If you are going to make repairs, then you will probably start by studying the assortment of modern materials. Today there are a lot of them. Wood and plastic, ceramics and glass, various synthetic compounds that make your home as cozy and beautiful as you would like it to be. Today, new material has begun to gain popularity, which has already won the hearts of most housewives. And you wonder what is artificial stone? If yes, then our article is especially for you.
Technological subtleties
We are all used to the fact that at home there are many things made of wood. Kitchen cabinets, window sills, tables, all this was previously made from natural boards, and later they were replaced by plates of pressed sawdust covered with a laminate. Beautiful, easy to manufacture, for a long time they filled the market of materials for the production of kitchen furniture for a long time, until we found out what artificial stone is. A big drawback of chipboard is that they are afraid of moisture and immediately begin to swell. That’s why they started looking for a replacement,
Main advantages
If any of your friends already ordered such products home, then they probably can tell you what artificial stone is. The unique combination of high decorativeness with strength, durability and decorativeness in a matter of months made it the most popular material in the whole world. Initially, craftsmen began to make kitchen countertops from it. Then they drew attention to all other interior items, furniture, tiles for the kitchen and bathroom. Today we want to tell you in more detail what an artificial stone is. Its surface has no pores, which means that it does not absorb dirt and moisture, coloring matter. It is this property that makes it truly unique material from which you can make anything.
Several varieties
Surely, progress will not stop there, because today the stone has already completely eclipsed in terms of its popularity chipboards and MDF facades. This is not surprising. Of course, his cost is slightly higher, but this is offset by a long service life and stunning decorative properties. The manufacture of artificial stone involves two main technologies:
- Quartz stone is, in fact, a natural material. Its basis is quartz chips, which makes up 93% of the composition. The remaining 7% falls on polyester resins. Quartz chips provide the highest resistance to mechanical damage. An artificial stone countertop surpasses even a natural granite block in its wear resistance.
- Acrylic stone - this material has nothing to do with natural materials. Although, when the consumer is allowed to touch a sample of quartz and acrylic stone, the second causes more positive emotions. It is very dense, looks like a natural stone, but warm and pleasant to the touch, smooth. Acrylic stone combines excellent aesthetic, technical and hygienic properties. This material consists of one third of acrylic resins with high strength characteristics. The rest is minerals and pigments. The result is a durable and ductile material that has excellent performance properties. An artificial stone countertop will last for decades without losing its original appearance.
- More affordable analogues - other materials are used for interior decoration, such as gypsum and cement . Small blocks or decorative tiles are cast from them, which are then coated with a coloring composition. They are lightweight, durable and inexpensive. With their help, finish the doorways and walls.
Kitchen design with stone trim elements
There is something in this that has come from the depths of centuries. It is as if together with a stone we bring to our house a piece of stability and reliability. But not everyone can afford to perform interior design using natural rocks. It is just expensive. As a compromise, which combines a reasonable price and an excellent result, an artificial stone countertop can be used, as well as other interior items.
Moreover, often these products are even stronger and more beautiful than their noble counterparts. Using acrylic or quartz stone you can:
- Visually highlight the bar, dining and working areas.
- Highlight window and door openings.
- Decorate the kitchen apron.
- Facing niches or pillars.
Add brightness
The modern housewife is not surprised by the opportunity to have a kitchen apron and countertop in pink, white or green. Many of them want to decorate them with beautiful drawings. Today it is possible, and there will be no need to stick anything on the surface of the finished product. Even in production, designers will create the desired image and hide it under an acrylic apron. Now he is not threatened with any damage, the drawing will please for many years. The stone is distinguished by the fact that dirt does not linger on it at all. Now you can opt out of expensive cleaning products.
Artificial stone countertop
This is a modern trend that will not go out of fashion for a long time, due to its practicality. This material is attractive due to its wide color spectrum. Manufacturers can create almost any transitions and semitones, and even age the stone using a special grinding. Countertops for kitchen made of artificial stone can have absolutely any configuration. This material is easy to cut and fits seamlessly. Clients managed to evaluate the resistance of such a surface to abrasion. The surface of the countertop is subjected to heavy loads, and decorative stone can retain its original appearance for several decades. If the surface gets scratched over time, then it just needs to be polished, and it will again be like new.
New format sinks
We are used to the fact that they are traditionally made of steel or cheaper metals, stainless steel or even aluminum. But if you decide to make a stone countertop, it makes sense to remove the old sink from the interior. First of all, it should be noted that according to the color scheme and texture it will be easier to choose a kitchen structure from the same material. But beauty is not everything. The modern hostess is also concerned about functionality.
A sink made of artificial stone is made of granite chips and quartz sand, and acrylic is used as a binder. This combination allows you to achieve the highest strength. The color scheme depends on the added dye, so you can choose absolutely any shade that you just want. Artificial stone is completely immune to mechanical stress, fat does not adhere to the surface, it is easily washed without using modern chemistry. In addition, they fit perfectly to the countertop, leaving no room for dirt to clog in the gap. Thin, cheap sinks tend to rattle when water flows down them, and here you will not hear a sound.
Window sills
Until recently, they were wooden, and today everyone shines with snow-white, plastic. They are quite beautiful, but after a few years you can see that the color is not so clear, and in some places spots form that cannot be cleaned. What to do? Change to more functional. Window sills made of artificial stone can have any color and shape. You can put flower pots on it, no stain problems. If you have a small kitchen, then it can be modified into another countertop. This will be a functional solution for small apartments.
What else is such window sills good for? They are resistant to ultraviolet, do not change color even when exposed to high temperatures. There are no pores in the artificial stone, so it will never be chosen by harmful fungi and mold.
Lightweight version
Artificial stone products are quite heavy, so today manufacturers have learned to take as a basis a solid chipboard or MDF board, and perform stone cladding. In this case, the plate is lighter and cheaper, which does not affect the quality and properties. From it it will be possible to make a work surface and a bar counter, as well as kitchen furniture. Yes, we were not mistaken. This is a new direction today, which is actively developing. Why don't you order a table made of artificial stone?
Furniture Features
Wooden and glass, plastic - all these interior items have become familiar. But the table, made of or acrylic stone, certainly focuses on yourself and will be the perfect decoration for any home. Especially this option will appeal to those who want to order a table of an absolutely incredible shape. Such an author’s project will emphasize your individuality and originality of creative thinking.
If it is intended for the kitchen, it is very important that the surface is in harmony with the countertop. It is possible to carry out a project according to which the future table will, if necessary, dock with its working surface. It can be convenient during the work with the test, pastries.
For office
Indeed, it was originally believed that in the kitchen, artificial stone would fulfill its mission best. However, the material turned out to be so bright, beautiful and practical that today it can be seen almost everywhere. For example, the complex, curved silhouettes of tables in respectable directors' offices have become very popular recently. Recently, U-shaped and S-shaped structures are increasingly being used.
And here the artificial stone will become the ideal material that will allow to realize such a project. A unique opportunity to combine colors allows you to achieve any visual effect. An old, mossy stone, with gilding, with slate impregnations, everything that will perfectly blend with the interior and reflect its general idea.
For a bath and a sauna
What do you expect to see when you enter the steam room? Wooden walls and shelves, and in the next room a metal bath, starting from a small one and ending with a huge pool. But modern materials completely change the idea of what should be a bathhouse. Wooden walls are beautiful, but short-lived, so they are replaced by stone. But if finishing with natural rocks comes out very expensive, then an artificial analogue will allow you to create a masterpiece for very reasonable money. Moreover, wall cladding in this case is much easier. If working with granite or marble requires first to install a metal frame, then everything is much simpler. Lubricate the surface with tile glue and press the stone. Everything, your dream is realized.
But the designers went even further and created a bathtub made of artificial stone. Small and large, with and without hydromassage, they resemble a natural body of water, allowing you to fully relax and distract from problems. The original appearance is admirable, while the color scheme will depend on the desire of the client. Most often, natural, natural shades are used. For example, brown speck on a beige background. It is beautiful, delicate and very stylish. As if in the middle of your bathroom a small stone grotto has grown, filled with water from an underground source. Artificial stone for baths and saunas has become a new, revolutionary material, which opened up incredible opportunities for design. The cost can hardly be called low, but the appearance, functionality and durability are also very different from everything that existed before.
Instead of a conclusion
Artificial stone triumphantly entered the sphere of interior design and is not going to give up its positions. Beautiful, functional, durable, it is widely used today in the development of ready-made and individual solutions for the kitchen. Yes, and what can you think of better. Bright, stylish and durable kitchen, which is not afraid of mechanical damage and moisture. Year after year, the coverage will remain the same as on the first day. Today, artificial stone has gone beyond the kitchen and stepped into the living rooms, cabinets. Surprisingly, in almost every room it finds its application, organically accustoming to the interior, complementing and decorating it. The only thing the designer should take care of is good lighting so that the stone comes to life and reveals its beauty.