Countertops more than any other part of the kitchen are in touch with water, since the dish sink or dish washing area is built on countertops. The use of waterproof and moisture-resistant countertops is very important in the designs and the manufacture of cabinets.
The countertop is the most important part of kitchen cabinet, which must have special features both in terms of appearance and use. The countertop is subjected to cleaning, washing with all kinds of detergents, scratches, and also very close to gas flame (stove), which needs to have high quality in terms of these properties.
In this article, we will introduce and explain the types of waterproof countertops.
Granite
Granite countertops are very popular used by interior designer. Over time, due to the high cost of granite, it was replaced with artificial stones or other types of stones.
Aesthetic appearance and high resistance to heat and scratches are the prominent advantages of this type of countertops. Granite countertops have a wide variety of colors which make countertops suitable for every taste and style and every model of cabinet.
One of the disadvantages of these stones is the porosity in it, which makes it prone to water absorption. Also, to clean granite stones, special types of detergents are used.
Marble
Marble stone are widely used in the construction industry due to its high strength, aesthetic appearance and different temperatures resistance. Marble is used in all building section.
These stones have been used for many years as countertops. Water resistance, thermal resistance, antibacterial and anti-allergic properties are features of marble stone.
Cleaning process of marble stone is very simple, but washing marble with acidic detergents leads to corrosion. One of the disadvantages of marble stone is that it is not resistant to scratches, but because of its aesthetic appearance, it has a wonderful attractiveness to interior designers, and this has made marble widely used.
Corian
Corian stone or solid surface is known by such features as flexibility non-porous, thermal resistance, affordable price, and scratch-repair capabilities. Corian is an artificial stone that has been manufactured and designed by the American company Dupont since 1967.
Its main use is as countertops; however, the architects and interior designers use the Corian as sinks, table tops, and vanity tops.
Waterproof, aesthetic appearance, impact resistance, seamless performance, anti-bacterial, variety of textures and colors are the advantages of Corian.
Quartz
Quartz stones are scratch-resistant due to presence of silica in their composition. Quartz stones are anti-bacterial, acid and scratch resistant.
Quartz countertops have high popularity due to their high durability, antibacterial properties, ease of cleaning, a wide variety of colors and an acceptable appearance.
Also, these stones are thermal resistant and are considered as waterproof countertops.
Wood-plastic composite
Wood-plastic composites are consisting of wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers (plastics).
WPC is abbreviated of wood-plastic composite or also known by poly-wood. WPCs are pressure, scratch, and thermal resistance and at the same time have light weight.
Wood-plastic composites are water and moisture resistant, anti-bacterial, and due to its high resistance to scratches. WPCs, in addition to the countertops, are also used as floor covering, wallcovering, drop ceiling, and so on.
Garnet
Polyvinyl chloride (abbreviated: PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in new construction technology. PVC is an economical building material and in recent years it has become a suitable substitute for clay and wood, etc. PVC is also used in the manufacture of wallcovering.
Waterproof, impact-resistant, scratch-resistant, washable by a variety of detergents, quick & easy installation, light weight and self-extinguishing are some of advantages of PVC countertops.
Garnet is the new generation of countertop made from Topsheet (marble sheet), designed and produced by Topco Industrial Group using the newest technology in the world. Garnet is produced by bending PVC panels (Topsheet) like a book shape and injecting space between two panels with polyurethane foam. It is worth noting that UV varnish makes Garnet scratch-resistant.
One of the advantages of garnet is its standard packaging. Which in addition to its aesthetic appearance, is resistant to impact and environmental changes when carried.
In addition to the countertop, also Garnet can be used as tables for restaurants, meetings, lobbies (waiting rooms) and reception desks.
Comparison between Garnet and stone countertops: lighter, acid resistant, large size (slab) and much more affordable Comparison between Garnet and wooden countertops: 100% waterproof, insect-resistant, free of toxic gases (formaldehyde, asbestos)
What is the reason of popularity of Garnet countertops?
Garnet is made from PVC and polyurethane which are 100% waterproof. Therefore, Garnet is an excellent substitute for common countertops.
Garnet is non-flammable and has high thermal resistance.
Garnet is a great substitute for stone in interior designs. Due to its light weight and high strength in terms of feasibility study, it is economical and transportation of the product to the installation site became easy and inexpensive.
The large size and light weight of Garnet’s boards make installation process faster and easier. Also, Garnet is installed using special adhesive glue without using traditional building materials.
UV varnish makes Garnet scratch-resistant.
