The kitchen is "face" of the hostess. In this room the woman spends the most part of the time and therefore here everything has to be functional, simple, beautiful and clean. For this reason at registration of this room there are several questions, and one of the most important at once – what table-top to get? From artificial stone or natural? And to answer this question, it is necessary to study expected materials carefully.
If to consider question only from financial side, then it turns out that sometimes table-tops from artificial stone are more expensive, than from natural. But whether it is worth choosing natural stone for the kitchen? Perhaps it is worth getting skillful fake under the original? Or, on the contrary, the artificial stone will serve less, than his natural fellow?
Advantages of natural stone
Table-tops from natural stone cause in us associations with ancient castles and not for nothing. It is valid, in ancient family estates quite often it is possible to see the objects made of stone – table-top, sink, even chairs. They are appreciated unusual durability, these are materials "for ages", many generations confident in firmness of material can use them. They are eco-friendly, do not cause allergies and are non-toxic. They rather easily wash, at the same time are not afraid of influence even of caustic chemical means for cleaning of surfaces. Natural materials are not afraid of temperature drop, at the same time have improbable antibacterial properties and do not absorb unpleasant smells.
Advantages of artificial stone
First, variety of palette. Even if you want in the bright green kitchen the same bright green table-top, you will be able to order it from any supplier. Secondly, you will be able to receive material of any length what will only be required according to your design plan. Thirdly, table-tops from artificial stone heat up under the influence of heat of human body quicker. It is also good to choose artificial stone for any dimensional products. In this case you receive hollow product which will transport or mount rather easily. The artificial stone actively resists influence of bacteria and fungus, it does not absorb moisture, is well protected from mechanical blows.
Shortcomings of artificial and natural products of comparison
Natural stone breeds consist of the layers containing time and emptiness. And these emptiness usually are filled with dust that gradually corrodes it, also the lamination does it to less strong. Especially it concerns marble so for the kitchen it is the best of all to choose the table-tops made of granite. However its natural beauty is limited to only several color shades therefore it is impossible to pick up material of right color sometimes. Besides some types of natural stone absorb liquid that can leave nondeducible spots (for example, from wine or from coffee). For such cases special water-repellent protectors are thought up. Artificial stones often do of acrylic, that is, they have those shortcomings which are possessed by this material – are easily subject to scratches, do not transfer influence of high temperatures, but at the same time to restore them rather easily.