Archives for May 2016

Comparing Corian Countertops to Popular Alternatives

corian countertopsCorian countertops were the first solid surface product to hit the market back in the late 60s. They represented a significant breakthrough in countertop materials because not only were they man made and more affordable than natural stone but they were/are completely non-porous; hence the name ‘solid surface’. But while companies that sell and install solid surface are well aware of its attributes many consumers remain in the dark. In this post we’ll try and shed some light on what makes solid surface such a great deal when compared to the competition.

Corian countertops: How They Stack Up

While there are many brands of solid surface countertops today we’re going to confine our discussion to Corian and how it compares to its primary natural stone competitors. Let’s get going.

  • Durability – Granite, quartz and other natural stones are prone to chipping and cracking due to their composition. Solid surface by contrast is engineered to be the same density all the way through making it less likely to chip or crack. Both solid surface and natural stone are easy to clean though you’ll need to reseal granite and other stones at least once a year.
  • Porous vs. non-porous – Perhaps the defining characteristic of solid surface Corian countertops is that they’re non-porous. They won’t absorb spilled liquids of any kind. This gives Corian a major advantage over quartz, marble and other natural stones that need to be watched carefully in order to avoid leaving stains that can wind up permanent countertop features.
  • Maintainability – Granite and marble are beautiful but woe unto you should someone put a ding or significant scratch in the surface. You’ll basically just have to live with it. With solid surface scratches, even fairly deep ones, can be buffed out along with knicks and small chips. The ability to refresh the surface in this fashion is another major advantage of solid surface.
  • Seamless Integrated Sinks – While in recent years stone fabricators have found ways to create integrated seamless sinks using granite, soapstone and other natural stones it’s still far easier to achieve this smooth, timeless, in demand effect using Corian or another type of solid surface countertop material.
  • Adaptability – While natural stone can be carved to a certain degree solid surface Corian can be made to serve whatever design or decorative task you set out for it. You can engrave it, sculpt it, sandblast it, carve it and more. The fabricator can also bend it by the precise application of heat and force to create virtually any desired shape. Try bending granite.

It’s likely that natural stones like granite, quartz and marble are not going out of style any time soon and that’s fine because in certain cases you want marble or granite. Most homeowners however are better served by having an affordable, versatile alternative to fall back on when both the cost and limits of natural stone become obstacles. Talk to the professionals at Solid Surface.ca and find out more about how beautiful, durable Corian countertops can benefit your home.

Running Through a Number of the Main Factors to Consider When Buying a Solid Surface for Healthcare Facilities

solid surface for healthcareHealthcare facilities must adhere to a rigid set of criteria regarding building materials both during general construction and the build out. Because people’s lives are at stake there is no fudging the rules or cutting corners. Materials must meet established standards or they won’t make the cut; simple as that. When it comes to hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices the challenge facing architects and healthcare professionals has long been to find a material for countertops that will allow for the maintenance of a safe, sterile environment. In this post we’ll look at several reasons why solid surface may be the perfect clinical building material.

The Impressive Value of Solid Surface for Healthcare Environments

Solid surface for healthcare environments has a number of advantages over other types of countertop material. These advantages include the fact that:

  • It’s Hygienic – Healthcare environments need to adhere to rigorous standards of safety and hygiene. Due to their non-porous nature solid surface countertops give bacteria and mold nowhere to hide making them an ideal fit. The dangers of bacteria are well known but mold can be extremely insidious too; lurking in the seams of old countertops and sending out spores that can create serious respiratory and even heart problems.
  • It’s Durable – Cracks and chips in other materials can become home to bacteria and mold colonies just as counter seams can. The danger is even greater in the shower area due to the elevated moisture levels. The even density engineered into solid surface products means they’re not nearly as susceptible to day to day damage as other materials and make not only ideal countertops but ideal shower floors as well.
  • It’s Low Maintenance – Solid surface for healthcare cleans up easily and because of its non-porous nature it stays clean until you’re ready to use it again. The same goes for solid surface flooring in the shower area. A regular wash down with soap and water will keep them sparkling and provide ample evidence to anyone using the shower that it’s free of potentially harmful mold and bacteria.
  • It’s Easy to Repair – While man made solid surface floors and countertops are more resistant to incidental damage than their natural counterparts that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. However, should you find your solid surface countertop has become chipped or scratched it can be easily renewed by a qualified solid surface craftsman. No such option is available to those with natural stone countertops.

Other benefits of solid surface that make it ideal for use in healthcare settings include:

  • Less glare than natural stone
  • Overall cost effectiveness
  • Ease of installation
  • 100% non-allergenic
  • A plethora of optional looks

Countertops of solid surface for healthcare settings create safe, attractive environments for patients and healthcare professionals. No more hours of scrubbing exam room countertops and shower floors chasing mold and bacteria. If you’d like to learn more about installing hygienic, affordable solid surface in your healthcare facility or office call the professionals at Solid Surface.ca. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have.