edges. Here are the edges that make your countertops look thicker.
- Beveled edges (up to 12 cm)
- Edge doubling (4 cm)
Countertop as a design element
In addition, the countertop plays a key role as an important design element. When people first look at it they are drawn back to it, so they should choose the most beautiful countertop. The choice of countertop must be in harmony with the popular kitchen style and in line with personal ideas. Due to the most advanced manufacturing and processing techniques, there are almost no limits to the design of today’s countertops.
Using countertops, you can design elements in the following parts of your kitchen.
- Color
- Both sides
- Surface
- Backsplash
- Counters
The color of your countertop depends heavily on the countertop material. With the choice of edges, you can choose your additional worktop, while you can create modern cooking countertops at home using side panels. For a unified overall picture, you can also use the countertop as a backsplash or create a seat made of countertop material.
Tip: The hob and work table should be planned so that you have a good posture.
A wide variety of kitchen countertop materials
Kitchen countertops are made of a wide variety of materials. There are enough options to choose from when planning a kitchen for every style and every type of kitchen. However, due to the diversity of materials and designs, it is not always easy to find the right kitchen countertop for you.
Questions related to choosing a countertop include.
- Which material is particularly easy to take care of?
- Which material is particularly strong?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials?
- What is particularly important to you when it comes to your countertop?
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