Kitchen worktop made of acrylic stone. Stylish examples.

The countertop (top) is the most loaded and most often the most expensive place in the kitchen. At the moment, there are many materials that can be used for kitchen countertops.

These are materials such as:

• Chipboard;
• MDF;
• from acrylic stone;
• quartz;
• natural granite;
• solid wood;
• natural marble;
• ceramic tiles and steel.

The main requirements for a kitchen worktop include:

• water resistance and moisture resistance;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• ease of care;
• resistance to aggressive environment (alkali, acid);
• life time;
• maintainability.

When choosing a countertop, focus on quality

This article describes in detail about one of the best options for the ratio of price and quality - acrylic stone. It consists of acrylic resin, mineral chips and colored pigments that are poured into the form desired by the customer, which is why this type of countertops is called "liquid stone".

Features of acrylic countertops

Acrylic stone countertops are increasingly found in kitchens, the reason for this is the many features of such a product.

1. The product looks monolithic. A seamless connection in this way can be of any shape (semicircle, oval, curve transitions).

2. Due to the wide selection of different manufacturers of colors and textures, any designer whim will satisfy. Natural materials, in turn, are very limited in these two parameters.

Acrylic stone worktop - a real find for designers

3. Durable, resistant to aggressive environment, no radioactive background.

Acrylic stone worktops are safe to use

4. Does not absorb pollution and other dyes. For example, if red wine is poured on a wooden countertop, then the trace will be very problematic to clean; it is enough to wipe it with a cloth on an acrylic countertop.

Acrylic stone worktop does not absorb dirt

5. Easier to transport and install due to the relatively low weight.

The countertop is easy to install due to its light weight

The myth is widespread that such a countertop is monolithic, but this is not so. Such a tabletop itself is an acrylate-clad MDF, chipboard panel.
At the same time, such a top will be cheaper than marble or granite and therefore more optimal for the kitchen.

Acrylic countertop in the kitchen interior

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic countertops

The advantages of such a tabletop are the following factors.

1. The price is lower than on countertops made of natural stone or agglomerate. Advice! The simpler the kitchen is, the simpler the countertop is, this is not the case where a marble top will look good together with a plywood set.

The worktop must be combined with the kitchen set

2. Lack of seams facilitates cleaning and appearance.

Seamless worktop makes cleaning easy

3. A huge selection of colors and textures. Note! As practice shows, light countertops made of such material are much more practical than dark ones. Dark ones have more visible scratches and minor damage, while matte ones are less damaged by scratches.

Light countertop the most beneficial combination

four.The top is often sold with a built-in sink of the same material - in the final form it looks very neat and stylish.

Bright countertop with built-in sink

5. Easy to repair without replacing the entire surface. Scratches are polished, and chips and cracks can be filled with special mixtures.

Cracks and scratches can be easily repaired.

6. High impact resistance.

Acrylic countertop withstands shock

7. Resistance to alkali and aggressive acids.

If you accidentally spilled vinegar, do not worry. The countertop will not go bad

8. The surface has no pores, which means it does not absorb odors, fats, dirt. They do not form mold and repel water.

Acrylic countertop does not absorb dirt or mold

9. Pleasant and warmer than a countertop made of natural materials.

The acrylic worktop is much warmer than the natural worktop

10. Ideal for complex design decisions.

Acrylic worktop ideal for sophisticated design decisions

11. Does not fade, does not lose its color.

Acrylic countertop does not lose sight for a long time

The disadvantages of such a coating are the following.

1. More than others damaged by scratches, you can wipe and wash only with a smooth sponge.
2. Hot dishes may melt.
3. More expensive than simple plastic and wooden surfaces.
4. Difficult to install, mainly made only by the masters of the manufacturer or distributor.
5. Long production time - from 3 weeks.

Pros and Cons of Acrylic Countertops

Choose an acrylic countertop in the kitchen

Regarding the issue of choosing such a countertop, there are many companies on the market who will claim that this is the best material, but first of all, they should clarify the following questions before buying.

• What is the thickness of the top acrylic layer. Acceptable and at a price and further operation is considered a thickness of 8 to 12 mm. Why is it important? A surface that is too thin will not possess all of the above properties, for example, a deep scratch or cut will quickly open access to the lower substrate, which will further violate its sanitary and hygienic properties.

Choosing a countertop, do not lose with the size. Too thin may not have the required characteristics.

• Who is the manufacturer? The following companies do not save on their product: Corian, Rehau, Hi-Macs, Staron, for other manufacturers frequent violations of technological processes were noticed due to which the service life was significantly reduced.

Rehau Acrylic Forge Worktop

• How much then will it cost to grind scratches and fill in small chips and cracks. After each after the next polishing, the countertop is less and less susceptible to damage.

When choosing a countertop, specify how much it will polish

As already mentioned, the material is universal in its form and regarding standard sizes it will be difficult to immediately navigate, such countertops in 70% of cases are made to order. But there is a certain framework in which to "fit" in the manufacture.

1. The thickness of the finished product is 38 mm.
2. The width of the product can be from 40 to 80 cm. Over 80 cm make parts due to difficulties in installation and transportation.
3. The length of one sheet of acrylic stone can be from 2400 to 3000 mm.

In the manufacture of acrylic countertops, certain standards must be followed. When ordering a countertop for your kitchen, try to take them into account

Mounting Features

Installation is the most responsible in the matter of choosing a countertop for the kitchen, the process is complex and serious. This is due to the following points.

• The complexity of the designs.
• The dimensions of the structure - the larger and more massive, the more complicated.
• Number of details. Each part is customized at the factory, during the production process, and at the installation site they are tried on the bases.

Mounting acrylic stone countertops

The entire final appearance of not only the product, but also the kitchen as a whole will depend on the quality of the installation.
The order of installation.

1. All joints are thoroughly degreased with acetone.
2. Apply glue on a polyester basis and glue the parts together.
3. After 10-15 minutes, the glue dries and the seams are again degreased with acetone. Thus removing excess glue and styrene.
4. Next, the joint is polished.

The entire final appearance of not only the product, but also the kitchen as a whole will depend on the quality of the installation.

After assembling the structure, the countertop must be fixed on the kitchen base, cut holes for communications, sockets, hob and sink. Installation of acrylic stone countertops can take from several hours to several days, it all depends on the complexity of the project.
At the end of installation work, the countertop must be covered with a protective layer.

Installing a kitchen worktop. Hole cutting

A feature of mounting an acrylic countertop is the following points.

• Docking edges are pre-treated on the thinnest professional machine in the production environment. The joints on the surface must be further strengthened with special strips of the same artificial stone of which the structure itself is made.

Worktop machining

• Holes can only be made with a milling cutter; if another tool is used, cracks and chips can be obtained.

Worktop processing. Milling

• The place near the stove must be additionally thermally insulated to avoid fire hazard situations.

To avoid fire situations, there should be thermal insulation near the stove

• As a rule, sinks are offered to be mounted directly at the factory in order to reduce open spaces. Exception sinks that are mounted on the surface of the table.

The most important thing is to trust your taste when choosing such an important element of the kitchen as a countertop. According to many characteristics, acrylic stone is one of the most optimal options for your kitchen.

Acrylic kitchen worktop

50 photo ideas for acrylic kitchen worktops