Wondering what worktops are selling best in this day and age? Read below:
Kitchen ceramic worktops are one of the most exploited surfaces in the home – they should be resistant to mechanical damage, detergents, humidity, high temperatures and contact with various types of food products. It is also very important that they are easy to keep clean and that the food they prepare is not exposed to dirt and bacteria. In addition to functionality, aesthetics also counts – kitchen worktops define the appearance of the entire kitchen, so they must fit perfectly into the interior design. Can ceramic worktops meet such high demands? We check in this article.
In a classic tone – kitchen ceramic worktops
Kitchen ceramic worktops are one of the most popular solutions. Back in 2013 a company called Polish Granite released this page, stating that kitchen ceramic worktops are increasingly growing in popularity. When I asked them recently whether this pattern has been observed, they fondly replied with a solid yes. Apparently up to 40% of their monthly sales are kitchen ceramic worktops. They are made of terracotta, clinker or gres porcelain stoneware – natural or glazed. When choosing a terracotta, it is worth remembering that this material reacts vividly to large temperature changes. When installing terracotta tiles at the stove, it is therefore necessary to try to have relatively wide joints between them. Thanks to this, the tiles will be able to shrink and expand freely. When choosing a ceramic material for a worktop, it is worth taking into account its abrasion class (PEI – from I to V). Naturally, the higher the class, the more resistant the tiles will be to abrasion. In addition, there is the so-called Mohs scale (range from 1 to 10), which means resistance to mechanical injuries. Ceramic tiles are usually glued to a chipboard with waterproof properties and then fugued with a waterproof joint. In order to make the edges of the tops smooth, it is worth to finish them with ceramic fittings or special strips for finishing the corners.
But what’s actually so good about these kitchen ceramic worktop products?
Kitchen ceramic worktops have many advantages. Many good qualities can be found in this article. This company of specialist masons argues it is the top selling worktop material. The choice of this material is supported above all by its rich design. The ceramic tiles have various patterns and colours, and can be large, mosaic, matt, semi-matt or glossy. Well selected will be a flagship kitchen decoration. They are most often used in rustic or Mediterranean style kitchens. In addition, tiles can boast resistance to high temperatures, water and detergents. High quality models are resistant to mechanical damage, and if any of the tiles crumbles, they can be easily replaced.
Defects? Surprisingly, the biggest worries are not the tiles, but the grouts. The material can be difficult to keep clean and can be a breeding ground for mould. Tiles, on the other hand, can crack, crumble and discolour if they are of poor quality.
How to choose the size of a kitchen worktop?
It is recommended that the kitchen worktop should be at least 80 cm long. This length can of course be increased, especially if there are many kitchen utensils on the worktop. The height of the worktop must be appropriate for the height of the user. If you bend your hand at the elbow in a standing position and position it so that the forearm is parallel to the floor, the comfortable worktop will be 20 cm below the forearm. At present, the standard height of the tabletop is considered to be about 90 cm. Its depth depends on our needs and the size of the kitchen, but if there are gas pipes or pipes underneath it, it should be more than 60 cm to neatly hide it all in the cabinets.