TOP10 rating of kitchen countertops: from economy to luxury

Main features of choosing kitchen countertops

An indispensable element of the kitchen is the countertop. This element must be not just aesthetic, but also practical. Countertops are forced to constantly experience various types of external influences. These include, first of all, mechanical loads and contact with moisture. In order for the countertop to cope with them and at the same time remain beautiful, you should choose products from the most suitable material.

A very aesthetic type of countertops are those made of wood. Despite the fact that they have a beautiful appearance, you need to take into account the fact that their practicality is not very high. Even with a certain protective layer, wooden countertops do not last long.

An elite type of countertops can be called those for the manufacture of which artificial stone is used. Of course, natural stone also seems ideal in this case, but countertops made from it turn out to be too expensive.

Products made from artificial stone are noticeably cheaper, lighter, and at the same time able to withstand negative influences.

In the kitchen, countertops made from chipboard can also be used. Their demand is especially great at the moment. The reason is not only that they are inexpensive. Such countertops are additionally covered with a laminated or plastic layer. You can also find types of countertops that are covered with MFD. They turn out to be very practical, although not very presentable in appearance.

The most expensive type are countertops assembled from mosaic elements. They are made by hand, so they look very original and at the same time are easy to clean. But you will have to pay a lot for products of this kind.

What are these countertops made of?

Matte countertops are not made from a specific type of stone or laminate; rather, it is a finish that can be applied to almost any material. Compared to other glossy finishes, such as polished granite, matte countertops are not as shiny or reflective.

Often called a honed finish , matte countertops are smooth and have a soft, satiny appearance. While they don't reflect as much light as glossy options, they redistribute some ambient light, creating an enchanting beauty to the space.

Apart from the modern, chic look of these countertops, they also offer the following benefits:

1. Hide Scratches: The natural, subtle look of a matte finish hides scratches and imperfections. This is because it lacks the reflective quality that tends to increase staining on glossy surfaces.
2. Hides Dirt and Dust: If you don't have time for daily cleaning, a matte countertop can hide dust, dirt, and grease buildup on your countertop.
3. Creates Texture in the Home: Matte countertops offer a textural difference in a room, adding a level of sophistication to the area.

Although matte black looks beautiful, it has a few disadvantages that you should be aware of:

1. Smudges and Fingerprints: Compared to their glossy counterparts, fingerprints and similar oily stains show up more easily on dark matte surfaces.
2. Matte countertops made from concrete or natural stone are more porous than their polished counterparts and are therefore more susceptible to staining; they also require sealing more often.
3. Don't make the space look bigger: Most of us want our kitchen to appear larger. Unfortunately, matte countertops don't help with this because they absorb more light than they reflect and don't create the illusion of more space.

The best laminated chipboard countertops

If you're looking for the best chipboard (laminated particleboard) countertops, there are certain manufacturers you should consider. This material is distinguished by the fact that its surface has several layers of paper plastic and increased performance characteristics. Table tops are made of laminated chipboard and are moisture resistant. Currently, the most popular manufacturers of products made from laminated chipboard in the Russian Federation are Russian and Austrian manufacturers.

Kitchen countertops made of laminated chipboard are an excellent choice for decorating a work area in conditions of high humidity. A variety of sizes and decor allows you to find the option that suits you.

Epoxy resin options

A kitchen countertop made of epoxy resin looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible. It will make the kitchen the center of your home. You can make such a product yourself or order it from specialists. Epoxy resin and industrial hardeners are used to create the countertop. The finished product is different:

• resistance to chemical attack;
• moisture resistance;
• long service life.

On an industrial scale, the production of epoxy resin countertops uses the hot curing method. The result is the most durable material that is not afraid of various influences and high temperatures.

This tabletop does not require special care; it is enough to periodically wipe it with a damp cloth. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that if errors were made during production, they can manifest themselves in the form of the release of toxic wires or the formation of white flakes inside the material.

Color solutions

If you have already decided on the material for the countertop, then it’s time to choose its color. After all, the colors of kitchen countertops should not disturb the ensemble of the room and be perceived as a single whole with the kitchen.

If your kitchen cabinets are dark colors, then a light or white countertop will look good. When the kitchen is made in light colors, then a dark countertop or even black one looks nice. White or shaded surfaces also combine well with colored kitchens.

It is also important to consider the color and material of the kitchen apron. For example, an interesting idea when the apron and tabletop are made of the same color and materials, but different in texture. Also, in more classic interiors, you can play with the contrasting color scheme of the countertop and apron.

Read: How to choose an electric built-in oven

Plastic worktops: a smart choice

For an inexpensive kitchen, it is best to choose a plastic countertop. It can have absolutely any appearance: marble, granite, quartz, etc. Moreover, its cost will be an order of magnitude lower than natural material.

This type of tabletop is made from chipboard or MDF with a thin layer of plastic. The materials are joined under high pressure using the postforming method. The result is a perfectly flat surface that is reliable and moisture resistant. The disadvantages of the material include its relative fragility and the impossibility of restoration.

Corner kitchen styles

1. Classic design requires clear contours of furniture and the mandatory presence of space for built-in appliances. Expensive materials are used to create a classic interior.
2. Country style is appropriate in a country house. The interior may have a rustic and deliberately rough appearance. The peculiarity of the country style is naturalness, so the materials used in its creation are wood and textiles with discreet prints.
3. Furniture designs in high-tech style are made of metal and glass, which makes the kitchen simple, but light and spacious.
4. Art Nouveau style does not have the luxury of classics and the asceticism of high-tech. Art Nouveau style sets are simple but beautiful. The furniture in the setting can be almost anything, even the cheapest, the main requirement for it is convenience.

When choosing corner countertops for the kitchen, you need to take into account the features of its style. Today the market offers materials for every taste and budget.

Surfaces made of chipboard or MDF are the cheapest and at the same time different in texture and color. A popular material is stainless steel. Surfaces made of transparent or colored glass look original. The most expensive materials are natural wood or natural stone, and they also require careful handling. Therefore, artificial stone countertops may be preferable.

Wooden countertops: elegant kitchen design

Wooden tabletops are ideal for a variety of styles, both modern and traditional. All you have to do is choose the right wood color. In addition, this material looks extremely elegant and stylish, it adds warmth and comfort to the interior. Wood harmonizes perfectly with other wooden elements of the furnished interior, such as window frames, doors or floors.

Working with wood is very simple. It can be easily cut to the required size or cut out the holes required to install the necessary kitchen appliances. This material can be renewed many times, and damaged wood can only be sanded to remove the impregnation layer, clean it of dust and apply a new layer. Thanks to this treatment, the surface of the countertop will shine like new.

When using a wooden kitchen countertop every day, you should carefully consider the type of impregnation. By choosing a varnish, it will be easier for you to keep the countertop clean. However, such a surface is less resistant to high temperatures. In addition, the varnish works on the surface. It does not penetrate deep into the wood and does not preserve it.

An oil countertop withstands high temperatures better, but water marks remain on it. Therefore, unless you act quickly and wipe the stain away, it will remain on the surface. The advantage of lubricant, however, is that the oil penetrates deep into the wood and therefore preserves it better. In addition, it does not spoil the natural structure of the tree.

Wooden countertop for kitchen photo

This type of countertops originates from the distant past, when industry did not yet exist, and there were no artificial materials at all; people used exclusively available natural resources, which is what wood was then, as well as to this day.

If your kitchen is in one of the rustic styles, the best countertop for the set will, of course, be wooden. This is the most environmentally friendly and comfortable material that allows you to create a warm, homely atmosphere in the kitchen interior.

The only downside of a wooden tabletop is that it requires quite a lot of attention, the varnish treatment of its surface does not provide high performance indicators, and the density of the wood is inferior to any stone, so its impact resistance is also not high.

The wooden look of such a tabletop will fit perfectly into country or Provence, but a wooden tabletop made of exotic species will look very decent in other modern styles.

If you need to bring comfort and harmony to your interior, be sure to order a wooden countertop for your kitchen set. And to justify its presence, purchase a table and chairs for the dining area made of the same wood.

The design, or rather the color, of the kitchen countertop can be combined with other elements, but most often this element is the floor. A single or overall color presence will create a sense of thoughtful kitchen design style.

All of the above types of kitchen countertops are equally suitable for both corner and straight kitchens. Thanks to the availability of different decors and colors, each of them can be adapted to most modern interior design styles.

Tempered glass kitchen countertops: not an option for everyone

Glass countertops are slowly but surely gaining popularity. They look elegant and do not visually clutter up the space. The advantages of such materials include:

• practicality (it’s as easy as possible to care for such a surface);
• beautiful aesthetic appearance;
• strength and durability;
• versatility (suitable for almost any design).

However, glass products also have a number of disadvantages:

• fear of breaking the surface (they are actually quite durable);
• feeling cold;
• hand marks.

By choosing tinted or frosted glass in the kitchen you will be able to create not a “cold”, but a “warm” atmosphere. It is recommended to protect the edges of the tabletop with silicone pads, then they will become less dangerous.

Glass table tops

Durability and anti-allergenic qualities are the main bonuses of glass countertops. Glass does not absorb odors and does not release harmful substances into the environment. But in cost, such countertops are superior to products made from the above materials.

Advantages of glass countertops

1. Safety (thorough polishing of the edges completely eliminates the possibility of cutting yourself on them).
2. High strength (due to tempered glass).
3. Easy to care for.
4. Mold formation is excluded.

Cons of glass countertops

1. High price

Advice from our experts : to avoid tarnishing the glass of the tabletop, it must be wiped from stains in a timely manner.

The practicality of countertops made of artificial stone

Many consumers choose artificial stone countertops because they cost less than products made from natural material. And their performance characteristics sometimes even exceed those of natural analogues.

Versatile Quartz Countertops

Quartz stone has recently been in great demand not only due to its universal qualities, but also as a material for the manufacture of one of the main elements of kitchen furniture - countertops. The work surface used for cooking has always been subject to increased demands.

In addition to its aesthetic properties, it must be highly resistant to the effects of moisture on its surface, not change its color from constant contact with coloring pigments of juices, fats, and withstand mechanical influences that can be exerted, for example, by knives when cutting food. It is desirable that the service life of the countertop be as long as possible, that it be environmentally friendly, and that the price be affordable.

All these requirements are fully met by a quartz countertop, which is a product made of artificial stone, and in its appearance completely imitates natural granite or marble. In terms of its technical characteristics, it is not inferior to natural finishing materials, and in some of its properties it even surpasses it.

The only difference, and for many this is the main selection criterion, is the relatively low cost. By purchasing a countertop made of quartz artificial stone, you can forever stop using cutting boards. You don't need a special stand for a hot frying pan or saucepan.

The surface has the following strength characteristics: it can withstand high temperatures and aggressive environments, it is not afraid of any contact with sharp or hot objects.

A wide range of quartz countertops are presented both in furniture showrooms where they sell furniture sets, and in numerous online stores. Therefore, choosing it according to color, size and shape will not be difficult. However, it is best to purchase the product to order.

Solid acrylic countertops

Acrylic countertops last a long time, but their cost is significant. They will be an adequate replacement for natural stone. You can order such products in any color and size.

Acrylic is a synthetic polymer based on methacrylic or acrylic acid. It is rather plastic, but it is called artificial stone due to its similar performance characteristics.

Among the advantages of the material, it should be noted its durability, variety of designs and the ability to be made in any size. Also, the product is inert to moisture and is not afraid of mold. The main disadvantage is instability to high temperatures and mechanical stress.

Types of kitchen countertops

In a specialized market, the client will be offered several types of countertops, which will differ not only in appearance, but also in material and price. But each product has advantages and disadvantages.

Tabletops made of laminated chipboard

Laminate kitchen countertops are in great demand today. This element is made of chipboard coated with a layer of plastic. This option is attractive primarily due to its low price. These countertops are functional and can last for several decades.

Those who are especially concerned about their health will have to refuse this choice. Experts note that chipboard contains resins that, when exposed to high temperatures, can release toxic substances.

There are also laminated countertops with a matte and glossy finish. The first type is considered more preferable. The gloss will quickly show unattractive scratches.

Another disadvantage of laminated products is the inability to make the surface seamless. Therefore, it is recommended to choose models with a pattern.

Made from artificial stone

Those who prefer more expensive materials can choose an artificial stone countertop for their kitchen. This product is highly durable and moisture resistant.

In addition, a continuous work area will look rich. The appearance of the surface will not change even after several years, subject to proper use.

Expert opinion

Olga Kovalenko

Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.

Not many people know that countertops are not made entirely of artificial stone, but based on the same chipboard or MDF. In rare cases, plywood is used. A layer of crumbs and resins is applied to the base. The thicker this coating, the higher the price will be.

Beautiful countertops made of artificial stone can be made from one of the materials - acrylic and quartz agglomerate. They have differences. Acrylic stone is preferable due to the following advantages:

1. Imitates naturalness. These countertops look rich.
2. Homogeneous structure. Acrylic has no microscopic pores. Therefore, the likelihood of the accumulation of dangerous bacteria on the surface is minimized. In addition, stains can be removed from such a countertop without any problems.
3. Easy processing. Acrylic is considered a soft stone.
4. Variety of colors.
5. The material is heated to room temperature.
6. Harmlessness.

The disadvantage of acrylic surfaces is considered to be low heat resistance. If you place a hot frying pan, the countertop will be damaged. Also, it should not be cleaned using abrasive detergents or steel wool.

In some respects, agglomerate is more practical than acrylic.

The main advantages of this material:

• resistance to high temperatures;
• easy to clean (any detergent will do);
• harmlessness;
• many color options;
• hygiene;
• resistance to mechanical stress.

The main disadvantage is that this material is made in slabs. Therefore, if the kitchen is large, the seams will be visible on the work surface. It is possible to create only simple geometric shapes from the agglomerate.

This option is not suitable for the original design of the kitchen surface. The disadvantages also include complex and expensive installation.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel kitchen countertops are stylish and practical. These products have almost no drawbacks.

Stainless steel has increased strength and is resistant to aggressive detergents, high temperatures and mechanical stress. Thin sheets are attached to a base of chipboard or plywood with liquid nails. The edges of the material are folded around the ends of the slab.

Depending on preferences and interior design, you can order a matte or mirror surface.

The second option is suitable for careful use. The downside is that such countertops are only intended for direct kitchen use. On corner sets the seam will be noticeable.

Granite

A countertop made of natural stone is considered the best option for the kitchen. However, it will not be cheap. The price of the finished work surface depends on the color of the stone and design.

Granite is considered a particularly popular material. The stone is resistant to high temperatures, easily withstands aggressive mechanical stress, and its color does not change for up to 10 years.

The shades of granite may vary depending on the finishing method and the place of extraction. The material is easy to process. Therefore, you can create any tabletop shape from it.

Granite also has disadvantages. The stone has pores into which pathogenic microorganisms can settle. The problem is solved by covering the working surface with a special film.

If any part of the granite is damaged, it will not be completely restored. Individual slabs of stone are not the same.

Solid wood

Wood has always been in demand. It is popular due to its environmental characteristics and attractive appearance. The array is easy to process.

For the production of countertops today, several soft and hard varieties are used: sonna, oak, teak, cherry, walnut.

Expert opinion

Olga Kovalenko

Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.

The choice of material for the countertop must be approached with special attention. Rocks that are too hard can dry out over time. As a result, cracks will appear on the surface. And soft wood is easily deformed.

The working area is made of solid wood or using glued lamellas. The first option is more expensive. In most cases, preference is given to the second type.

The strips of wood fitted to one another are connected. The aesthetics in this case will be somewhat lower. But the surface made of lamellas is considered no less functional.

The main advantages of the array include:

• environmental cleanliness;
• ease of manufacture;
• aesthetics;
• large selection of textures;
• high ergonomic performance.

There are also disadvantages: porosity, deformation. The tree is also not resistant to high temperatures. Additionally, you will have to use thermally insulating stands for pots and pans.

Ceramic surfaces

Ceramics are also suitable for kitchen furniture. The material is practical and aesthetically attractive. It has a rich palette of colors and textures.

Ceramic countertops are resistant to damage (chemical and mechanical). A big plus is the low hygroscopicity coefficient. Ceramics do not absorb liquid. This countertop will be easy to clean. Even abrasive agents can be used to clean the surface.

Those who want to bring extraordinary design ideas to life should pay attention to ceramics. The working surface can be either plain or with an image. The functionality of the zone will not be affected in any way.

Concrete countertops

Concrete is a porous material that quickly absorbs moisture. Similar raw materials have recently begun to be used for the manufacture of kitchen work areas. It is chosen by lovers of modern interiors. Filler (glass, small shells) and pigment can be added to it.

When exposed to high temperatures, concrete can become deformed.

Noble countertops made of natural stone

Kitchen countertops made of natural stone look amazing. The rock is durable and has a unique pattern. Products made from it are durable and are not afraid of chemical influences. These countertops can be placed close to the stove.

However, the stone ages over time, so it requires careful care in the form of wax polishing. In addition, it is difficult to restore if there are chips.

Marble options

These countertops come in a variety of colors. They look aristocratic, but require careful care. The structure of marble is porous, and if liquid spilled on it is not promptly removed, a stain may remain. Marble products are chosen mainly because of their beautiful appearance.

Granite countertops

Granite is not afraid of chemical and mechanical influence. Even if liquid is spilled on it, stains will not appear on it. Perfectly tolerates material and thermal loads. The disadvantage of this option is the presence of seams and high cost. In addition, the stone weighs significantly, and it is difficult to restore.

Decorative concrete countertops

These products are made through the formation and subsequent hardening of the mixture. They can be installed in any kitchen. The composition of the mixture is:

• cement;
• pigment;
• water;
• stone;
• sand.

The concrete countertop can be given any shape. If desired, the surface can be equipped with backlighting and polished to a smooth state. Any color scheme can be chosen. The disadvantages include the need for careful operation and the frequent occurrence of scratches, cracks and other defects.

Steel worktops

Metal is considered one of the best materials for creating a countertop. However, it is not often used at home. When using stainless steel products, you should understand that they are suitable only for loft, modern or high-tech styles.

The main advantages of a steel countertop: practicality and durability. Sizes vary between 2-3.7 meters in length. A material such as steel can withstand high temperatures well. However, it can be damaged by chemicals and chlorine-containing substances.

Options for joining countertops

In the process of arranging a kitchen space, you can use different options for connecting the fabric.

Two parts

The most common assembly option is to connect two parts that are adjacent to each other at an angle of 90°. The parts of such a countertop have different sizes: the shorter part is placed along the wall where the entrance to the kitchen is located. For this reason, the corner adjacent to the doorway is rounded. When deciding how to make a corner countertop for an L-shaped kitchen, you need to remember that it should create the illusion of a single plane.

Three parts

The third part is an additional corner element necessary to connect two perpendicular sections. It increases the working area, and the front part of the facade becomes straight or rounded. Most often, kitchen countertops are made of chipboard or MDF in three parts; they go well with curved MDF facades. The module designs allow you to create your own kitchen design.

One-piece

A monolithic tabletop is made from a single fabric. Joints without joints are good because they prevent moisture from entering kitchen modules, this increases the service life of the surface and makes it convenient to use.