What width are kitchen countertops. Selection of the optimal width of the countertop in the kitchen

Before you choose a countertop for the kitchen, you need to decide on the main criteria that it must meet in each case. These products may differ in cost, method of manufacture and installation, material properties and its appearance. Each kitchen has a different option. the maximum number positive characteristics and suitable for general kitchen interior and headset.

Criterias of choice:

• Moisture resistance. Countertops should be well tolerated high humidity otherwise, under the influence of frequent splashes from the side of the sink and stove, the product quickly swells and loses its appearance.
• Thermal resistance. Part kitchen worktop almost always located near the stove, the lack of resistance to high temperatures can lead to damage and deformation.
• Resistance to chemicals. The surface of the product must be able to withstand cleaning detergents and not be stained by the influence of food.
• Mechanical strength. The material must withstand knife blows and falling objects.
• Design. The countertop should match the overall kitchen design.

Important. In order to kitchen furniture harmoniously combined, worktop for kitchen table, headset and bar counter are most often chosen in the same style.

The more joints between the bedside tables, the less term countertop service.

Important. A large number of joints increases the risk of its swelling at the points of contact - this often occurs as a result of moisture getting between the cabinets, leading to rotting and damage to the material. Therefore, it is recommended to make solid worktop, covering several cabinets at the same time, and carefully process the seams at the joints with special glue.

materials

Exist different kinds materials for countertops, significantly different in characteristics. Due to their wide variety, you can choose a material with the necessary characteristics according to the possibilities of the budget: many modern budget materials are not inferior in quality to expensive ones due to the technology of their processing. However, the most expensive kitchen countertops are more high quality and long service life.

Advice. When decorating countertops, it is not necessary to use rectangular shape- most materials allow you to create a semicircular or other shape of the product. They will cost much more, and look much more spectacular.

Materials:

1. Chipboard. Most cheap material for countertops. Outwardly, it differs little from a tree and may have various options design. However, this material is not very suitable for countertops due to its low moisture and heat resistance. Quality can be improved by laminating or plastic coating.
2. MDF. This type of countertops for the kitchen is outwardly similar to chipboard products, but it has a higher moisture resistance and better tolerates high temperatures. The qualities of MDF are most suitable for the manufacture of facades, they are not enough for countertops: under the influence of temperature and moisture, MDF quickly deteriorates and is also easily damaged by a knife.
3. Fake diamond. Creates an imitation natural stone. Expensive material, resistant to various mechanical damage, moisture and high temperatures. The high price is justified by the features. Cons of the product: a lot of weight, before installing such a countertop, it is necessary to strengthen the design of the headset.
4. A natural stone. It has the same qualities as the artificial counterpart, but the price of natural stone is much higher, and the material itself is even heavier. Nevertheless, kitchens made with its use look solid and expensive. This effect is difficult to achieve when using other materials.
5. Stainless steel. More suitable for restaurant kitchens because it can withstand very high temperatures. Cons: High price and prone to scratches quickly.
6. Array. Expensive material, the quality of which corresponds to the price. With proper processing and selection of high-quality wood species, it has all the necessary qualities. If the coating is deformed, damage to the entire countertop is possible: moisture gets into the damage, as a result of which the material swells.
7. Glass. Suitable for modern types interior looks impressive and expensive. Glass withstands minor mechanical damage and high temperatures. The only negative is the high cost. The impact-resistant version of the material has even greater strength and a higher price.

Remember. Increase the resistance of any material to external influences possible by choosing quality coverage and careful processing of seams and joints of the product.

Dimensions

The sizes of the countertops for the kitchen are chosen solely taking into account personal preferences - most often they are determined by the hostess herself, since she is the one who spends the most time in the kitchen. Also, its dimensions depend on the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen and the size kitchen set: in kitchens with a large area, the countertop can protrude beyond the headset for a fairly decent distance, but this will not work in a small area.

The height of the countertop in the kitchen largely depends on the height of family members - the standard figure, together with the headset, is about 85 centimeters. This standard may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.

Also, the height can be changed if the thickness of the kitchen countertop is different from the norm. It is considered the thinnest glass top- its thickness is 8-16 mm, and the thickest are stone and laminated products, the thickness of which can reach 60 mm.

Note. You can order cabinets under the countertop below or above the standard, but in this case the price of the product will be much higher.

The kitchen countertop width standard is 60 cm. This parameter is determined relative to the width of the cabinets. A product of this width will be the most convenient for cooking. If a wider headset or headset is planned unusual shape, then you will have to pay extra for the width of the countertop for the kitchen that differs from the standard.

Note. Some materials, such as natural stone, are only available in standard sizes, and making countertops with other parameters will be very expensive. This also applies corner worktops: their manufacture without joints from some materials is sometimes simply impossible.

Built-in sockets

Before choosing sockets, it is necessary to determine the categories of electrical appliances that differ in the level of location. The lower level includes a washing and dishwasher, cooker and an oven, the middle one - desktop appliances (combines, mixers, coffee makers, kettles, etc.), the upper one - additional lighting and fume hoods.

The sockets built into the countertop are only suitable for the middle level appliances - the power of the lower level is too high for them to be connected to the countertop.

Installation of the product depends on which countertop is chosen for the kitchen. When buying a product from some materials, such as glass, you need to notify the order executor about the need to create a hole for the outlet.

The installation itself is simple: each socket is accompanied by installation instructions, according to which it is necessary to insert the product into the hole and fix it with special elements included in the kit. The socket is closed with a special cover that prevents moisture from entering.

Advice. It is better to purchase more expensive products with plug ejection functions - the service life of such sockets will be longer.

Advantages of sockets:

• freeing up kitchen space;
• the proximity of the location of the outlet for connection;
• elegant appearance;
• Ability to connect multiple devices at the same time.

Such devices also have their drawbacks - they are not suitable for permanent connection of devices, because they will be constantly open, and some models quickly become loose and become unusable.

Remember. When choosing a product, it is necessary to check the quality of connections and fasteners, in addition, you need to choose models with high level protection against moisture - this is especially true for products that will be located near the sink.

Retractable vertical outlet for the kitchen - a convenient and practical option

Conclusion

Before buying a countertop for the kitchen, you need to study all the subtleties of choosing this product, its possible options for execution and the materials used to create it. Correct selection materials, appearance products and its high-quality processing will significantly extend its service life, as well as make it a real decoration of the kitchen set.

When choosing countertops, we have to focus on such a parameter as the size of the countertops. The thing is that there are certain standards applicable to the choice of countertops for certain cases that you need to know in order not to make a mistake with the choice. Suppose you have decided on the material, color and cost, and the only thing left is the parameters, but numerous companies that produce certain parts of the furniture not only according to the standard, but also at their own discretion, only confuse you. However, not everything is so bad, there are standards, well, let's try to figure it out.

To begin with, it is recommended to correlate the dimensions of the countertops with the height of the person who will use them. First of all, because you should be comfortable eating or working behind it (depending on functional purpose). So, for example, if you use the countertop will A tall man(height is about two meters), then making a tabletop below a meter in height simply does not make sense.

The width of the table top also varies. So, for example, 0.6 m is a narrow tabletop. As a result, you get a lot of inconvenience, especially if a wall cabinet or shelf is provided above the countertop. Therefore, it is desirable to place countertops of greater width, even 5 cm can play a key role here.

Of course, the standard dimensions of countertops directly depend on the material from which they are made.

Very popular today are countertops made of artificial stone. In practice, these are the most unpretentious, stable options. They are easy to clean and over time they do not deform or break, it is very difficult to scratch such a countertop. Almost all of them in a standard size have a width of 0.6 cm, while they have a length of 2.4 m, 0.8 and 0.75 m. The selection of countertops is carried out in accordance with the parameters of your kitchen. It should be remembered that their dimensions are difficult to correct - an artificial stone is difficult to home processing material, because standard size It will not work to fit your situation - an individual order is required.

Laminating countertops made of chipboard with a layer of artificial stone is considered the latest fashionable novelty. An applied layer of no more than three mm can greatly improve the quality of a cheap chipboard countertop, moreover, without making it heavier and without significantly affecting the price. Thus, it is possible to order a countertop thinner, and, accordingly, lighter.

Chipboard countertops are also included in the list of leaders today, they are very affordable, inexpensive and easy to adjust. True, they are not as durable as their stone counterparts, but with proper care long and good service. The dimensions of countertops made of this material are directly related to the shape you prefer. So among them there are round, rectangular, square and other geometric shapes. And each form has its own parameters. Round tabletops have a diameter of 0.4 to 0.65 m, square ones are presented in sizes of 0.65 and 0.78 m along the edge. The greatest number of variations are rectangular countertops, from 0.6 to 0.78 m in width and from 0.9 to 1.18 in length. Possible different variants combinations.

Thickness, as one of the dimensions of countertops, depends on the manufacturer. In some, the standard thickness is 28 mm, and if you take a moisture-resistant analogue, then 37 mm (this parameter is very important if you need to install a countertop, for example, along with a sink).

Other manufacturers point out that the dimensions of the countertops should correspond to their place of application and the status of the owner. So individual manufacturers focus on models with a thickness of 4 cm, which emphasize the elite status of the kitchen. In addition, there are more massive analogues up to 10 cm thick. Their masters are advised to install in places most prone to various influences: near the sink and stove.

There are, of course, custom sizes countertops, they are usually made to order, or customized already at home.

Please note that different firms manufacturers, the standard size may differ, therefore it is not always possible to achieve the same level for countertops ordered from different enterprises.

The countertop is one of the main elements in the interior of your kitchen. It should be beautiful and stylish, but at the same time as durable as possible, comfortable for work.

In the kitchen, the countertop plays the role working surface, it is almost constantly under pressure.

Therefore, the question arises of choosing optimal width countertops.

Standard size: advantages and disadvantages

Countertops are an integral part of kitchen furniture

Technically it is considered that the standard width of the countertop is 600mm. This dimension allows you to design lower drawers with a depth of about 500mm. Such boxes will be quite roomy and convenient to use. It is not recommended to reduce the width of the countertop, as this will lose part of the free space at the bottom drawers and reduce the working area of ​​the countertop itself. The most interesting thing is that the consumption of materials with a decrease in width will be about the same. In other words, keeping the same design and giving the same money, you will lose part of the space for the kitchen set.

Increasing the width, on the contrary, will create the inconvenience of too deep lower drawers, which will only be suitable for a huge kitchen. So before you change the default width, you need to think carefully. On the other hand, in the case of a countertop, a situation may arise when a standard size is not always good. For example, an uncomfortable situation can arise if one person is preparing food, and another needs to take something from the upper drawers. Or when preparing a complex dish in several stages with standard width countertops you corny may not have enough space for dishes.

In general, experts recommend a maximum tabletop width of up to 800mm. Such a countertop will have the necessary functionality and will not require additional supports, since it must be remembered: the wider the countertop, the less load it will withstand. This is due to the fact that the tabletop sheet is fixed only on the sides, and in the center it sags above the surface.

Main types

The main criterion for separating countertops by type is the material from which they are made.

So, countertops are made from the following materials:

• Chipboard laminated with plastic;
• fake diamond;
• a natural stone;
• wood.

Chipboard worktops are the most not an expensive option. In the recent past, they were also the most common option, but have lost their appeal due to low moisture resistance. Now such countertops have begun to be covered with a protective layer of plastic, and they are still in demand. The option of countertops made of artificial stone will cost much more. But it also has many more advantages. Such countertops tolerate drops very well. high temperatures, are unaffected sun rays, moisture resistant.

The advantages will also be the absence of joints, a variety of colors to choose from, and ease of polishing. A natural stone countertop will be the most expensive option for your kitchen, not everyone can afford such a luxury. However, do not forget that such countertops require extremely careful handling. They may remain greasy stains that are difficult to remove, they are not very resistant to mechanical damage and chips.

Countertops from natural wood will look very impressive, and are able to create an atmosphere of coziness and comfort in the kitchen. But the care of such countertops requires very careful care. On the wooden surface bacteria multiply rapidly greasy spots, the tree has a low resistance to damage. At the same time, the cost of such countertops is far from low.

Which countertop to choose for the kitchen depends not only on her wishes, but also on the financial capabilities of the family

1. When choosing a countertop, pay attention to the thickness. It can be of two types: 28mm or 38mm. There is no big difference between them, a thicker one should be used to give the kitchen an impressive look, in normal cases, a 28mm thick countertop will do.
2. The surface of the chipboard tabletop can be glossy or matte. Glossy will look more attractive, but scratches on it will be more visible. A matte countertop will generally last longer with a less-than-bright appearance.
3. When choosing, carefully inspect all the ends of the countertop for moisture. If you find such places, it is best to refuse to buy, since such a countertop will swell in the near future anyway.
4. At the same time, it is not necessary to strive to acquire a moisture-resistant countertop, the main thing is that it be solid with a pasted back end. This table top will last a very long time.
5. In general, it is better to use a solid countertop for the kitchen, it is much easier to mount it, and the absence of joints will prevent unwanted moisture from entering.