From natural stones to porcelain stoneware, Patricia Miranda, head of the Raízes Arquitetos studio, explains how to choose the material for kitchen countertops
The choice of material, color and finish of the worktop are criteria that help determine the overall style of the kitchen.
According to the architect Patricia Miranda, in front of the office Roots Architectsan aesthetically appealing bench and prepared for the needs, is able to add that dreamy detail to the space: an inviting and pleasant air for unforgettable moments with family and friends.
Several factors must be considered when defining the material, such as functionality, style and durability. But what are these criteria?
“Undoubtedly, the countertop must provide enough space for handling and cutting ingredients, accommodate utensils and appliances, as well as allow for efficient organization of kitchen items,” she says.
Banks of sintered materials
According to Patricia, cutting-edge materials for kitchen countertops are sinteredi.e. those produced by mixtures of minerals, pressed at high pressure and fired at high temperatureswho make them resistant and even, refractories.
“Although they are more expensive, I also like them because they don’t scratch when you use the knife directly on them, nor can they be damaged by acid stains or direct sunlight on the countertop,” she points out. Among the most famous brands available in the market are i Neolith and the synthesizer.
quartz worktop
Among other possibilities, the architect emphasizes the quartz as a commonly chosen element for having an attractive variation of colors and for being low-porous — a feature that mitigates the risk of stains and water absorption.
“However, since it contains resin in the composition, it is not suitable for heat and should not be used on worktops with hob”, advises the architect. Silestone is also an element made of resin, however it tends to be more porous than quartz. “I never recommend it for the kitchen due to the imminent risk of staining. It can also be used on tables or countertops, but I recommend intensive care with liquids, such as wine,” he warns.
stone bench
Granite
In the case of natural stones, the granite it resists well on worktops with hobs, but depending on the type it can be more or less porous. “Thanks to this differentiation it can easily absorb the products handled in the kitchen and, the greater its porosity, more prone to stains. Granites are not the same and not all are suitable for composing kitchen countertops”, guides Patricia.
Marble
Still among the natural stones, the marble is another material adopted for worktops where the preparation of the dough will be handled, since it is not cold like granite, but with the misfortune of being porous. “So, just thinking about messing around with syrups and sauces, the marble on the countertop can now get stained,” jokes the architect.
worktop in corian
Among the industrialized ones, some types of Corian can be considered, but the resident must keep in mind the need for a c constant care, because it can be damaged more easilyAND.
“It’s just beautiful, but without a board to cut ingredients, our hearts are hurt by the damage to Corian. You just need to polish it again to recover,” says the specialist, who also reports the possibility of creating a carved tub that eliminates the nooks and crannies that accumulate fat and the importance of being handled only by skilled workers.
porcelain worktop
In the field of versatile coverings, porcelain stoneware is also a material to consider for its resistance to heat and durability, without losing color or getting scratched.
However, it is necessary to choose a suitable type for application on worktops, since not all porcelain stoneware tiles are the same. As for the execution, he warns against prudence in cutting the pieces, since the coating is less thick than natural or industrialized materials.
Wooden bench
Architect Patricia Miranda explains that solid wood doesn’t need to be disposed of due to moisture. In projects with material, management of a should be considered protective paint. “The result is wonderful, but this food-handling counter is worth avoiding,” she warns.
Cleaning and Organization
A well-designed countertop should make it easier to clean up and organize the space. Smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces make cleanup a hassle-free task.
For storage it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. There are several products intended for “heavy” cleaning of countertops, but Patricia believes they should be used sparingly and more infrequently. “In everyday life, I believe in the effectiveness of detergents as a good degreaser”, she concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
