Acrylic or quartz - which kitchen countertop is right for you?

If you are determined to fit a stone countertop into your kitchen design, take a look at the synthesized options. Artificial stone is high quality and stylish. But which one to prefer - acrylic or quartz agglomerate?

Which countertop to choose for the kitchen?

The choice of this part of the furniture interior should be thought out at the design stage. Each of the performance materials has its own nuances, which are revealed at the stages of manufacture and use. Consider several factors:

• The price category of the future headset. The more budgetary the design of the cabinets, the more relevant the economy-standard countertops will look;
• The general style of the idea. We need smooth lines, unusual color combinations - only plastic artificial analogs like acrylic composite will be used;
• Term of use. If you like to update your furnishings on a regular basis, you are unlikely to need durable but unmistakable granite or marble. In addition, natural stone will not fit into all design ideas;
• The durability of the product.
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  Will they often cook in the kitchen or only need a presentable solution to the interior of the apartment, is there a water source is nearby, whether the owners use a cutting board - all this affects how long it will last coating.

Advantages and disadvantages of artificial stone countertops

Artificial stone is a product that creates the appearance of a natural material when executed industrially. It is no different from the present in terms of decoration, safe and durable in operation.

Modern composite solutions are popular, but expensive compared to other unnatural types.

Types of artificial stone for countertops

This line includes products made of acrylic composite and quartz agglomerate.

The first material is obtained by mixing aluminum hydroxide and acrylic resin. The desired pigment is added to the mixture and poured over the blanks.

The second is a combination of natural composite, color additive and polyester resins. More than 80% of the composition is allocated to quartz chips. The substance lends itself to pressure testing in the absence of air and high temperatures.

Both materials are easy to wet clean without compromising their appearance, unlike MDF and chipboard.

Acrylic stone countertops: advantages and disadvantages

It is important to consider the following details when ordering an acrylic surface.

Advantages:

• ✅ Easy to mount and connect at any desired angle, after processing the joints are hardly noticeable;
• ✅ Takes any shape after heat treatment;
• ✅ Can withstand minor repairs without unnecessary difficulties. Sanding with a fine grain of abrasive is enough to remove scratches and burn marks from hot dishes;
• ✅ Pleasant to the touch;
• ✅ Water and dirt do not penetrate into the layer. The solidified mass has micropores that are resistant to minor contamination;
• ✅ Does not interact with acids and household chemicals;
• ✅ Easy to pick up different shades of color and texture;
• ✅ Affordable price with comparative durability.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Since the substance contains fusible resins, the surface is less resistant to hot objects than quartz or marble;
• ❌ Easy to scratch with sharp objects;
• ❌ A sink of an unusual shape made of acrylic will not come out cheaply due to the need for an individual preparation.

Quartz agglomerate countertops: advantages and disadvantages

This option looks presentable and reliable. In addition to external qualities, he has the following pros:

• ✅ In terms of strength, it is not inferior to natural counterparts;
• ✅ Not afraid of high temperatures, unlike acrylic version;
• ✅ Resistant to water, grease.

Minuses using quartz composite:

• ❌ Heavy weight - brings inconvenience when installing furniture. Some headset options will not stand such a tabletop without distortions;
• ❌ During installation, the seams of the connection will be visible, since the material has low ductility;
• ❌ As with a real stone, fantasy, rounded edges and outlines cannot be combined with an agglomerate;
• ❌ High cost;
• ❌ Cannot be repaired in the event of a major blow (the probability of breakage, however, is negligible).

On the website of the company KamenPro there are tabletops made of artificial stone https://каменьпро.рф/stoleshnitsy/. A convenient filter for selecting the shape and color will help you make the right choice.

What else to look for when choosing?

Remember that the final price can be set by order parameters, material type and manufacturer's brand. Artificial stone will be more expensive than particle boards and plastic, but more economical than natural.

It is better to select acrylic variations in matte, light tones with various inclusions and stains - this way it will be easier to hide minor imperfections later.

Immediately after installing the artificial compound worktop, rub the surface with a professional protective agent. Try to use neutral cleaning creams, do not use hard bristles in cleaning, and then your purchase will delight you for a long time.