Natural stone is a building material with millennial history and solid reputation. Recently I’ve read a wonderful epithet that praises the qualities of natural stone: “Natural stone is made in the most modern and most ecologically friendly production of all kinds – in nature.” And I can’t contradict it. This material has unique properties- ornamentally and durability. Natural stone symbolizes prestige, stability and the presence of an artistic relish .That’s why stone products are well-spoken .Natural stone countertop is a “Queen” of the kitchen .It sets the mood to the whole interior. Kitchen tabletops made of natural stone have a large range of advantages. Some of them are: natural beauty and ecological safety; durability and reliability; a long period of durability, easy cleaned.

Also natural stone countertops have a few disadvantages, such as a limited palette and its cost. With the help of numerous positive qualities of this material we can remove these drawbacks .Everyone knows that natural stone is a natural building material which owns all originality of patterns and shades of nature! Every piece of natural stone is original and unique. And the price will be completely compensated during the usage.

Natural stone countertops include a large variety of materials.
Marble and granite worktops enjoy advantages before other types.
Granite is one of the most solid, dense and strong rocks .It has high resistance to high temperature and soiling. That material is also extremely resistant to the impact of colored liquids, fats or oils to the surface.
Marble tabletops are more capricious and considerate in everyday use. One should treat it carefully. Stains from red wine can remain on the surface, if it is not cleaned in time. Although modern cleaners for the care of natural stone make it possible to enjoy the beauty of natural stone kitchen tops.
Countertops made of white limestone attach festivity, magnificence, visually increase the volume, and severity of forms and thoroughness give a feeling of cleanliness and cold. It is rather a palace style.
Also limestone is available in other colors: gray, gray-white, pink, black, and sometimes we can meet dark brown. This material has the highest environmental and biological compatibility with the human being. Even my grandparents said that limestone have bactericidal properties .That fact is especially important for those families who have kids.
Physical and mechanical properties of this stone are one of the main reasons by which limestone is still actively used in various fields of construction.
The main advantages of natural limestone are:
- reasonable price
- strength
- durability
- frost resistance
- heat resistance
- high insulation
- the purity of color
- ease of machining and assembling.
A graphic example: the Great Pyramid of Giza consists of 2.3 million cubic blocks made of limestone with the smoothly polished sides. About 46 centuries the pyramid remains safe and sound.

Onyx has all the properties of natural stone. Amazing patterns and entire pictures lurk in each new layer of such unique stone.Onyx radiation is useful for appetite stimulation and normalization of the pressure.

Soapstone is usually dark gray with a smooth surface .It has follows characteristics: high thermal stability, high mechanical durability, insulation .Also the products made of soapstone are resistant to the impact of water, acids and alkali .That’s why that material is good for the manufacture of kitchen worktops. For the daily care of surface a damp cloth is sufficiently.

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Most people, ordering the kitchen, pay a minimum of attention to its profile, making a grave mistake. Selecting an edge profile of table top is the final touch to the interior design. From the right choice will depend not only on comfort and convenience in operation, but the general form of furniture and space in general. In addition, the profiles of countertops have not only an aesthetic appearance, they are also important from a practical point of view. The edge profile of tabletop plays an important role in the duration of validity of the working surface, as it prevents from moisture and dirt.
Modern technologies enable the manufacturing of furniture choose the best type of profile table tops, which would correspond to the style of your kitchen and would be the most convenient for you and your family members. For example, families with children need to take care of their safety. Consequently, these customers’ needs were taken into account in the development of profiles of the working surface.
Every homeowner has the opportunity to make choices and choose the most advantageous option.
For the traditional kitchen interior perfect profiles tops with straight angles. It should be noted that if you have children you would better pay your attention to tabletops with rounded edges. This kind of countertops edges suit harmoniously into any kitchen design, though it is more modern. Alternative decision is a profile with a one rounded edge.
If the interior of your kitchen is classic, or if you want to give it its own original style, you can do it with the help of decorative styles of profiles (Ogee, Dupont or French Cove).
With regard to the width of the profiles, there are two types, 2 cm and 3 cm. The width depends on the thickness of the material from which worktop is made of. Laminate and wooden worktop profiles correspond to the size of 2 cm, and the worktop made of natural stone or artificial stone or concrete edge profiles correspond to 3 cm. There are also the edges of working surface composed of two sections (2 cm + 3 cm). This gives the working surface the thickness.
Countertops are made of single board materials (without any connections and joints) and have a kind of complex radial form.
The edges of the tabletops can be edged with stroke plastics (PVS) with the thickness of no more 3 mm.
Selecting your profile you need to take into consideration the fact that it should be constantly be washed .So it is better to choose a profile which surface is easier in exploitation. Edges of complex designs require more effort in caring for them.

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Time that every family spends in the kitchen is predominant. Kitchen is not only the place for cooking but also a multipurpose    apartment where we meet with our family and take quests. Kitchen design reflects completely the disposition and status of the family.

Countertop is one of the most important and most used kitchen element, so it must be handy, functional and conjoins harmonious with the kitchen set suite .It is made of the durable and beautiful material, both artificial and natural. The greatest loading falls to countertops: one can cut the food on them, one puts hot pots, one can spill aggressive substance and all of this countertop endures easily. The qualitative kitchen countertop is a visage of your kitchen. Countertops can be created from a variety of materials. Each material offers its unique benefits and drawbacks. Some common materials are as follows:

Natural stone:
o    Granite
o    Limestone
o    Marble
o    Soapstone
o    Onyx

It is a mistake to think that the countertops made of natural stone cold and uncomfortable. I may say it’s vice verse. Countertops of natural stone provide their incomparable aura into the house, filling it with the natural beauty and positive energy. Nowadays, countertops made of natural stone can be of different textures, shapes, and therefore one always has the opportunity to choose the option best suited for the interior. Companies offers a wide range of material’s colors: gray, green and white, red, pink and sand shades (granite), cream, silver (marble), white, gray with greenish and yellowish tinge (soapstone).  Natural stone countertops are resistant to pressure, easily cleaned, resistant to accidental bumps, durable and do not lose their form and color after a long employment. Such material endures aggressive solutions. Unfortunately natural stone has also its drawbacks. Porous marble may have micro cracks. Countertops made of porous marble absorb all liquids.  Though stains from tea, coffee, juice and wine can be removed from the stone only by grinding. Stone slabs are heavy.
Keep in mind that no matter how shiny and bright is a stone surface, it must be looked after. To do this one can even use wax and wool cloth. And the last that I want to mention about that material is its cost. It rather expensive, about 100$ per square foot.

Engineered stone
Engineered stone in the interior is the evidence of exquisite style. That material contains 94% of natural feedstock. Quartzite is composed of crushed granite, chip of quartz and resin .Owing to such components engineered stone countertops have many advantages: nice to touch, contains   any molecular pores, resistant to corrosive chemical means. One of the most important indicators which owns engineered stone is its ecological safety. Quartzite is harmless in contact with food. Engineered stone is related to the class of heatproof materials. Available and practical quartzite allows you to perform the countertop in any color gamut. The cost of this material can be compared with the cost of natural stone, from 100 to 150 $ per linear foot.

Wood
o    Oak tree
o    Beech
o    Pine tree
o    Walnut
o    Birch

Nowadays, manufacturing of countertops made of natural wood is in great request. It is an absolute natural, ecologically clean, durable and hard-wearing material .Wood gives in for carpenter works that allows producing tabletop of arbitrary shape.
Wood countertops always look natural and warm to the touch. Wood can be renovated several times.Like many materials for countertops wood has a number of faults. Wood doesn’t resistant to high temperature and   inflammable.

Hot utensil can leave marks on the surface. One may leave a deep scratches while cutting products on the countertop which made of the softwood, such as birch or walnut, which will get dark later. In spite of all that it’s possible to avoid surface damages .Owing to new production techniques, kitchen wooden surfaces can be protected with the special materials.

The surface of the wooden tabletops should be wiped by damp but not wet cloth using a small number of cleaning means. It’s recommended to polish wood countertops and cover it with the help of protective means, such as varnish or wax.

Metal
o    Stainless steel
o    Copper

Indisputable advantages of stainless steel make it the most suitable material for kitchen countertops. Stainless steel is resistant to moisture, high temperatures, chemical exposure, mechanical damage, corrosion. Steel tabletop’s qualities can be compared only with the working surface of stainless steel of granite .Dead stainless steel is more practical than a mirror or the decorated surface. Nevertheless it’s not recommended to replace any kind of stainless steel by a less-quality, affordable metal. It fades quickly, covers with scratches and can even rust. Steel worktop perfectly combines with the gleaming kitchen utensil, furniture and household appliances.
Metal is one of the most hygienic materials; simply to keep clean. Steel is resistant to moisture, high temperatures and household chemicals. Though the characteristic of such material include some drawbacks: top made of metal is difficult to give an arbitrary shape, the metal cold to the touch.

Laminate
Laminate consists of several layers of solid basis .The top layer is made of  melamine and acrylic resins .Exactly that layer gives the surface wear resistance, light resistance and heat resistance, endures the impact of falling dishes, scratches from knives and forks and  cleaning means.

The decorative layer of paper let the tabletop be of favorite picture from popular “salt-pepper” imitating granite, to zebra’s hide or the picture of the well-known artist. As usual, laminate countertops are of low cost, availability and ease of installation.

Tile
Most tiles are made of ceramics .Ceramics is a hard-wearing and efficient material. It’s moisture proof  ,resistant to the impact of oil, grease, alkaline and acidic substances that modern detergents are include ;doesn’t  cut with a knife, does not effaced by various kitchen implements. For facing of tabletops are usually used square tiles in standard sizes such as 10 × 10 or 15 × 15.  Very striking looks mosaic tabletop. There are about 100 colors of tile .It possible once every few years to install new tile, which will great modify the design of the kitchen. If tile from years of use looks not as beautiful as when it where new and seams turned yellow, then the easiest way is to paint tiles. Choosing the tile for kitchen countertop is recommended to take the one with the smooth surface. The tile with the relief surface will be hard to clean.

Tempered and recycled glass
Nowadays, glass furniture is firmly embedded in the way of life .It beautiful practical and convenient.
Glass countertops can be frosted, transparent, with bubbles inside and recycled .Modern technologies make glass surfaces resistant to scratches. They are almost impossible to break or injure about it. Countertops of tempered glass can withstand up to 100kg.That material is ergonomic that let to make any glass tabletops form.

Concrete countertops
Concrete can be in various forms and colors, in various designs .Using  concrete for the manufacture of tabletops, you can vary with different  forms and thickness .Such type of material secures  high degree  protection from contamination.If you chose the concrete countertop you should avoid abrasive soaps or cleaners.

Artificial stone
Artificial stone is a modern composite material. It consists of 70% of natural elements and performed on the basis of acrylic combinations.  The appearance of that material has general resemblance to natural stone, but on their qualities and specifications exceeds them. Countertops made of artificial stone have follows characteristic: heat resistance, hardness, impact resistance, endures mechanical damage, high resistance to aggressive environment, there is no mold, bacteria or fungus in the condition of high humidity; easy to clean, scratches can be removed with the help of emery paper. Artificial stone doesn’t have harmful substances, so it is ecologically clean.

Solid surface
Acrylic stone, better known as Solid surface, is one of the varieties of artificial stone .It consists of mineral fillers, pigments and binding component, acrylic resin .Acrylic stone is made on the same technology as engineered stone:  mixture of components produced and bottled in vacuum that allows to remove from the mixture the bubbles of air .Owing to such technologies acrylic stones are solid and without pores, that let one   work with that material as with wood. For example: cut, drill, sanded or paste without any difficulties. Despite the fact that acrylic stone imitates many kinds of natural stone, it has more advantages than natural analogues:

o Easy-cleaned
o Doesn’t have harmful substances
o Doesn’t absorb odors
o Resistant to the formation of spots
o Light
o A large variety of colors

More than 400 colors let designers combine solid surface with different materials and create unique arrangement of interiors in various style. And I want to add one more important fact about acrylic glue. It can disguise, be more exactly, to build up the breakaway piece. That essentially reduces the cost of repairing this type of material.
Unfortunately Solid Surface has one drawback, it doesn’t resistant to high temperatures. Hot pots or other heated kitchen items can leave traces on the surface.

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Buying a kitchen, we are always faced with the choice of material for countertops. Each man wants it to be not only practical but also showy, to serve as the decor and be strong and hygienic. And one of such materials is Onyx.

Nature never ceases to amaze us by a masterpieces created in its studio. One of best works of natural skill is onyx. The main aesthetic and decorative dignity of onyx, in which marble is outside the competition, is his color palette, unique design and excellent polishing. Color onyx represented in all varieties: from a pure – white to brown – black, from gold to bright orange, from light – pink to dark – red, from green to dark – green, from pale – blue to intense blue. This natural color rainbow emphasized the unique pattern of stone. Wavy-striped, spotted, vein, never repeating pattern, drawn by the most talented artist – nature!
Unique decorative feature of onyx is its transparency. Such effect exists due to the presence in its composition the grains of carbonate and due to a special location in the rock crystals of calcium carbonate. Onyx is able to pass the light rays to a depth of 4.6 centimeters. Such modulations of light give the stone a special attraction and uniqueness. Inside lighting onyx, to the light, opens the extraordinary beauty of the stone. It performed light sources with a long operation – LEDs or fiber-optic systems.
Onyx can be of follows types: a marble, calcite, quartz, aragonite and chalcedony, Tyrolean, etc. To produce countertops marble onyx is used. Marble onyx popularity among designers and architects are very high .Onyx blocks, slabs and tiles is not only elegant and amazingly beautiful stone, but now is highly sought material. In the future, in connection with its limited resources, it will be a rare gem.

Choosing the materials for the manufacture of the working surface not only its decorative possibilities are important, but also its technical specifications. Marble onyx is a thick sedimentary rock, formed under the influence of time, pressure, chemical processes, changing the structure of the crust.
Physical and mechanical properties of onyx tabletops are identical to the properties of most fine-grained marbles: the average density (bulk weight) of 2700-2900 kg / m³; Low water absorption, porosity – 0, 3-0, 95%, compressive strength — 50-110 MPa Abrasion – 1, 0-1, 9 g / sq. Such criteria allow onyx stand in one range with the best kinds of marble, and due to some indicators, such as water absorption and durability, even overtops   the marble!
It is believed that onyx radiation has a favorable effect on digestion and sometimes stimulates appetite. Therefore, a tabletop or onyx windowsill in the kitchen not only decorates your interior, but also has a medical orientation. Unfortunately, every natural stone has not only positive qualities, but also negative. Due to the fact that in the composition of onyx precedes calcium, this material reacts to the chemicals. Later, the stone structure is destroys that reduces shelf-life of table-tops. With even a small percentage of porosity and still onyx absorbs the appropriate amount of liquid, so on the surface from foods such as juice, wine or other coloring products a spot can be remained. Also on the countertop made of onyx it is easy to leave the scratches.
The maintenance of a tabletop should be careful. Use cleaning means which don’t contain chemicals. Pay special attention to this note, as we have seen above, in the onyx is calcite, which reacts with certain chemicals.
Use the trivets for hot cooking utensils and breadboards.
The spot should be wiped off immediately and don’t rub over all surfaces. Do not wash the countertop with dishwashing detergent and soap, as they contain chemicals that destroy the structure of onyx, which leads to an intense absorption abrasive stone of stumbling.
Details and onyx products will make your home sophistication and luxury, romanticism and glamour, elegance and perfect. Energetic properties of the stone will “keep” and “protect” its owner.

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As construction and decoration material marble is used yet from ancient times: temples, statues, columns, rails, the decorative elements of buildings and buildings became the wonderful decoration of ancient cities. Many of such monuments of old times were saved to our times.

Marble is a crystalline-grainy mountainous rock, appearing as a result of recrystallization of limestone or dolomite. The name of this natural mineral is translated from an ancient Greek as «brilliant, shining stone». And it is not surprisingly, in fact, if you look closer at it, you will find the unbelievable gamut of tints which will reflect all the sunrays. Its property to take a polish and ability to show here its structure brighter became the main reason of wide usage of this material by ancient masters. Due to its decorative and aesthetic qualities, marble goods are the incarnation of luxury and stylishness. They radiate grandeur.

Marble possesses a number of virtues, doing him one of the biggest-selling and refined materials for the internal and outward decoration, and also decorative design of apartments, gardens, parks, areas.

Natural marble is a beautiful and lasting natural stone. It has the wide spectrum of color tints from white and pink-yellow to brown and black. In the colored varieties of marble there are usually veins — filled with natural cements cracks. It is able to adorn any apartment – from a small bathroom or kitchen in a dwelling-house to the enormous hall in the apartments of the public setting. «Reputation» of marble is confirmed through ages, and modern equipment for stone working allows getting any, even the most difficult figures. Elements from a natural stone will give an interior good taste, refinement and exclusiveness. Natural marble has a unique picture, given to him by nature. For this reason marble countertops are set in many modern kitchens and bathrooms

Marble is a flexible instrument in the hands of designers. It can boast excellent properties such as durability, viscidity, plasticity, frost- and heat-resistance, water tightness, hardness and simultaneously pliability in treatment, for what it got distribution in a decorative design.

Countertops from such noble and elegant material as marble can be produced of any configuration from standard rectangular and concluding the various forms of correct and wrong geometry.

Marble, unlike granite, is considered a very capricious, delicate, home stone. It is necessary to keep marble countertops from influence of fat, acid of natural juices and wines. Tea and coffee can leave hard-removing spots also. If such liquids got on countertops, then a marble surface should be immediately got wet by a serviette, and then processed with the special cleaning mean. Modern facilities for the care of natural stone enable to enjoy beauty of natural marble on kitchen countertops. Due to these facilities, the care of stone became simple.

Marble countertops from a natural stone are not afraid of humidity and temperature overfalls and are steady to the casual strokes. Magnificent marble countertops for kitchen will give the special charm to that apartment, making it one of the most favorite places in a house.

Countertops from marble in combination with different types of materials: glass, wood, metal, will create the unique interior of your apartments!

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The period from extraction of natural stone to placement it on the kitchen as a countertop is an extensive process.
Natural stone is mined in the fundamental ore deposits called pits. The mining methods of the stone depend on its structure, types and values .Granite, basalt, quartzite stone are related to the solid rocks. The extraction of blocks from these rocks implements by blasting way and the way with the help of blades.
The blasting way is the oldest and most “harmful” for the rock type of extraction and processing of stone. The shock wave destroys the structure of soft rocks, and makes fine aggregates from such stone as granite. Waste products of such quarrying and processing of stone technology are large enough and poor. Large blocks suitable for sawing are of no more than 70%, while the other 30% of results are scraped. This method is out of date and used only in the case of emergency.  The second most common way of quarrying is by blades.

To the average strength of rocks include marble and limestone. The extraction of blocks is leading by mechanical means (cutting machines with a ring cutter, rope saws). By the same methods also soft rocks are mined. Today the way of extracting of natural stone by cutting machines is the most popular and most expensive. Stone processing by this method can completely avoid micro cracks and gives the most rational way to develop the ore deposit. The rock is cut with special saws with diamond deposition on the tooth. The length of the working tool (saws) can be up to five to seven meters. That is the most gentle and efficient mining method.
There is also another way of extraction of natural stone. The third method of quarrying is a method of breaking off with the air bag. This method avoids the appearance of micro cracks in the structure of stone and is more economical in terms of expenditure of the field, but also allows more space to predict the fracture of rocks more accurately, than in almost uncontrollable explosion.
Blocking is the final and main production parameter of extraction process of facing stone. Then these blocks are attached to a rectangular shape and cut into slabs. The standard slab thickness is from 2 to 4 cm and a length of 2 to 2.5 m. After that slabs divide into tiers which are depend on the mineral composition of the stone (color, porosity and pattern). In the final result they are carried to the warehouses and barns for the further employment .Countertops maker or the client come to the raw-material base and choose the slab which become them best .The next step will be slabs cutting and processing.

To begin to produce the countertop it is necessary to measure the area of kitchen furniture on which it will be placed. At first draw a picture of your kitchen. It is obligatory to measure accurately the position of sinks and stoves, as well as the location of holes for faucets. The final location of sinks, stoves, faucets or other items should be set up before the measuring   ‘cause later this may lead to additional problems. Changes after the masters survey and develop a project are very expensive. Measuring the distance between one end of the enclosure to the other do not forget to add another 2 cm for projection. All measurements apply to a drawing, and then these measurements will be carried over slab, which is subjected to further processing.
Due to the drawing from the slab the countertop is cutting.
Cutting of any natural stone are complex technological processes. If you need to cut the slab along the straight line the masters use milling machines and for figure curving the waterjet cutting is used. Then the countertop’s edges must be reprocessed because due to the properties of the material it may have small edge chips.
The waterjet cutting quality is higher than the presiding one.  After the waterjet the countertop does not require additional processing of product’s edge. In that case cutting line can be of any complexity. Such work let   realize the most audacious ideas of architects and designers.

The installation of natural stone countertops is the last step in the process of making working surface.

Natural stone is very heavy, its weight exceeds up to 90 kg per square meter. So, before the workers come to install the countertop one is to be sure that the tables and supports are fixed.  Also make sure that the rear of the cabinets are well attached to the wall or floor and are strong enough to withstand the weight of natural stone. While the installation everybody should be very careful. Remove the facial part of the tables and other objects that may damage.

Everybody knows not always plane, hence, there are may be small slits, gaps, holes between the wall and the stone countertop. Therefore, use the rims or stone tiles 20 mm of thickness (ceramic or others) decorating the walls of countertop at the time of ascertainment of work. Standard height stone rims are of 100 mm, Width 20 mm, Length – up to 2000 mm. And the most important fact: before installing the tabletop do not forget to connect the gas, water and electricity, install a dishwasher ,oven and a wire for lighting.

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Granite is the mountainous massive and dense rock created in the issue of the gradual cool and crystallization of magma at high pressure inside the earth’s crust. Because of its high strength, beauty, general invoice capabilities and the ability to give large monoliths  granite is the most wide-spread and valuable building, facing, sculptures and acid-resistant material .

Such qualities as elegance and solidity, expressiveness and variety, massive and eternity let granite be considered as the best material for the creation of human dwelling. Your interior can be snobbish, cold, or cozy, warm, provocative, luxurious or modest, light or dark. Nature made granite so unique and diverse that every product segment, faced with the surface will be exceptional.
Nowadays, granite countertops are very popular, because they have no period of validity and can serve during dozens of years. Moreover, the nature managed so that the color of granite is diverse: from white to almost black, from light pink to dark red, so it gets very easy to find the right shade of tabletops which will appeal to the surrounding interior. Also don’t worry about the form of table-tops, because worktop made of granite can be made of any desired shape – round, rectangular, oval, or do non-symmetric.

Granite countertops easy endure the impact of moisture, resistant to abrasion, easy cleaned. It can be placed in the bathroom without worrying that the stem would adversely affect the appearance or in a couple of years after the operation it will become more vulnerable to those indicators that were initially indifferent to it before. The kitchen worktop made of granite is a great gift to any lady, because then you can forget about the special stands for hot dishes, just removed from the gas stove or trenchers. Due to the unique surface of the granite table tops made of it wash well and are wirier to the steam and other contaminants than the tabletops of other material.

Granite worktop is aesthetically pleasing and practical, durable and reliable. Owing to that granite worktop serves more than one generation. However it should be cared for correctly for it not to lose the previous look. Must be remembered that the polished and unpolished surfaces are of the different requirements for the care. In the first case the preparation should be possible to show a mirror gloss material, the second – to emphasize its color and texture (the so-called effect of “wet stone”).That is usually colorless polishing of two types – liquid and pasty. Liquid formulations are used primarily for manual processing of the surface, and pasty for machine. These means bring as tarnishing polishing, as well as during general cleanings or before the arrival of guests when the house suggest the perfect order.
For treatment of small, mostly unpolished surfaces (table tops, window sills) recommended silicone wax, which also emphasizes the good effect of wet stone.

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The majority of housewives insist that the most important element in the kitchen is countertop. And I’m absolutely agree with them, ‘cause exactly that is subjected to the most intense physical and mechanical effects during the preparation of various dishes .Choosing countertop everything  should  be think over up to the smallest  detail, and the simpler the care of the surfaces will be the more time is for  cooking and for  rest. That is why most design decisions based on accentuating exactly on this zone, the zone of countertop. I also can note that the kitchen worktop is subjected to wear faster than other kinds of kitchen furniture elements and in the issue of that   countertop loses its first appeal.

Engineered stone countertops are not only bright and attractive place for the interior, but also a reliable table. Cooking surface made of quartzite will not be scratched and is not wiped out, preserving the original condition during a large period of time.

Engineered stone is made on the basis of quartz which is  the most solid rock after diamond .The manufacture of quartz agglomerate lies in a combination of resin with quartz particles under the simultaneous action of the press, vibration and the removal of air, which eliminates completely the porosity of the final product .To base upon that facts   I may say that tabletops made of quartzite have perfect hardness, they do not absorb dirt and fluid, that helps to prevent bacterial growth and mould. Do not deform under the influence upon high temperatures that is very important under the operation in the kitchen. Also that material does not emit harmful substance under the operation.

The introduction of various additives lends engineered stone the unique and brilliant individuality. As the additions different materials can serve: coloring glass, pearl, stainless steel crumb, artificial stones, mirror chips which provides a shimmering effect of the surface .Engineered stone countertops is always in great request. It is no coincidence, because the stone is a symbol of strength, durability and beauty. Material that has   the right to be called “eternal”. I think the only drawback is the price, which is not inferior to the price of natural analogues, from 100 to 150 $

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Kitchen countertops are an essential subject of kitchen interior. High level of strength and tailored to the needs of housewives surface allows you to use them as for cooking as for the visits of guests. In addition, the thoughtful design kitchen countertops can serve as a decorative element. Countertop is also a subject to the quality of which will depend the convenience of staying in the kitchen and the execution of certain works (cooking, cleaning, etc.).

Nowadays, the main materials for the production of table tops are: natural stone, Stainless steel, wood, tile, glass, engineered stone, artificial stone and solid surface, concrete, laminate.

Natural granite is a durable and waterproof material. Some companies treat it with special technology, so that it becomes even stronger and longer retains color. A significant drawback is the presence of background radiation. Ordering a granite countertop, you need to ask for a certificate of quality E1, which guarantees a low background. The color of the surface   depends on the texture of the stone- from white to almost black, from light pink to dark red.  The cost of such products is from 50-100 $ per square foot.

MARBLE is beautiful, but brittle material, relatively friable and hygroscopic. Even the large producers offer to choose between no more than five dense varieties of materials. Choosing this stone, you should be prepared that it should be particularly careful to look after. But if you do not often cook at home, a marble top, of course, will decorate your kitchen. Running meter will cost from100-150 $ per square foot.

Wood is a soft and hygroscopic material. For countertops is mainly use oak, beech or teak, rarely – chestnut and even exotic woods. Typically, tabletop is a heterogeneous surface, which may cause cracks. Cost of such material is from 50 to 100$ per square foot.

STAINLESS STEEL is sterile, nonhygroscopic, which is very important in the kitchen, even with prolonged exposure is not afraid of hot, but it is very easy to scratch it. In the tabletop one can set in the sink of the same material. But metal is not too pleasant to the touch, besides it is not resistant to stains. For them not to be so visible you can choose a steel with fine ribbed.  It costs $100 to $200 per square foot.

Comparing artificial stone with a natural the first one is considered more durable and less susceptible to moisture material, besides it can be “repaired”. There are many varieties, but all have similar properties, including – resistance to UV and brief exposure to high temperatures. Cost tabletops – from?

CERAMIC TILE is rather a fragile material. It is resistant to mechanical and thermal stresses, but in its rough surface (and in the joints between the tiles) is easily climbs the dirt. Therefore ceramic coating requires constant and careful handling. It is better to choose a collection of glazed tiles that will reduce pollution to a minimum. The cost is rather cheap -$11 to $30 per square foot.

Solid surface is the type of composite materials consisting of aluminum trihydrate, coloring pigment and acrylic resin. At a certain temperature becomes malleable, allowing it to attach almost any shape. It is not afraid of moisture and ultraviolet radiation. Compared with other composites had a rich range of colors – more than 100shades .Acrylic stone scratched, but the integrity of the coating easily recovered by grinding. It typically costs anywhere from $40 to $60 a square foot, but texture and pattern can affect the price.

Laminate is strong enough and inexpensive material. Qualitative countertop is made from moisture- and heat-resistant tiles. Notice how the ends sealed and the reverse side, and most important is the thickness of the plastic layer (preferably – not less than 0, 4 mm). Stronger – laminate thickness of about 0, 7 mm. Costs range from $36 to $45 per linear foot.

Engineered stone. Unlike marble, wood and plastic, they are not left traces from the knife, if in the process of cutting food someone forgot to use a cutting board, heat resistant, if someone put a hot pan. The bulk of the product is 95% of quartz. It gives countertop high surface hardness, which is virtually impossible to scratch and burn. The cost of engineered stone countertops usually depends on the color and edging style. They cost anywhere between $50 and $150 per square foot.

Concrete let you to make the form of the countertop you want. But such material is not resistant to the impact of kitchen cleaners.

Concrete countertops can cost $68 to $150 per square foot, but this price only covers the concrete surface

The range plates’ sizes (blanks)of  kitchen countertops is quite wide. The length is 4100mm, width (depth) – 400, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1200mm. However, the standard width is considered 600mm. Of these, 20 mm, as a rule, beyond the edge of tables that accidentally spilled water is not dripping on the facade, and about 20 mm fall on the wall cabinets. Manufacturers of embedded technology take into account these circumstances and now all the European (and domestic) devices have a depth of 500-520mm and miraculously fit in a variety of table tops or under them.

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When the style of the future kitchen has been already selected, the next step is to select the countertop. Tabletop is not a small part of the modern kitchen and its entire face depends on the aspect of the worktop. One can order countertop in the kitchen studio, but usually there is a limited selection of colors and materials. Also, you can appeal to firms specializing in the supply and manufacture of custom countertops.They have wider range of countertop’s types varieties .If you faced with the choice of kitchen tabletops, you should know that there are several options for tops to choose from. Usually, the choice of kitchen countertops ultimately determines your budget.

The most common kitchen countertops made of particle board, plastic-coated: the successful combination of practicality, affordability and design opportunities. In the second place on the popularity are products made of an artificial stone. This composite material is attractive in appearance, technological, and most importantly – has excellent antibacterial properties. Tabletops, lined with ceramic tiles, covered with stainless steel, glass and solid wood or natural stone cannot be called a product of mass consumption, but they find their admirers. Ordering tabletops for the kitchen should pay attention to the intensity of the working surface: how wet the room is, how often the top will be exposed to high temperatures, whether someone would smoke indoors, resistance to chemicals and resistance to stains, easy-cleaning.
As for the color of the working surface I may say that the most suitable are light colors. But keep in mind that the monochromatic tabletop is not practical, all the scratches are seen on them. It’s better to choose spotted surface which shade is similar to your color of cinnamon. You can also start from the surroundings. If the room is solved in light colors the countertop is better to choose closer to the color of the kitchen, so it looked more complete. Either it can be attached to the color of floor covering and additional furniture.

Material for each product has its own price tops. The most expensive are stainless steel, engineered stone; natural stone and artificial one .The work surface of these materials will serve you longer and fit nicely into the interior. Price of these materials in total from $100 to $200 per square foot .The tabletops made of wood and concrete are a little bit cheaper. The most affordable are tabletops made of laminate and ceramic tile, they cost no   more than $ 50 per square foot .These prices covers only the purchase of material. Ordering tabletops one should pay attention to the price, if the cost includes installation and delivery of products, processing it (smooth surface, aging (rust), and other effects). And after you made a decision to call the worker for the measurement, which also will be included in project costs.
If you opted for natural stone, you need to choose a slab .As usual firms have stores, where they located. Slab is a piece derived from the boulders as a result of cutting them into blocks. Slabs may have different shapes and sizes. By lathing and milling, and then grinding of slabs there are ready-made decorative items. Choosing slabs the main requirements are their integrity and lack of cracks.

Determined with the color, material and cost next step will be to measure worktops. As a rule, modern kitchen worktop is a slab of three or four cm, which rests on pillars. Its length and format determined by the length and location of all headset (from 1, 5 to 3 m, straight or angled), and the width is equal to (or slightly more) of the standard depth boxes – 60 cm .From the standpoint of convenience, it’s better to opt the wider countertop – 62 — 65 cm, on the general form of the kitchen is not particularly affected, but you will be less clinging to serving accessories and knees to rest against the door. In terms of beauty, perhaps it is better to look top is flush with the facade. You must choose the form of tops (square, round, oval). Most of the companies provides an opportunity to order a table top for your plan .The most  important fact  in measuring the tabletop is the choice of profile form .Often they have a standard width of 2 cm, 3cm, 4sm,but also you can see  wide range of varieties of  form. Wide –known and practical are common forms of R3-profile, U-profile № 2 and profile № 7.

Buying a tabletop the person also must choose the material for backsplashes. Usually ceramic tiles are taken for wall panels. Unfortunately the high-quality ceramic tile is not a cheap material. So now such approach to laying tile in the kitchen is spread: tile veneers not all the walls, and only a strip of wall between the working tables and the upper cabinets – so-called “apron”. Thus, you get a nice functional wall at minimum cost. The major part of pollution comes to working wall: oil spray, grease, organic acids. Often, all it has to wash off with scouring powder. Your tiles should be ready for this. Therefore, for a wall in the kitchen is recommended to use tile of the II class durability. With the help of variety of colors and patterns of ceramic tiles one can   decorate the backsplashes in any style. Note that the tile with a relief pattern requires more frequent and thorough care. As for the size of the tiles for the kitchen – it depends only on your personal preferences. Particular attention should be paid to the seams between tiles. It best wipes special waterproof formula, which is sold in any hardware store. If you are more confused by the presence of seams between the tiles – choose ceramic tiles without them. It can be laid without joints close to each other, due to perfectly smooth edges, cut at 90 degrees. Often manufacturers of ceramic tiles offer a set of wall and floor tiles. This option is most convenient, because you just buy harmonizing with each other tiles and thus get rid of tedious searching and selection.
When you make a final decision with your tabletops and tiles for wall panels, the company will be able to tell you exactly the cost of all the work and its duration. Usually the term of manufacturing and installation of worktops takes 7 days.

And the last step in the selection table top is its installation. For durable service worktops in the kitchen need to pay attention to the installation. Due to improper installation of tabletops it can quickly go down, rubbing their appearance or get a different, even mechanical damage.
Very important is that the worktop was based on all the tables evenly on which it rests. They should be aligned at one level. In tabletops there is some stiffness, but at length it can bend. Subsequently, at such bends crack may appear. Making holes for the sink and hob, all drank themselves to be processed sealant. If possible, avoid installing the water tap on the work surface. This leads, inevitably, to the swelling of tabletops.
Connecting the corner table top with a plate or without it, this compound should be also processed with the colorless sealant. This will prevent moisture penetration in micro cracks that lengthen the life of table tops.
The surfaces of all contemporary tops are at a fairly high level, has a greater ability to resist mechanical damage, moisture. Incorrect installation can ruin that too.

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