Kitchen countertops: review of modern types +77 design photos

Are you looking for the right countertop for your new kitchen? Or maybe it's time to replace the worn one? Check out tips and photo examples, choosing hundreds of models and colors: wood, stone and concrete. Are you preparing to design your dream kitchen or would you like to change something in your current design? If you are thinking about choosing a countertop, then the number of offers on the market is too large to easily select the right material and pattern. In the article below you will find answers to all questions.

Chipboard work surface

A kitchen countertop made of laminated chipboard is one of the most popular options today. A melamine (plastic) protective coating is applied to the chipboard. The greater the thickness of such a slab, the higher its cost will be. The fullness size varies from 20 mm to 80 mm. The reliability of such a tabletop directly depends on the thickness of the melamine layer.

The thickest layer can be found from European manufacturers (80 mm). Melamine tolerates high temperatures well, does not absorb foreign odors, and this coating can be cleaned with any household chemicals. This working surface is moisture-resistant and impact-resistant. Installation and installation of such a coating is possible with your own hands.

However, such countertops have a short service life. When caring for such a surface, you must adhere to some rules:

• Stains should be removed immediately using a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Clean matte surfaces only with liquid cleaner.
• Removal of fat using solvents of natural origin only.
• Do not allow moisture to get into the seams.
• Protect the coating from mechanical damage.

Kitchen countertops: main selection criteria

The kitchen is the showcase of the home. One of the important elements on it is the tabletop. It should not only be aesthetically pleasing and match the interior design, but also be extremely durable, resistant to damage, scratches and stains. Every day, the surface is exposed to the spilling of various liquids, wiping, cutting vegetables or meat, even exposure to high temperatures, in the form of hot pans.

The countertop creates a work surface for preparing meals, but it is also a place to mount the most important appliances in the kitchen, such as the sink or stove. In addition to its practical function, the tabletop also plays a decorative role.

Several factors will influence the type of countertop you choose for your kitchen:

1. Firstly, the appearance. Not without significance is the style of the kitchen and its colors, which most often determine the character of the countertop. When arranging a kitchen interior, first of all, users choose cabinets, wall and floor materials or kitchen equipment - a work surface adapted to the rest of the equipment.
2. Secondly, frequency of use is an important factor. In a kitchen intended for a large family, the countertop should be highly resistant to all possible factors, but in a tea room, a less reliable option will certainly do.

Choosing a kitchen countertop is a very important decision that must be made already at the design stage of this room due to the need to match the color and pattern to other decorative elements. Depending on the budget provided, you can choose models that are cheaper (laminated and wooden) or more expensive (from conglomerates). Until recently, fashion was dominated by wooden models combined with white furniture, but the arrangement depends on the taste of the household, and the richness of the patterns of tabletops and fronts gives unlimited possibilities.

Kitchen countertop assembly is best left to a specialized team. This is most often included in the cost of kitchen installation and includes making holes for appliances and the necessary connections between countertops. Using professional help will give you confidence that the top was installed as designed and properly prepared for use.

Fake diamond

A mixture of natural stone particles, acrylic resins and natural pigment is called artificial stone. It is used to produce artificial countertops for the kitchen. These coatings are highly durable, easy to maintain and have a long service life.

The acrylic artificial stone coating is absolutely seamless. But acrylic is highly susceptible to mechanical stress. It is very difficult to use.

The production of artificial stone alomerate occurs on particles from the stone. Vacuum pressing technology ensures high strength and resistance to mechanical damage and temperature changes.

Alomerate countertops are produced only in standard sizes, which is not at all suitable for creating a custom kitchen. They look very solid, but they also have a decent price.

Where to buy a kitchen countertop?

Buying a countertop for a U-shaped or linear kitchen is not a problem. But for a set installed in a kitchen with a non-standard layout (obtuse corners in the room, bay window, etc.), it is better to make the countertop to order.

A large selection of products, including kitchen baseboards and countertops, is presented in the Leroy Merlin hypermarket chain. Here you can buy any building materials for furnishing a kitchen.

Consult with store managers, tell them how much you are expecting, look through catalogs with samples of countertops. This will make it easier for you to navigate your purchase.

If you are looking for an inexpensive tabletop, then most likely you will be offered an option made of MDF with a laminated coating.

If price doesn’t matter to you and you want to purchase a presentable countertop for your kitchen, then the best option is a model made of natural stone.

We hope that this article from Decorin was useful to you. As you can see, a kitchen countertop can be made from a variety of materials. It is important that it fits harmoniously into the overall style, is practical and appeals to you. Enjoy the shopping!

A natural stone

The beauty of natural stone cannot be compared with anything. Stone countertops for the kitchen are always impressive and unique. Each coating has its own individual pattern, created by the hand of nature. This material requires some care.

Not every stone is suitable for a kitchen worktop:

• Porosity and soft structure do not allow the use of marble and onyx.
• The most suitable stone for countertops is granite.

Ergonomic countertop for the kitchen (+ photo examples)

No matter how much time you spend in the kitchen, its arrangement is very important. Here are examples of interiors in the photo, where the tabletop is chosen correctly.

Professional designers of the Decorin project offer a simple test. Bend your arm over the work surface. There should be about 13 cm between your elbow and the tabletop, otherwise you will get tired. This way you will find out what height the lower cabinets of the kitchen set should be.

The standard tabletop width is 60 cm. It’s up to you to make it wider or narrower.

The key to productive work and good health is a properly organized workplace. Inconveniences can only be tolerated for a very limited period of time. In the future, they will lead to irritability and problems with the spine.

Wood table top

Historically, countertops were made from wood. Today it is luxury. Preservation of the original shape is possible only by maintaining an optimal level of humidity. Wooden surfaces require careful care.

White countertop: an elegant option

A white countertop is usually designed to resemble stone (the most common of which is marble). The most popular options are acrylic, artificial stone, white marble, light granite, and quartz agglomerate.

A white sink is a very traditional option, but not at all trivial. It blends seamlessly with almost all types of countertops, but it is not suitable for every kitchen. Here you already need to look at the color of the set, fittings, apron, floor, household appliances. It combines most successfully with white household appliances.

Metal and glass

Sometimes traditional solutions are not at all suitable for creating a unique interior. For a high-tech kitchen, you can purchase a metal countertop. It is distinguished by its resistance to dirt and high temperatures. It is not difficult to keep such a surface clean; to do this, you only need to clean the surface on time.

Tempered glass is used to produce glass countertops. This is a very expensive and rare material. Most often, countertops are made with only small decorative inserts. They look great, but are high maintenance.

Rating of the best materials for countertops

Granite

Granite is one of those stones that works well for countertops. It is fine-grained and dense, so it is very practical and durable. Granite comes in slabs. In addition, the palette of granite shades is very wide. True, the more beautiful the color of the stone, the more expensive the countertop will be, which is so expensive even in the most common shade.

Marble

Marble countertops (especially white Carrara marble) are perhaps the most beautiful of all.

But, unfortunately, it is the most capricious - due to its porosity and friability, it quickly absorbs moisture, dirt and grease, and does not tolerate acids and shocks well. For example, if spilled coffee is not dried immediately, there is a risk that the stains will remain forever.

In addition, a marble countertop requires special care: once every 1-2 months it is necessary to rub in special protective compounds.

Our advice:

• Buy countertops only from trusted manufacturers who guarantee the neutrality of the radioactive background of the stone (especially for granite) and confirm this with appropriate certificates.
• When choosing a countertop made of natural stone, keep in mind that the samples presented in the store will differ slightly from the finished product in shade and pattern of veins and grains. If possible, the plate (plate) for making the tabletop should be selected personally.
• If you really want a marble countertop, but doubt its practicality, then we advise you to pay attention to quartz agglomerate. It may be very similar to Carrara marble, but it is much more durable than it.

Ceramics

Ceramic
Like glass, ceramic countertops are rarely dismantled for kitchens. It is made from ceramic tiles, which can be large, small or even mosaic.

Professionals

• attractive design;
• are not afraid of hot pots lying on a lining;
• the tile does not react to acids and dyes.

Against

• grease, stains and dirt can corrode the seams, which will be difficult to clean;
• The installation process is difficult, since the tabletop will be heavy. Do you need help moving tempered countertops;
• Damage to the ceramic surface requires a complete replacement of the ceramic countertop.

Glass

Glass
It is not found very often due to the high cost and fragility of the material, even taking into account the fact that tempered glass is used.

The glass tabletop is transparent and striking; it can adapt to an unusual and at the same time modern kitchen interior thanks to toning, photo printing and other additional treatments. There is another use option: glass on a wooden table.

Another successful design option is installing plexiglass on top of a wooden tabletop.

In general, the use of glass will be relevant for those who want to decorate their kitchen in a minimalist, modern or even high-tech style.

Professionals

• glass is not afraid of grease, sudden temperature changes, and aggressive detergents;
• fairly easy care;
• The reflective surface makes the kitchen interior lighter and airier.

Against

• fragile glass structure - if it breaks, you will have to completely replace it;
• expensive material;
• marks remain on the glass;
• Glass countertops require constant care.

Important! In the event of destruction, tempered glass cannot harm a person with its fragments.

Acrylic

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

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

Among the advantages of the material, it should be noted its durability, variety of designs and the ability to make any sizes. In addition, the product is inert to moisture and is not afraid of mold. The main disadvantage is instability at high temperatures and mechanical loads.

Agglomerate

Agglomeration
This option is a close relative of acrylic, but there is a significant difference between them.

Acrylic is plastic. On the contrary, agglomerate is not, but is close to natural stone. And this can be explained by the composition of the material: 90-95% of the agglomerate consists of mineral flakes of granite, quartz or marble. The rest is solid epoxy resins.

Example of a suspended ceiling made of agglomerate

Important! Otherwise, the agglomerate is called quartz.

This is an extremely durable material that can be successfully used for making kitchen countertops.

Professionals

• like acrylic, there are no pores in the agglomerate, so dirt is not absorbed;
• extremely durable material, not afraid of scratches;
• the agglomerate has good heat resistance;
• does not change its condition after cleaning the countertop with detergents that contain aggressive components;
• the color does not change, the material does not fade in the sun;
• safe for health;
• environmentally friendly material.

Against

• significant weight, which will require assistance during installation;
• high reliability requirements;
• do not restore damaged coating;
• quite high price;
• the need for further strengthening of the frame.

Important! The thickness of the stone should be at least 12 mm, and preferably 20 mm. It is also worth considering what kind of base is used as a substrate.

Tree

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

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

When using a wooden kitchen countertop every day, you should carefully consider the type of impregnation. Once you choose a paint, it will be easier to keep your countertop clean. However, this surface is less resistant to high temperatures. The paint also works on the surface. It does not penetrate deep into the wood and does not preserve it.

An oiled countertop can withstand high temperatures better, but water marks remain. Therefore, unless you react quickly and clean the stain, it will remain on the surface. However, the advantage of lubricant is that the oil penetrates deeply into the wood and therefore holds it better. In addition, it does not damage the natural structure of the wood.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel
For a long time, this fairly popular material was used for the manufacture of suspended ceilings. You've probably seen more than one design project in which the countertop is the central object.

“Stainless steel” has been around for a long time - in Soviet times, such a table could be found in canteens and catering establishments. Of course, such a surface is quite simple to make - its creation and design will not require much time and effort. With the latter, everything is simple - a combination of chrome appliances and kitchen utensils. In a small kitchen, stainless steel greatly expands the space.

Example of a stainless steel countertop

Today, stainless steel is considered a good option for urban design options - industrial, loft or high-tech.

Professionals

• high strength indicators;
• reliable material;
• he is not afraid of any influence;
• the material does not allow the appearance of germs, rot and mold;
• elegant appearance.

Against

• if used carelessly, scratches and dents may appear;
• makes a lot of noise;
• it is necessary to use special cleaners;
• the surface should be shiny, as it gets dirty quite easily.

stainless steel table top

Laminated chipboard

Chipboard
is considered the cheapest of all materials. This is common.

The material is made of chipboard, which is covered with plastic on top. Today, the production of this material is based on the use of postforming technology. The essence of this technology is to wrap the base in plastic to form seams that remove the material and create a solid structure.

Two types of plastics are used: CPL or HPL. It is believed that HPL is better than CPL, although in fact both options are good.

Professionals

• cheap material;
• variety of design options;
• fast production - does not require much time;
• extremely simple installation that anyone, even an inexperienced person, can handle;
• ease of maintenance;
• resistance to abrasive detergents;
• durable top layer.

Against

• dyes are eaten and therefore not removed;
• if water gets into the chipboard with seams and seams, it will swell;
• areas that are often in contact with water gradually lose their color;
• Don’t make a big work plan;
• short service life;
• the material is not “friendly” with any hot object.”

Important! Violation of the integrity of the coating leads to the release of toxic components into the air.

Despite the large list of disadvantages, laminated chipboard countertops are budget options and therefore quite popular. Experts suggest that you familiarize yourself with the tips below that will help you avoid stumbling upon low-quality material.

1. Check your license plate documentation for formaldehyde. If E0 or E1 is indicated, the material is suitable.
2. The ideal option is moisture-resistant chipboard (marked P5), with which you can not be afraid of water. Externally, the material is distinguished by the presence of blue or green spots.
3. If there are seams, it is necessary to carefully treat their joints with silicone sealant. In this way, you can protect the material from moisture penetration, which significantly increases its service life.
4. It is necessary to take a countertop made of chipboard, the thickness of which will be at least 38 mm. The thickness of the plastic layer should be 0.8 or more.
5. A good countertop made of this material should have a drip tray in the shape of a groove, protecting the base from destruction by water.

MDF

Compared to chipboard, the base of this material is denser, and the material itself is safer. The latter is due to the use of lignin and paraffin, which does not have any health effects, unlike formaldehyde resins in laminated chipboards.

The MDF is covered with plastic on top and you don’t have to worry about your health.

Now let's look at the pros and cons of the material.

Professionals

• affordable price - higher than chipboard, but still affordable;
• you can find any color and design options;
• The material is soft in density, allowing you to adjust the shape of the tabletop.

Against

• disadvantages are similar to chipboard.

Quartz

Composite quartz is one of the most scratch-resistant materials. Quartz countertops are easy to clean, very durable, and look elegant. For those who want to choose a countertop so that it will last for decades, the answer is clear: made of quartz composite. The material consists of 95% natural crushed quartz and 5% high quality polymer resins, which make the surface smooth and non-porous. This greatly simplifies maintenance.

Composite quartz is a very durable material, but you shouldn't place hot pots and pans directly on the countertop. Make sure you use warm media.

Choosing a color

A kitchen with a dark countertop is always elegant and incredibly beautiful. All attention is focused on this surface. Dark colors are suitable for modern kitchens with a large area. Any housewife will like such a work surface. When making such an accent in your kitchen, do not forget about the harmony of the color of the countertop with the facade of the furniture.

A kitchen with a light countertop is beautiful and effective. A light countertop will perfectly complement a white or beige kitchen set.

The option of black furniture with a light countertop looks very chic. The contrast of white and black always looks stylish.

Accessories and their selection

You can buy a countertop for the kitchen, as well as accessories, both in a stationary kitchen furniture store and on specialized online resources.

The plinth for the countertop in the kitchen is an integral attribute when installing a kitchen unit. This part simultaneously performs two important functions: practical (preventing water and crumbs from getting between the countertop and the wall) and aesthetic.

Such products can have different shapes and have different levels of rounded corners. They also differ from each other in decorative design. The manufacturing materials for such elements can be plastic (PVC), aluminum and ceramics.

Skirting boards for the table top can be equilateral and have identical sides along the perimeter of 22 mm and versatile (their width is 22 mm, and the height can vary within 190 mm).

Laminate

We are talking about chipboard countertops covered with a layer of plastic with a thickness of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. However, this coating itself consists of several layers; moreover, it is impregnated with various mastics and processed under high pressure.

The top layer, consisting of a polymer substance, determines the appearance of the countertop. The main advantage of this material is the variety of options for its execution: it can be of any color, matte or glossy, and also imitate wood or stone.

Mosaic table top

Mosaic tiles are an excellent choice for countertops as they are very beautiful and can be a real highlight of a kitchen unit. There are design solutions in which the entire kitchen interior concept is built around a mosaic countertop (for example, Marrakesh style).

It is noteworthy that such products are made from various materials. For example, it could be broken glass or crushed marble. The tabletop melts and forms a homogeneous structure, after which it is carefully polished, so that no dangerous edges or protrusions remain on its surface.

A distinctive feature of such products is their arbitrary shape. Thanks to special manufacturing technology, such countertops are:

• oval;
• round;
• with characteristic bends, etc.

Mosaic countertops must be very carefully selected to match the kitchen unit and the style of the room as a whole.

Steel countertop and sink: urban chic

Today, standard steel sinks are the most outdated option. Nevertheless, they are used quite often in tandem with steel household appliances. A steel countertop is easy to find in a loft-style interior. Steel surfaces are very practical and are often used by the French, many of whom consider professional cooking in their home a matter of national honor. They are durable, ergonomic, easy to clean and at the same time set you up for work. A steel countertop gives your kitchen a restaurant-like feel.