Have you ever envied the smooth, smooth counter-tops that pervade your preferred cooking area shows? Have you ever dreamed about getting an intense counter-top to make your work space appear broader? Or have you ever craved for a counter-top with enough marble to equal an Italian museum?
Come to think about it, what are counter-tops for? And what are counter tops made from?
Counter tops refer, in general, to the horizontal surface that coats kitchen counters, in addition to other areas where food is prepared. Counter tops also refer to any working counter, as they are installed on top of any surface area, and are normally supported on the bottom by cabinets.
Counter tops can be manufactured from a large range of materials. Selection of counter tops depends upon the cost of the product, its appearance, its toughness and strength, and the ease with which it can be dealt with and installed.
Some common materials for making counter-tops include the following.
– Sleek and laminated granite, or other smoothed natural stones– These are generally less expensive than the majority of other materials, because they are easily available, and simple to work with. They are, however, more difficult to change when they are cracked or harmed.
– Marble– Marble counter tops are pricey, but if worked on masterfully and preserved, such counter tops can last a long period of time. Depending on their color and veining patterns, marble counter tops can also make a space appear stylish.
– Wood– Although not typically utilized, wood can provide a pleasant look to a space. Wood, however, is not advised to be permanently set up on cooking area counters, as it can build up bacteria, specifically if it is continuously utilized as a butcher block.
– Stainless-steel– Many modern-day cooking areas, particularly those in restaurants, utilize this durable material, as it is quickly cleaned up and kept. Stainless-steel likewise endures most fractures and scratches. Stainless-steel is likewise strong enough to base on its own, and will not need cabinets to support it. This product, nevertheless, likewise quickly handles the temperature level of its surroundings, so that kids should be kept away from them, specifically if the stainless steel counter top belongs to a stove system.
– Plastic– A cheap alternative to costly stones and steel, some countertops can be made of plastic, particularly if the work to be done on it will not involve cutting or slicing.
– Formica– This mica-derived material is perhaps the most commonly utilized in household kitchens, as it is fairly inexpensive, durable, and can endure scratches.
– Synthetic stone– Some counter tops can be made of stone and resin mixes. One strong variety of this product includes a plastic substrate confining quartz crystals.
– Laminates– Another kind of counter tops consist of the plastic laminates. These are produced by gluing a thin sheet of laminate over resilient materials, such as fiberboard or concrete.
– Tile– Another typical material for counter tops is the ever-reliable tile. Tiles, nevertheless, can collect mildew and molds, and can be difficult to clean.
Counter-tops are constructed depending on their last use. Kitchen area counter-tops, in specific, are formed such that they have a backslash, or a raised edge that will keep spills from falling under cabinets. Counter top faces can also be embellished, from minimalist and plain, to elaborate, depending upon the user’s desires.
Whether you seek the “down house” feel of wood, or the trendy shine of marble, select a counter-top that will fit your requirements, and not just be eye candy. After all, you can be motivated to work more and much better if your space looks good– and simply as prevented if the surface you’re dealing with is more a limitation than a welcome sight.