Kitchen Work Surfaces | All the Information about Kitchen Work Surfaces

Kitchen work surface is horizontal material placed on base units, used to prepare food and to keep some kitchen appliances. Sometimes these are also used to eat breakfast. Choosing the right material for kitchen work surface can be a very difficult and tricky. There are lots of options to choose from.

1) Hard Wood Hard-wood gives a traditional effect in the kitchen. Various hard woods are Oak, Beech, Wenge, Iroko, European and African walnut. Each being uniquely different. Damaged hardwood can be easily sanded and absorbs clatter.

2) Granite Granite is popular due to its property of being rough and tough. Granite has excellent durability and aesthetic appeal. Granite can be found in various styles and colors like white, black, grey, green, blue, red etc. It is heat-resistant.

3) Corian Corian work surfaces are durable, uniform in color and can be repaired easily. Corian does not require to be sealed and doesn crack or chip easily. It can be easily cut, drilled, carved, sculptured, routed, bent and therm formed into any shape with seamless joints. Corian work surfaces are available in large range of colors. Cleaning corian surface is very easy.

4) Solid Surfaces Solid kitchen work surfaces are man-made. Any marks or scratches on solid surfaces can be polished out. They come in a range of patterns and colors. Top protectors and chopping boards should be used on them. Staining of solid surfaces is easy. Solid kitchen work surfaces are hygienic and easy to maintain.

5) Quartz Quartz is known as engineered stone. It is durable, stable, non porous and resistant to chemicals. Quartz gives uniform solid color. Its care and maintenance is easy. It resists scratches, heat, stains and acid.

6) Laminates Laminate is popular because it is low-budget, low maintenance and durable. Laminates have a large choice in surface finishes, designs and colors. It absorbs impact without being noisy or chipping. Scratches and chips in laminates are almost impossible to repair. Laminates are resistant to heat and stains. Chopping boards and work top protectors should be used on laminates.

7) Stainless steel Stainless steel work surfaces give a modern look and are really hygienic and easy to clean. Stainless steel can be produced in any shape and size. Stainless steel work surfaces are either polished or brushed-satin in finish. They are durable, tough, robust, heat and stain resistant but can be expensive, cold, noisy and can dent easily.

8) Ceramic tile Ceramic tiles are man-made so are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, veins and sizes. Ceramic tiles are durable, thin and light weight. Their grout gets stained by beverages and food. Ceramic tiles are hard-wearing, heat-resistant and easy to install. Low quality tiles are prone to chip and cracking.

9) Marble Marble is a naturally occurring stone available in a various colors and designs. Oil and dirt easily penetrate marble and are difficult to get rid of. Marble can be damaged by any type of acid, heat or water and requires constant maintenance. Cleaning with chemicals should be avoided on marble. Marble scratches, stains and chips easily. Cutting board is a must on marble.

10) Soapstone Soapstone is a natural stone with unique veining but available only in a few dark colors. Soapstone is extensively used because of its extreme stain and heat-resistant properties. Soapstone does not etch but scratches. These scratches can be sanded and removed. Soapstone kitchen surfaces are tough and are stain and heat-resistant. Soapstone has a matte finish. Soapstone can last a lifetime.

www.culturedmarblevanitytops.org. Article Source: EzineArticles.com