Ceramic countertop for the kitchen: features, pros, cons, how to do it yourself.

Ceramic countertop for the kitchen is the best choice for the hostess. The durability of its use will allow you not to think about replacing for many years, and a beautiful surface will give the kitchen a unique design.

Ceramic kitchen worktop is the best choice for the hostess

The composition of ceramic surfaces

All ceramic products are made from natural materials - clay, sand and feldspar. The difference between ceramic tiles and granite countertops is in different temperatures during firing and finishing of products. Porcelain tile is made at higher temperatures and has a higher mechanical resistance. Ceramic tiles are coated with multi-colored enamel, and coloring pigment is added to the artificial stone, which is polished. Therefore, a beautiful and colorful texture is obtained.

All ceramic products are made from natural materials - clay, sand and feldspar.

The main advantages of ceramic surfaces

The unique properties of this material make it possible to produce not only furniture and its coatings, but also more complex forms of kitchen products, for example, a sink for washing dishes, which together with a ceramic worktop will look very organic.
The main advantage of a ceramic countertop made of artificial stone is the strength of the stone and a fairly low price, so it is very popular among housewives.

The main advantage of a ceramic countertop made of artificial stone is the strength of the stone and a fairly low price, so it is very popular among housewives.

The main advantages of ceramics:
- beautiful appearance, texture and a variety of colors, which will allow you to choose the material for any kitchen set;
- a steady surface to any mechanical influences that is important in the kitchen;
- moisture resistance of the working area in the kitchen;
- the heat resistance of the stone allows you to install the product next to the stove and put hot pots on it;
- environmentally friendly material that does not emit harmful substances when heated;
- long service life, the countertop is practically not subject to scratches and chips during operation;
- easy to clean and wash with any detergent;
- ease of installation, suitable for any surfaces made of wood, metal and plastic;
- ease of repair if necessary.

The disadvantages of artificial stone

With the mass of advantages of this material, it is worth noting three significant drawbacks:
- when installing tiles, seams are formed that periodically require repair, but when choosing a high-quality sealant, you will reduce repair work to a minimum;
- the surface of the table must be regularly washed and covered with polish so that it does not lose its luster;
- the stone does not tolerate an acidic environment, be careful when choosing cleaning products.

Porcelain Tile Selection

When choosing, you should pay attention to several basic characteristics:
- the thickness of the product is from 10 to 30 mm, the thicker the tile, the stronger your coating will be;
- surface type: a polished product is more beautiful, but requires constant care, a matte surface is not demanding for care;
- sizes of products: you can buy a solid array, which is cut according to the size of your table or small tiles, from which the mosaic is laid out.
For small rooms it is better to choose small sizes of 10x10 cm or 5x5 cm - such a mosaic will visually expand the room.
Small tiles made of porcelain stoneware cost less, but it may be necessary to repair the joints during prolonged use.

DIY installation rules

This material is easy to cut and assemble, so you can cover the table with porcelain tiles with your own hands. Technology is no different from laying ceramic tiles.
The main stages of installation:
- prepare a flat surface, if the base is old and uneven - apply a layer of putty;
- lay out tiles with minimum gaps, the maximum size of the seam is no more than 2 mm;
- use the building level to align the joints;
- when gluing the ends of the countertops, fix the tile with tape until the glue completely dries;
- Fill the joints with grout.

Sink Selection

Choosing a sink for the kitchen is a very responsible task, because it is most often subjected to cleaning and mechanical stress. Ideal if you buy a solid array of countertops with a built-in sink from the same material, but it will be a very expensive purchase.

Ideal if you buy a solid array of countertops with a built-in sink from the same material, but it will be a very expensive purchase.

Manufacturers now offer many budget options from the available materials:
- stainless steel, such a sink is cheap, and not a small weight makes it easy to put it in place;
- cast iron, which is coated with enamel of various colors, will allow you to choose the tone of the sink as close as possible to the color of your countertop;
- artificial stone, will allow you to choose one color scheme and texture of stone with a countertop, but this material is short-lived;
- porcelain, the sink will look perfect with your countertop and will last for many years.

Ceramic countertop design

A wide selection of stone textures and color range of the material will allow you to choose porcelain stoneware for any kitchen set and design of your kitchen.

A wide selection of stone textures and color range of the material will allow you to choose porcelain stoneware for any kitchen set and design of your kitchen.

Manufacturers offer options for such a tile with a pattern, and you can choose the material for the work area, the apron in the kitchen and the countertop of the dining table and arrange all this in one design. If you want to veneer not only the countertop, but other surfaces in the kitchen, consider the collection options that are offered in stores - this will create an original design in the kitchen and a cozy atmosphere.

Manufacturers offer options for such a tile with a pattern, and you can choose the material for the work area, the apron in the kitchen and the countertop of the dining table and arrange all this in one design.

Useful Tips

When choosing, it is worth remembering if you have a small kitchen, choose light shades of small-sized products and with a glossy surface - this visually expands the space. Solid colors, especially dark ones, require daily care, and scratches and scuffs are immediately visible on the coating. Multi-colored tiles are less demanding to maintain, and it will not need to be constantly polished.

Multi-colored tiles are less demanding to maintain, and it will not need to be constantly polished.

With proper installation, such a countertop will serve you for decades, and the hostess of the house will be very pleased.

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