Usually people think about window sills at the last stage of renovation work. The only exceptions are those window sill representatives that either transform into a bench or are combined with a worktop in the kitchen. Otherwise, no one really thinks about this part of the window system until the last minute. We decided to correct this state of affairs - to figure out which material is more profitable and which window sills are best to choose for an apartment, and what to install in a country house.
Meanwhile, manufacturers of window systems recommend taking the choice of this attribute seriously, because poor-quality installation or an unsuitable model ultimately leads to its premature replacement. By the way, replacing the window sill after installing the window unit is technically difficult and expensive.
What are the requirements for window sills?
In addition to the aesthetic side, the slab under the window performs important functions. When installed correctly, it prevents heat from leaking from the radiator to the outside, traps cold air from the street, and creates air flow circulation in the room.
There are no strict rules for installing a window sill, but when making calculations it is worth taking into account some nuances. In order not to disturb the circulation of warm air in the room, the window sill should not protrude more than 5-6 cm from the plane of the wall - this means the finishing. If, according to the designer’s idea, the slab should be wider, then additional ventilation holes will be needed.
The optimal thickness is the average standard, approximately 2-4 cm. A sheet that is too thin will sag, which will eventually break the joints. And a very fat person risks looking heavy and rude. Another important factor is the bending strength of the window sill, since it is mounted into the wall and the entire structure must remain motionless. The slab must be as hard as possible, because people will lean on it with their hands, sit down, put some things on it - due to incorrect calculations, the structure may not withstand the load and break.
Basic requirements for a window sill:
- Strength and wear resistance;
- Duration of service life;
- Low requirement for special care;
- Constancy of appearance under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
- Harmless to health;
- Stylistic compatibility with design.
What to do with the battery under the windowsill
For many, the battery can be the reason for abandoning a very convenient and modern kitchen. There are several ways to solve this problem.
- Carry out dismantling. Completely remove the radiator in the kitchen and install an alternative - heated floors.
- Make a sink and hide all the eyeliner under a special lid. The main thing is that it has neat holes for ventilation and heat circulation.
- Move the battery to a less used part of the kitchen. In this case, the intervention will have to be agreed upon with the authorities.
A wooden window sill looks very nice, chosen in the same color scheme as the podium.
Even a simple kitchen module can hide the battery. However, in this case it is worth considering the main features of the material from which the case was made. Cheaper models may not withstand the heat load in winter.
Consider the heating system in your home. If the batteries are operating at full capacity, then when designing the table, do not forget to install temperature regulators on the radiators. You will feel much more comfortable with them.
What materials are used to make window sills
The choice of window sill is influenced by the customer’s preferences, possible design features and conditions, and the planned budget.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which window sill is better - glossy or matte, because both textures have their advantages and disadvantages.
Comparative characteristics of the two textures, placed in the table for clarity:
Glossy | Matte | |
Resistance to damage | The slightest scratch is visible | Scratches are not visible |
Surface care | Simply wipe with a wet cloth | Need cleaning supplies |
Appearance | Any contamination is immediately noticeable | Dust is almost invisible |
Texture | Reflects light well, increases illumination | Suitable for a room where the light needs to be dimmed |
There are a huge number of types of raw materials for the production of window sill slabs. There are not quite standard ones: decoration using porcelain stoneware, mosaics, even fabric upholstery.
The design of window sills, their shape, and dimensions primarily depend on the material from which they are made.
The most popular models:
- Plastic (PVC - polyvinyl chloride);
- Tree; Chipboard, MDF and WPC;
- Natural or artificial stone*.
Let's talk in detail about each of these options separately.
No. 2. Window sill material
Various materials are used to produce window sills. The choice is based on the planned budget, personal preferences, interior features and room conditions, as well as depending on what kind of window is installed.
The most popular materials for making window sills include:
- polyvinyl chloride (PVC), often referred to simply as plastic;
- tree;
- Chipboard and MDF;
- natural and artificial stone.
Sometimes there are non-standard options : ceramic tiles, mosaics, WPC, porcelain tiles, injection molding technology or fabric upholstery. A window sill can have not only the usual rectangular shape , but also be round or intricately curved, but this depends more on the characteristics of the material from which it is made.
Plastic (PVC) window sill
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common type. What window sills are best to buy for plastic windows? Manufacturers of metal-plastic systems themselves answer this question when they propose installing a plastic window sill along with the window. This is reasonable and justified, because all the technical characteristics of the window system will be the same and will last the same long time. Externally, this will also look harmonious: PVC has no color restrictions, because the film with which the slabs are covered can have any shade and imitate any texture.
PVC, due to its moisture resistance and thermal conductivity, is excellent for the production of window sill slabs. However, plastic window sills are hollow, their strength depends on the number of stiffeners in the structure. The heavier the slab, the more ribs it has, the thicker they are, the more reliable and stronger the window sill will be.
Due to sensitivity to heat, the plastic sheet must be placed at a distance from the radiator no closer than 15 cm from the hot air, otherwise it may bend. Due to thermal conductivity, PVC has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, which means that cracks can form at the joints. To avoid this, it is necessary to use the most elastic sealants (silicone) to process all seams. To increase service life, all joints must be renewed every two years.
How does plastic meet the basic requirements for window sills, which we have already discussed? For clarity, we have collected the data in a table.
Requirements | Compliant | Does not match |
Strength, wear resistance | Depends on the stiffeners | Scratches, cracks, chips may appear |
Life time | 30-50 years | |
Special care | Moisture resistant. Just keep things in order | The matte surface gradually “absorbs” dust and dirt |
Effect of ultraviolet | High-quality plastic does not change its appearance. | May turn yellow |
Environmental friendliness | It is not subject to rotting, which means that bacteria and microorganisms do not develop on the surface. Does not emit harmful substances | |
Stylistics and aesthetics | Large selection of shades |
No. 3. Choosing a plastic (PVC) window sill
In recent years, the plastic window sill has firmly held the leadership position , which is explained by its performance qualities and affordable price. Such products are, in fact, an ordinary PVC profile with several chambers and vertical stiffeners. Hollow plastic window sills usually have a thickness of no more than 25 mm, but to visually increase the thickness, the structure is equipped with a so-called “nose”, its thickness is 30-40 mm. The product is covered with a film on top, which takes on decorative and protective functions.
The design features of the PVC window sill allow us to talk about its many advantages:
- good strength, which is ensured by the presence of stiffeners;
- resistance to moisture, sunlight and chemicals, so this product is unpretentious in care;
- light weight;
- ease of installation;
- The film used to cover the plastic can be of any color and imitate any pattern. The standard option is white, but it can replicate the texture of stone or wood, which is why sometimes plastic window sills of a matching color are installed on wooden windows, although more often they are used in conjunction with plastic windows;
- low price.
Among the disadvantages is the possibility of turning yellow over time, “absorbing” dirt and even deforming under strong temperature changes. Finally, such a window sill cannot be called natural. The product can be covered with either regular PVC film or melamine . The second option is preferable, as it can significantly increase wear resistance.
Wooden window sill: pros and cons
In industry, different types of wood are used to make window sills, which can differ significantly in their properties. For example, the price of coniferous trees will be low. The pattern of such wood is beautiful, but the structure is too soft, highly susceptible to humidity and temperature changes. The exception is larch: high strength, almost like oak, and a square meter will cost about 2,600 rubles. This is the answer to a common question: where to order a window sill at an affordable price and, at the same time, of good quality - order a larch slab.
Deciduous wood is much stronger than coniferous wood, so prices will be much higher - from 4,000 rubles/m². Rare species (red, black, sandalwood) are a premium level and any furniture made from such wood is made only to order.
But there is an alternative to solid wood - laminated wood slabs. Under high pressure (and high temperature), thin slices of wood are glued together. The resulting shields are no worse in quality than solid shields, and are even less susceptible to deformation.
The main disadvantage of wood is its sensitivity to moisture. When the window slab swells, it becomes deformed and the seams gradually lose their seal. This is especially true in kitchens, where there is more condensation than in other rooms. To solve the issue of condensation, it is necessary to establish the circulation of warm air in the window niche.
The thickness of the wooden board, glued or solid, must be at least 30 mm. It is impregnated with antiseptic and protective agents. To do this, choose any: varnish, azure, oil, wax. Approximately every 2 years, the protection needs to be updated - first the surface is cleaned with sandpaper, and then the entire course is repeated from impregnation to the final protective layer.
Compliance table with requirements:
Requirements | Compliant | Does not match |
Strength, wear resistance | Withstands heavy loads | Strength, wear resistance Can withstand heavy loads May dry out or crack due to changes in humidity |
Life time | Almost unlimited (depending on quality) | |
Low maintenance | Requires constant attention and care | |
Immutability under the influence of ultraviolet light | Low | |
Environmental friendliness | Microorganisms, bacteria, mold, insects can multiply on the surface | |
Stylistic, aesthetic compatibility | Suitable for wooden window frames. Particularly suitable for classic interiors |
Colored window sill
It is difficult to imagine an apartment in which the windows would not be equipped with window sills. With the exception of some Khrushchev buildings and rare houses with French windows, every apartment has a window sill. In Soviet times, they were made of wood, and even now this is the second most popular material; the first place is firmly occupied by plastic window sills, since they look most harmonious with white plastic windows.
Here you will find more than 500 types of colored plastic window sills for any budget. Place your order now by phone.
Thanks to the flurry of construction and development in the field of interior design, many buyers need window sills in a color other than white. Wooden window sills are no longer completely painted over with white paint, but are simply varnished to highlight the natural texture and pattern of the wood.
More and more people are trying to decorate their homes with colored window sills of different textures. It is not always possible or desirable to install massive stone or capricious wooden window sills. But I don’t want to lose the aesthetic component in favor of practicality. What to do? For example, buy a colored PVC window sill.
How colored PVC window sills are made
In order to understand how colored window sills are made and what the difficulty is, let’s turn to the production process. Plastic window sills are made from plastics that contain polymer (polyvinyl chloride), fillers (to reduce cost), dye and plasticizers. Basically, dyes are not added to plastics, and window sills are produced in light colors. The components are mixed, after which heating takes place so that the mass is homogenized, after which the process of molding the mass into the future window sill occurs. When the fresh window sill is moved, it cools down, it is cut and a finished window sill board is obtained.
The color of window sills is much easier to form not at the stage of plastic homogenization, but already in finished form.
Two types of production of colored window sills:
- using color textured film
- using paint.
Textured film exists in such a huge number of color and texture options that there are entire catalogs of possible colors. In them you can choose the appropriate color and order a window sill of the configuration you need; the company will cut it for you and treat it with film. Thanks to the finishing acrylic coating, the plastic window sill becomes heat-resistant, wear-resistant, and scratch-resistant. The same film can be used to cover the windows themselves.
Special paint – window sills can also be painted with specialized paint; it does not add additional hardness, but you can choose any brightest color to suit your taste. Before painting, the surface must be cleaned, degreased and coated with a primer.
Selection of colored window sills
In our store you can choose one of more than 500 types of plastic window sills, a look that will please any esthete; you can find window sills for granite, and with a pattern of white or black granite, with sparkles, in the texture and pattern of rare and rare natural wood very breeds.
Naturally, such window sills will require colored fittings, and we also have them, connecting elements, plugs and sandwich panels to match the color of your new colored window sills. If you understand that the plastic white windows are already worn out, then you can cover them with a specialized film, giving them the same color as the window sill, and there is no need to change the windows!
- Window sill in the kitchen
- How to arrange a windowsill
About options from chipboard, MDF and wood-polymer composite (WPC)
Chipboard window sills
When you hear the question about what kind of window sills there are in an affordable price segment, the economical option that immediately comes to mind is chipboard. They are based on highly compressed chipboard, which is covered with a layer of laminating film. You can choose a surface of any color and texture. This coating is resistant to chemical, temperature, and mechanical influences. However, the surface of the chipboard must be protected from moisture getting into the joints - immediately wipe it dry.
The advantages of chipboard include ease of installation, strength and low price.
The disadvantages are a short service life due to the lack of moisture and heat resistance. Due to the resins that are included in the composition, harmful formaldehyde may be released.
MDF window sills
The basis of an MDF window sill is a slab of very fine pressed sawdust, which is glued together with paraffin or lignin.
When installing a wooden window, they try to make the window sill from the same material. Inexpensive and harmless to health
The surface of MDF can be covered with thin veneer - this way a complete imitation of a natural wood panel is achieved. The slabs are also laminated, and then the surface pattern can imitate any texture. This material is 2 times more resistant to mechanical loads than chipboard, however, such window sills also cannot be called durable.
WPC window sills
The basis of WPC is a material that is made from a mineral or technical filler (fiberglass, sawdust) and a binder material (polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, sometimes grain starch). Boards with voids inside are cast from the mixture. This wood-polymer composite (WPC) has many advantages: high strength, resistant to sunlight and temperature changes, moisture resistant, with an unlimited choice of shades.
The table shows comparative characteristics of the materials: chipboard, MDF and WPC:
Requirements | Chipboard | MDF | DPK |
Strength, wear resistance | — | — | + |
Life time | — | + | + |
Low maintenance | — | + | + |
Permanence under sunlight | + | + | + |
Environmental friendliness | — | + | + |
Stylistic, aesthetic compatibility | + | + | + |
Unusual design - how to use a low window sill in the interior?
A low window sill is an unusual piece of furniture that can be used to your advantage.
Professional designers are ready to suggest several unusual solutions. The main features are:
- Large window opening.
- Possibility of installing new structures.
- Creating an unusual style.
If you need unusual finishing materials for your home and low window sills, then look at the catalogs or call or call +7, we will advise and tell you everything!
Unusual ideas for home interior.
A good window becomes a real decoration of the whole house. This simple truth is familiar to many professional designers and ordinary owners of houses and apartments. In this regard, they are now actively trying to select unusual elements that can decorate the entire interior. To do this, it is often recommended to install a low window sill, the design of which has a number of features.
It is worth noting that many are ready to use their own window sill as a shelf for flowers or an unusual tabletop. Thanks to this, the functionality of the entire window system increases significantly. However, to create a real “zest”, you should be careful about unlocking your potential. If you decide to use a low window sill in the kitchen or bedroom as a tabletop or even a bench, then you should take into account the technical characteristics.
On average, the seat height is 40-50 cm from the floor. Only in this case can the window sill panel be converted into a bench. If you plan to equip a tabletop, then the height should be approximately 2 times higher.
Equipping windows with the latest window sills.
Real specialists are always ready to help in solving certain issues. To understand exactly how low window sills look, photos of various rooms should be examined more closely.
In such questions there are several key aspects to consider:
- Installation of radiators.
- Use of reliable fastenings.
- Subsequent finishing and so on.
You should not try to simply install a wide window sill board on old fasteners, as it will deteriorate over time. During installation, attention should be paid to the radiator and other key accessories in accordance with the technological requirements.
- Ideas from professional designers - how to design a window sill
- Window sill decoupage - features of a unique technique
Choosing a window sill made of artificial stone - inside and out
Natural stone looks exquisite, but it has disadvantages. Firstly, the high cost of window sills made of natural stone. Secondly, it is not always harmless to health (if we talk about granite, then due to its volcanic origin, it may contain isotopes - that is, increased radioactivity). Stones have a porous structure and microorganisms will multiply on the surface and stains will appear. Thirdly, there is a suture technology for joining parts, and when joining, it is important to take the sheets from the same chip, otherwise there is a risk that they will differ in color. But the most important thing is that if they are seriously damaged, they cannot be repaired. That is, it is impossible to glue or sand the damaged areas so that it is unnoticeable. However, there is an alternative: lighter and more environmentally friendly artificial stone.
The production of window sills from artificial stone occurs using three main technologies: the production of composite, agglomerate and cast marble. The most famous are acrylic and quartz compositions. They have many more advantages compared to natural stones - besides the price. They are much lighter than natural ones, they have an unlimited choice of shades (especially acrylic). Artificial stones do not fade in the sun, they are not afraid of moisture, which means that microorganisms and mold do not multiply on their surface. Almost eternal service life, the possibility of restoration, a wide selection of textures - all these qualities make artificial stone very popular.
The types and shapes of artificial stone window sills directly depend on the material, and vice versa. For example, a slab with rounded or sinuous lines can only be made from a composite, while quartz is used to make products with a simple, clearly defined shape.
Tabletop-window sill as a work area
Making a tabletop on the windowsill is a great idea for those who don’t want to remodel and move artificial lighting along the wall.
A window sill-tabletop is another good solution. This will provide a large amount of natural light, regular ventilation and a great mood during culinary experiments.
This part of the window can easily accommodate a neat tabletop, on which you can even place a sink. If you don’t want to move the heating, you can easily make an open bottom and equip it with sections for storing dishes or household appliances.
The scale of the interior solution directly depends on the size of the window.
Window sills made of acrylic stone
Acrylic is also called a “warm” imitation of stone. Mineral elements in its composition account for approximately 65%, and the remaining 35% of the substance are resins and pigments. When heated above 150 C°, the material becomes plastic and can be given any shape. The texture of the composite is completely smooth, without pores - that is, a 100% moisture-resistant material. It is not afraid of condensation, dirt, mold. An acrylic window sill will not swell when exposed to water, will not deform, or become cracked. The composite has a seamless joining technology, a huge color base, and its plasticity makes it possible to create objects of any shape. This surface is easy to care for, keep it clean, and small scratches can be sanded even yourself, without calling a specialist.
An acrylic window sill will look good in any room, but more often it is installed in the kitchen (for example, turning into a worktop or bar counter).
Disadvantages of the material
Instability to strong impacts, susceptible to scratches. However, all damage can be completely repaired. Another drawback is the complexity of installation. To install the stove you need to call a specialist.
Comparison table - how acrylic stone window sills meet the requirements:
Requirements | Compliant | Does not match |
Strength, wear resistance | Withstands heavy weight and does not delaminate | Not resistant to impacts, easy to scratch, but easy to restore to original appearance |
Life time | Almost unlimited | |
Low requirement for special care | Due to the absence of pores, it does not absorb water or dirt. Easy to wash | |
Permanence under sunlight | Doesn't change the appearance at all | |
Environmental friendliness | Absolutely safe for health | |
Stylistic compatibility with room design | Goes well with any windows. Warm to the touch You can give it any color or shape you want. Can be used in any room style |
By clicking on the link, you can see various examples of window sills made of acrylic stone.
Window sill decor with indoor plants
The chaos of pots on the window is a familiar picture: in many apartments, only here there is enough light for finicky plants to grow well. To turn them into interior decoration, you need to think through the composition. We recommend starting to decorate your window sill with live plants, following a few simple rules:
- Less is better than more . If you don't know how to decorate a windowsill with flowers, choose a few of the most beautiful plants and leave only them. They will definitely look good, because the fewer objects, the more attention they attract.
- Beauty is in the details . It is ideal if all the flowerpots on the windowsill are made in the same color and have the same design. You can choose even the simplest models: together they will look elegant. An alternative to pots can be plant boxes - an excellent solution for decorating window sills in an apartment in Provence or ethnic style.
- Size matters . If the window is small, it would be wrong to fill it with tall plants. But a few succulents, especially in stylish florariums, will come in handy. On the contrary, if you have a large multi-hung window, tall and spreading plants with dense foliage will do.
- On high . Plants can not only stand on the windowsill, but also hang above it in a pot. By the way, this solution will help save space if you still have to use the window sill for storing things.
- Edible - not edible. A good option for decorating a kitchen window sill is to plant edible greens in boxes, pots, or even old dishes. For example, it could be lettuce, arugula, mint, lemongrass. They require a small amount of soil, water and sun to grow. The bright leaves will delight the eye all year round, and you can enjoy plants from your home garden.
Window sills made of quartz agglomerate
More expensive than acrylic, agglomerate on average consists of quartz chips on average 95%, the remaining 5% consists of additives: pigments and binding resins. The composition of quartzite is almost natural, so it imitates natural stone better than composite. The advantages of this material include high strength, long service life, moisture resistance, and heat resistance.
Cons: limited choice of colors, heavy material, presence of joints (if the length of the product exceeds 3 m), high price. And most importantly, in 90% of cases, quartz cannot be restored.
Table for agglomerate compliance with requirements:
Requirements | Compliant | Does not match |
Strength, wear resistance | Withstands heavy weight and does not delaminate | Chipping is possible, in which case it cannot be repaired. |
Life time | Almost unlimited | |
Low maintenance | Due to the absence of pores, it does not absorb water and dirt and is easy to wash. | |
Permanence under sunlight | Doesn't change the appearance at all | |
Environmental friendliness | Absolutely safe for health | |
Stylistic compatibility with room design | Combines well with other materials and textures | Due to the lack of plasticity, products can only be of simple shapes with right angles |
When looking for a product made of artificial stone, you can follow the link and view all kinds of options and examples of window sills made of quartz stone.
Colored plastic window sill - practical and convenient
It is important to pay attention to quality; now they often offer to buy handmade window sill boards in the garage or basement. Do not fall for low price offers and buy goods from authorized dealers. The offer includes cutting (length, width, angle) and delivery. We install products regardless of size, complexity of the design shape, volume of work (on one window, under windows in an apartment, house, building, several objects). All laminated panels meet important technical characteristics:
- high strength - thickness from 22 mm, width from 10, 15 to 100 cm;
- resistance to mechanical damage and scratches – a special multilayer protective film polymer coating that ensures high resistance of the plastic to external influences;
- resistance to moisture, which is ensured both by the density of the material itself and by the protective multilayer film coating;
- resistance to corrosion and decay, characteristic of all products made of thermoplastic polymers;
- fire safety (conditional) - plastics belong to materials of flammability group G1, but are allowed for use as laminated elements of window openings, stained glass windows in residential buildings, and buildings for various purposes.
Plastic colored window sills of any texture are easy to clean and do not lose their brightness over time when exposed to sunlight.
Help: The main problem with wooden window sill boards was the need for regular maintenance; the issue with maintenance remains unresolved. Although today the quality of paints and varnishes has increased significantly, this has only increased the time required to update the varnish or paint. At the same time, PVC window sills with painted, laminated surfaces provide:
- high aesthetics of the product;
- resistance to UV radiation, biodegradation, short-term exposure to high temperatures;
- low flammability;
- absence of harmful substances (lead, formaldehyde resins);
- long service life;
- They only need cosmetic care.
Which window sills are better: acrylic or quartz - looking for a difficult answer?
First of all, when choosing a window sill made of artificial stone, you need to study its components, since the resins and fillers included in some cheap Chinese artificial stones can cause harm to health.
Still, which window sill would be better: acrylic or quartz? The answer will depend on your expectations and the requirements you present.
Here is a comparison table that may help you make a final decision in favor of one material or another.
Acrylic composite | Quartz agglomerate | |
Price | Affordable price | Due to the complexity of processing, the price is an order of magnitude higher |
Elasticity | Bendable, any shape possible | If it doesn't bend, it breaks. Products of only simple shapes with right angles, without roundings |
Presence of seam | Seamless technology | If the surface is longer than 3 m, there is a visible seam |
Strength and weight | Can be scratched with a knife. Afraid of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Much lighter in weight than quartz | It's difficult to scratch. Resistant to high temperatures and most chemicals. Heavy material |
Choice and durability of colors | Unlimited choice of shades and textures. Doesn't fade in the sun | The choice of colors is inferior to acrylic. Doesn't fade |
Tactile sensations | Warm, pleasant to the touch | Cold |
Repair | Completely repairable without dismantling. Any cracks and chips are restored | Due to its high hardness and non-plasticity, in most cases it cannot be restored. Or it requires dismantling and complex repairs using special equipment |
How much does an artificial stone window sill cost? There can be no definite answer here. The final cost will depend on the shape, size of the product, and its thickness. The color and texture of the material will also play a role.
About window sills from all sides
Of course, any thing has both its positive aspects and disadvantages. However, against the backdrop of many advantages, some of their disadvantages really seem insignificant. For example, in the case of stone window sills, especially onyx ones, there is a risk of cracks and scratches appearing during use. Some plastic window sills may not have protection against high temperatures and shocks. Wood requires special care and careful use of cleaning products.
But your interior will look complete and aesthetically pleasing, and the variety of color schemes will not force you to make unnecessary compromises.
How not to ruin a window sill - tips for everyone
Caring for different materials will be radically different - what is good for a plastic slab is unlikely to be suitable for wood or stone. Therefore, here we will provide some useful tips for each type of window sills.
Chipboard and MDF:
- The weakest point of this material is the joints. Therefore, the main task is to maintain the integrity of the film covering the slab, avoid deep scratches and cuts, and ensure that no water gets in there.
- For cleaning, use a soft cloth or washcloth and soap solution without abrasives.
Solid wood or laminated board
- It is better to try to remove any stains, greasy or wet, immediately.
- No need to use furniture polishes for cleaning. Due to the wax and fat they contain, dust, on the contrary, will “stick”.
- Do not use abrasives or aggressive household chemicals for cleaning. After removing the soap, be sure to wipe the surface dry.
- Do not place hot objects.
Plastic
- If the surface is glossy, then it is important to avoid scratches, which means you can only wash it with a cloth and not with powder, but with a soap solution.
- Matte plastic does not require special care, but you should not use acetone or other aggressive household chemicals.
- Do not place hot objects on the surface.
A natural stone
- To prevent a matte whitish coating from appearing on the surface, it is always wiped dry with a soft cloth.
- If you don’t know how to wash stone window sills, we recommend using a mixture of water and pH neutral soap, like you would use in a dishwasher.
- You can use a mixture of water and ammonia to clean natural stone, applying in a circular motion with a soft cloth, avoiding scratches. After treatment, everything is washed off with water, then wiped thoroughly.
- Do not use products containing acids or salts for cleaning.
Acrylic composite
- Acrylic surfaces scratch more easily, so there is no need to use abrasives or hard brushes for cleaning.
- If it is a kitchen window sill or part of a worktop, do not place hot cookware on an unprotected surface. The same goes for cutting food - do it only on cutting boards.
- The most practical colors are light shades with medium inclusions, with a matte polish.
Quartz agglomerate
- The main thing is to avoid very strong blows - if it breaks, it is almost impossible to restore (in 90% of cases).
The difference between KamenPro, LeroyMerlin and OBI window sills
Unlike KamenPro, LeroyMerlin and OBI offer window sills of only standard sizes. If products made of composite or agglomerate come with already specified parameters, then it will not be possible to insert them without errors, because the length, width and depth of the window will differ even in neighboring rooms. To install the finished slab, you need certain grinding machines, especially for artificial stone, as well as an installer, whose experience and skill will allow you to fit the slab in the most precise way.
Therefore, it is better to order the full cycle of work from KamenPro - from the manufacturer, where everything is adjusted to the millimeter for each opening.
For clarity, we provide a brief comparative description in the table:
StonePro | Leroy Merlin | OBI | |
Full cycle of work (from measurements to installation) | + | — | — |
Possibility to choose individual size | + | — | — |
Wide choice of materials and textures | + | -/+ | -/+ |
Window sills made of artificial stone
In appearance, it is impossible to distinguish them from natural ones, but they are still lighter and cheaper, while being strong, durable, resistant to damage and high temperatures. Composites today are not inferior to natural materials either in appearance or in characteristics, which explains their growing popularity. Unlike marble, artificial stone cannot be damaged by spilling coffee or dropping something heavy. And the artificial surface does not need regular polishing and renewal of the protective coating; wet cleaning is sufficient. But it is not recommended to clean such window sills with an abrasive, like all others, this is the only thing that can damage them. Another undoubted advantage of such window sills is the ability to decorate all windows in the same style with identical boards; with natural stone this is unrealistic not only because of the price, but also because of the uniqueness of the textures.
When choosing a window sill, special attention is paid to the material from which it is made, the color scheme, which should be combined with the rest of the interior, and the mode of operation. But another important factor is the thickness of the board - the more intensive the intended use, the thicker the window sill should be. Especially if its width allows you to place a large number of flower pots, arrange a seat/bed or a play area for children on it.
The market has a large selection of not only window sills, but also countertops for work areas, as well as coffee tables. And the craftsmen of our portal have learned to cast furniture from concrete, including console window sills. The video is about homemade furniture.