Artificial stone bar counters: advantages and disadvantages

Bar counters in the kitchen? Why not!This detail of the interior is not the first year is very popular and is not going to give up their positions. It is quite simple to explain this phenomenon: bar counters are suitable for spacious kitchens and close studios, they act as an element of zoning and a functional working surface. It all depends on what shape and size to give this design.

Those who are going to equip their kitchen withusing the bar counter, there is a difficult task to choose tops. Many masters will certainly advise bar counters made of artificial stone. Before agreeing or rejecting such a proposal, it is worth exploring the characteristics of this material in detail.

Varieties of artificial stone

Speaking of artificial stone bar counters,usually refer to a material that visually resembles natural stone and has some characteristics similar to it. In this case, manufacturers can offer several materials with such properties. Among them:

• agglomerate;
• acrylic;
• liquid stone.

They all have advantages and disadvantages, andalso have some features in appearance. In order for the ordered bar counter to be a profitable and successful acquisition, these features will have to be taken into account.

Bar counter of sinter

What is agglomerate?This material for the production of bar counters and countertops is considered the closest natural stone. The fact is that the composition of the sinter includes from 90 to 95% of the natural material in the form of a crumb. At the same time, different types of natural stone are used:

• marble;
• granite;
• quartzite;
• other rocks.

In the process of production of natural stone crumbmixed with fixers, binding resins, decorative additives and coloring pigments. Due to this feature, at first glance, the sinter is quite difficult to distinguish from natural stone. In the kitchen, such bar counters look solid and luxurious.

Advantages and disadvantages of sinter tabletops

Installing a bar counter, decorated with artificial stone of this type, will be a real boon for those who appreciate practicality and chic in the interior.

The appearance of such products is really luxurious, while the countertops are almost indistinguishable from those made of marble, granite or any other stone massif.

• The bar counter will be very strong and resistant to mechanical damage.
• Agglomerate can be safely used for finishingfurniture in hotels, bars and restaurants, in apartments. Most of its components are of natural origin, so it is completely safe for health.
• These countertops are resistant to moisture and high temperature, so even a hot frying pan left on the bar will not cause much trouble.
• A variety of color palette gives you the opportunity to choose the bar for the kitchen with almost any interior.
• Getting rid of dirt on the surface of an artificial stone is easier than ever — you only need a damp sponge and detergent.

Among the shortcomings are:

• high cost of the product;
• the possible presence of seams (bar racks of large size or complex shape are made of several pieces of agglomerate);
• the need for grinding when scratches on the surface.

Bar counters made of acrylic stone

Another kind of artificial stone forCountertops from the bar counters is acrylic. These products are made from white clay powder using polymers, acrylic resin and coloring agents.

Depending on the color and style of the barracks can repeat the appearance of products made of natural stone or be completely different from it. As for color, there may be dozens of options.

Characteristics of acrylic countertops for bar racks

Despite the features in appearance, acrylic products are not much inferior to counterparts from agglomerate. They have quite a few advantages.

• A wide choice of colors and shades makes it possible to decorate the classic interior or add a bright element to the design.
• Complete lack of seams, even in large parts of complex shape. It is possible to make a solid bar counter made of artificial stone by using a special seamless manufacturing technology.
• Relatively low weight allocates acrylic products on the background of natural stone.
• Resistance to water and shock makes the bar counters of artificial stone durable and practical.
• Bacteria, mold and fungus do not breed on the acrylic surface, so this furniture is considered ideal in terms of hygiene.
• Artificial stone does not require special care. Wet cleaning with detergent will be quite enough for him.

Does this material have flaws? Unfortunately yes.

• High price. Compared with plastic and chipboard, bar counter made of artificial stone is clearly losing in price.
• Susceptibility to heat. Hot pans should not be placed on such a surface, otherwise the bar counter will be damaged.
• When washing, you can not use hard brushes and powder detergent, as the table top is covered with scratches.

Bar counters from a liquid stone

Another kind of artificial stone forbar counters and countertops - liquid stone (it is often called injection molding). The technique of producing such products is somewhat different from the production of sinter and acrylic stone. The basis of the cast stone is MDF or chipboard. On the basis of a special coating is applied, consisting of polymeric binders and colored granules. The thickness of this layer can reach 3-15 mm.

Order such countertops for racks and otherWork surfaces should be only from proven companies with a good reputation and a long history, since poor workmanship leads to rapid wear of the product.

Advantages and disadvantages of cast stone

The characteristics of this material are directly dependent on the characteristics of its manufacture.

• Beautiful texture and wealth of colors make the choice of table top for the bar a pleasant occupation.
• Relatively low weight compared to natural stone and agglomerate (lightweight chipboard base is responsible for this).
• Thanks to resistance to blows, moisture and chemical compounds, a bar counter for a kitchen can last for many years.
• Mold and fungus cannot live on such a surface.
• Caring for cast stone is quite simple.

Among the shortcomings are the following features:

• a weak unpleasant smell of styrene - it can stay for a couple of months;
• there is a risk of cracking on the surface (this often happens in cases where the coating has a small thickness of 3-4 mm).

Reviews of bar counters made of artificial stone

Artificial stone found both its admirers and opponents.

Those who are satisfied with the acquisition, note:

• high resistance to moisture - even if the washing is close, the material retains its shape for many years (chipboard and fiberboard are deformed and stratified under these conditions);
• strength;
• luxurious appearance (bar counter made of artificial stone fits perfectly into any interior);
• the possibility of repair (even if during a mechanical impact a piece of material has broken away from the table top, it can easily be restored).

Among the minuses indicate:

• the appearance of cracks;
• unpleasant odor;
• unreasonably high price.

To protect yourself from buying substandardproducts, it is worth carefully choosing a manufacturing company. To begin with, it is desirable to study the reviews about the company, find out the duration of its work in the market of services. In addition, the quality of the material is of great importance. Low cost may indicate the fragility of the bar.