Tops and backs
The worktop or countertop is certainly the most used part of the kitchen, which is why the choice of material plays an important role, as it must guarantee resistance, performance, and functionality.
It is therefore essential to pay close attention to the choice of countertop, which comes in the following types of materials: scratch-resistant laminate, glass-crystal, granite, marble, quartz, and stainless steel.
Let's analyze them individually:
Laminate kitchen countertop
They are by excellence the most common worktops, offering practicality, durability, and good savings. It is a countertop that requires some care both
regarding water and also for high temperatures. Therefore, the use of trivets is recommended. Laminate countertops are available in various colors, with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 10 centimeters.
Stainless steel kitchen countertop
Stainless steel kitchen countertops offer a unique aesthetic that fully evokes the modern style. Practical and absolutely hygienic, stainless steel is resistant to wear and high temperatures, which is why it is preferred in the setup of industrial kitchens. The most popular finish is Scotch Brite stainless steel, a "standard" satin steel; Dekor Scratch-Resistant and "mirror" finishes are also available, the latter being beautiful and demanding. The flexibility of the material allows for countertops with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 10 cm.Dekton kitchen countertop
Top with extraordinary features, a fusion of the three materials glass, stoneware, and quartz makes it the most high-performing top currently available on the market.
Let's list its features:
-High resistance to UV rays
Dekton features high resistance to ultraviolet (UV) rays, without fading or losing intensity over time; this characteristic makes it perfect for both interior and exterior design.
- High scratch resistance
Dekton is the surface that offers the greatest scratch resistance among those on the market, so much so that it is not affected by marks made by household utensils. However, it is recommended to use cutting boards to protect kitchen utensils.
- Stain resistant
Dekton is completely impervious to stains, whether caused by domestic use or by chemical agents. Even the most stubborn stains such as wine, coffee, rust, and nail polish can be easily removed from the surface.
-Maximum resistance to fire and heat
Dekton is able to withstand high temperatures without any alteration to its appearance or properties. Hot pots and utensils, appliances, and even slow cookers can be placed in direct contact with the surface without the risk of damaging it.
- Abrasion resistant
Dekton resists abrasion even more than granite; this makes it the ideal surface for any type of commercial application, such as ventilated facades and even high-traffic floors.
- Resistant to freezing and thawing
The low coefficient of thermal expansion of Dekton makes it resistant to thermal shock, both in the presence of very low and very high temperatures. Its natural resistance to freezing and thawing also makes it perfect for places characterized by extreme temperatures.
-Flexural strength
With a flexural strength three times higher than that of granite, Dekton can be installed using thinner thicknesses, allowing up to 30 cm of overhang without the need for support (depending on the thickness) for applications such as countertops, islands, and bars. The high compressive strength of Dekton also makes it the ideal material for sidewalks, road pavements, and pedestrian walkways.
-Absence of porosity
Dekton is a non-porous material and does not require any sealing treatments. Its surface is impermeable to liquids and gases; for this reason, it requires little maintenance and is easier to clean.
- Chromatic stability
The production process used for the creation of Dekton allows us to control its pigmentation and refine the appearance of the material, to offer greater consistency in the color of each individual slab. The result is a product that lasts over time, maintaining the appearance of the very first day. The surface installed today will remain unchanged throughout the entire useful life of the product.
- Dimensional stability
Dekton offers excellent dimensional stability in terms of format and thickness across the entire slab; this minimizes the need for corrective interventions on the surface and allows for easy installation of the product.
- Resistant to hydrolysis
Dekton boasts high resistance to hydrolysis.
- Incombustible material
Dekton is a completely non-combustible material and guarantees high resistance when in contact with high temperatures without undergoing aesthetic or mechanical alterations.
Porcelain stoneware kitchen countertop
Porcelain stoneware countertops are a revolution for the kitchen environment as they encompass all the features that meet every need in the kitchen. They resist high temperatures, cutting, and do not absorb. They come in a wide range of colors. Thicknesses vary from 2 cm to 6 cm, and the front finish will be with a polished edge.
Quartz and artificial stone kitchen countertops
Quartz countertops and artificial stones were created as an alternative to natural stones such as granite and marble to offer the
their aesthetic appearance and greater strength in terms of resistance to aggressive agents and scratches.Hundreds of colors and finishes are available, ranging from glossy and smooth surfaces to matte stone-effect surfaces to match
any type of cuisine.
The thicknesses of quartz vary from 2cm to 10cm.
Glass/crystal kitchen countertop
The tempered glass worktop gives your kitchen an incredibly elegant effect. Its elegance is expressed by its minimal thickness, making it ideal for flush-mounted appliances.
Its characteristics make it ideal for resisting heat and stains.
You will find it in glossy, matte, and lacquered veined finishes.
Marble
It is a natural limestone rock, formed from calcium carbonate, silica, iron, and other minerals, which, by combining under different geological conditions, have determined its crystalline structure, uniform grain, and the great variety of colors, shades, and hardness.
The characteristics of marble:
Being of calcareous origin, marble offers a great variety of shades and tones, while at the same time it is easily workable and lends itself to special finishes. Its nature makes it vulnerable to substances of acidic origin, such as vinegar, fruit (lemon, orange, kiwi, etc.), vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, etc.), and cleaning products (descalers, anti-limescale products, etc.).
All these substances attack the calcareous structure of marble, noticeably dulling its surface. The natural presence of micropores in the structure of marble makes it prone to absorb any liquid substances; these may appear as more or less dark stains, depending on the type of liquid absorbed. This problem is solved with the anti-stain treatment.
Marble lends itself to different types of processing; below we describe four types of finishes commonly used for interior furnishings:
Glossy finish: it is obtained by sanding the surface of the marble with increasingly fine abrasives until a mirror effect is achieved, and wax is not used, so the result will be matte. A smooth tactile effect is still perceived.
Brushed finish: obtained by smoothing the marble with abrasive brushes, which give it the typical matte and slightly irregular appearance perceptible to the touch. This enhances the irregular characteristics that each material possesses compared to another.
Antique finish: a process achieved through a longer procedure, the material is sandblasted and then, in three separate applications, a natural resin is applied which the material absorbs; in this way, the resin closes every small pore, giving it a rustic appearance and at the same time almost total protection.
Stain-resistant treatment: this is a type of process to which marble (polished, satin, brushed, antiqued, etc.) is always subjected in order to limit the absorption of liquids and make it immune to stains.
The most commonly used finishes for kitchen countertops, due to their practicality, are satin and brushed finishes. Taking into account the main characteristics of marble, the aim is to use processes that minimize as much as possible the dulling effect that can be caused by a drop of lemon on a countertop with a polished mirror finish, which will be much more noticeable than on a countertop with a satin or brushed finish. As for the polished finish, it is normally used for bathroom countertops, since in that environment few acid-based products are used.
The antiqued finish is more protected compared to other finishes, as a natural resin is applied to it which gives it a wet effect and total impermeability to liquids.
Granite
It is a rock of volcanic origin, composed of silica, quartz, alkalis, and minerals among which the most common are zircon, apatite, magnetite, and titanite. The very compact structure of this material determines the proverbial hardness that characterizes it.
The characteristics of granite:
The main characteristic of granite is certainly its hardness, which is evident in its ability not to be affected by acidic agents (fruit, vegetables, cleaning products); this makes it highly valuable for use in delicate areas such as the kitchen.
The natural presence of micropores (which we find in all natural stones) makes them prone to absorbing any liquid substances; these may appear as more or less dark stains depending on the type of liquid absorbed. This problem is solved with stain-resistant treatment.
The presence, in different proportions, of quartz and minerals determines its chromatic appearance and, significantly, the different spotted or veined geometry.
The finishes used:
Granite lends itself to various types of processing, but the most suitable finish for interior furnishings is certainly polishing:
Glossy finish: obtained by sanding the surface of the granite with increasingly fine abrasives until a mirror effect is achieved; it is then further treated with a layer of wax to increase its shine and protection. Granite, compared to other softer stones, manages to maintain the finish much longer, thanks to its hardness determined by its quartz and silicon content.
Stain-resistant treatment is a type of processing to which granite is subjected to limit its absorption of liquids and make it immune to halos.
For granite countertops, we also create special finishes: such as brushing, which highlights the rocky texture and the unique irregular characteristics that each material possesses compared to another.
of this material.
The creation of granite countertops can be chosen among various thicknesses, starting from 2 cm up to 3 cm (the most commonly used), and then creating thicknesses up to 6 cm.
Magnetolab Backrest, the first magnetic backrest!
MAGNETOLAB IS A SYSTEM THAT COMBINES BACKSPLASHES AND MAGNETIC ACCESSORIES FOR THE KITCHEN
With MAGNETOlab you can customize your workspace in the kitchen, moving the accessories on the backsplash, wherever is most convenient for you.
The backsplashes are available in different materials to best integrate with the style of the kitchen: glass, luminous glass, chalkboard glass, Dekton, Gress, Corian.
The MAGNETOlab project is inspired by the fascinating physical phenomenon of magnetism, from which the use of the positive sign “+” derives. The idea was born from the desire to improve and optimize the movements that take place daily at home, with particular attention to the spaces where the family meets, shares, and organizes: the kitchen and the living area. MAGNETOlab has focused its study and research on the creation of innovative, practical, dynamic, and ergonomic solutions designed specifically for this space. In fact, it is based on the phenomenon of magnetism that the creation of everyday accessories such as iPad holders, spice racks, and many others, equipped with a special magnet, originated.
