Archives for August 2016

A solid surface countertop is one of the most functional and durable surfaces out there.  It’s versatile and easy to maintain and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.  Whatever brand you end up going with, solid surface countertops are a great selection for your kitchen or bathroom.

As there are numerous brands that make solid surfaces, the manufacturer and exact composition of your solid surface countertop can vary.  Generally, it’s an acrylic, epoxide or polyester resin, which is then mixed with various pigments to produce a wide variety of colors.  It can either be cut into sheets or shapes or injected into a mold to produce a more decorative design, complete with any decorative touches right from the initial creation.

Polyester-based solid surfaces are generally cheaper, and will provide a higher-gloss finish.  They’re less likely to have the perfect seam you’re hoping for, though, so many people chose the newer acrylic-based solid surfaces.  They cost a little more, but are less likely to chip and crack, and are easier to join together in a seamless fashion.  No matter which type of resin your brand uses, it will likely arrive at your builder in a solid sheet.

Your contractor will take these sheets of solid surface, in your chosen color and style, and cut them to match the size and shape of your countertops.  Then, they will bind them together using a color-matched epoxy.  The pieces will be clamped close together, and then left to dry.  The contractor will then sand off the excess epoxy and polish the area.  This creates the illusion of the countertop being one consistent piece rather than multiple pieces joined together; because solid surfaces have the same color and patterns all the way through, they can be sanded down to match without losing their aesthetic value.

It’s really a very simple process when handled by experts who know what they’re doing.  From formation to installation, a solid surface countertop is specially designed to meet all your countertop needs, from aesthetics to health and everything in between.  When you get a solid surface countertop, you know you’re getting a durable work surface that will last you a long time without significant upkeep.  For many design projects, a solid surface countertop will end up being the way to go.

The phrase “solid surface” can be a bit confusing when you’re first learning about countertops and their potential materials.  After all, aren’t all countertops a solid surface?  However, when your contractor or renovator uses the phrase “solid surface countertops”, they’re referring to a specific man-made surface that has brought a significant new option to kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Solid surface countertops are artificial, man-made surfaces, typically made from acrylic and polyester blends.  It was developed in the 1960s by DuPont, and known as “Corian”, though now you can get solid surfaces from a variety of different companies, including Samsung’s Staron, LG’s Hi-Macs and ECO.

It’s called “solid surface” because, if you take a cross-section of it, you’ll find the color and pattern evenly distributed all throughout the material, as opposed to just being on the top layer.  Solid surface is homogenous in material and color, and just as durable and sanitary as natural countertops.  It was designed to be a versatile and adaptable material, fitting whatever needs you may have.

Solid surfaces are designed to be non-porous, so bacteria and stains can’t seep into your countertops; that means you don’t need to especially seal them.  They’re designed to resist stains to keep their color and pattern fresh for as long as possible, as well.

Solid surfaces also are seamless.  Because they’re designed and manufactured, they can be combined with color-matching epoxy to bind them together.  Because the color and pattern go all the way through, you can then sand and polish the joint to be seamless without losing any aesthetic value.  This really isn’t an effect you can achieve with most natural materials; so the seamless look of solid surface is one of its defining visual characteristics.

That same depth of color and pattern makes solid surfaces uniquely repairable and renewable.  If you get a minor cut or scratch, you can actually buff it out with a scouring pad—or, in more serious cases, a sander—without actually damaging the aesthetics of the countertop.

Solid surfaces like Corian are also thermoformable.  That means it becomes flexible when heated, allowing it to be shaped and formed into any shape imaginable.  It’s easy to work with and to get into just the right shape and style to match your design and architecture.

There are a variety of different brands of solid surface, each with their own pros and cons, from cheaper, polyester-based solid surfaces to more durable acrylic-based surfaces.  Whether you stick with the original Corian or go for one of DuPont’s rivals, solid surfaces have been a beneficial and convenient choice for countertops for a half century and counting.

When you opt to install kitchen countertops, there are dozens of different kinds of surfaces to choose from.  One of the most popular is a solid surface, like DuPont’s Corian or other similar brands.  The man-made surface has several significant pros over more natural countertops like granite or marble, though it comes with its drawbacks as well.  Here are some solid surface countertops pros and cons to help you make your decision.

Pro: Solid surfaces are durable

Manufactured to the highest standards, solid surface countertops can remain in place for decades with proper installation and occasional maintenance.  They resist impacts, stains, mold, mildew and bacteria better than natural surfaces; they’re engineered to last a long time, and specially designed to better resist wear and tear than natural surfaces.

Pro: Many choices for style and color

Because it’s manufactured, you can get a solid surface countertop in nearly any color or style you can imagine.  There are dozens of colors readily available—everything from mimicking a natural feel of concrete or marble to bright, unique colors to give your kitchen or bathroom its own custom feel and shine.  You can find a color or pattern to match essentially every architectural style or design choice you can imagine.

Con: Solid surfaces can scratch easily

Granite or marble are very difficult to scratch, as they’re some of the hardest substances in nature.  Corian or a similar artificial surface, however, is somewhat vulnerable to being damaged if you use sharp knives directly on its surface, rather than on a cutting board.  Similarly, hot pans can also damage your solid surface countertops, leaving burn marks and other imperfections more easily than on natural surfaces.

Pro/Con: Standard Colors

Every piece of marble is unique, so you know that your countertop will be one of a kind.  Solid surface countertops, almost by definition, are mass-produced, so while there are plenty of colors and patterns to choose from, it won’t really be unique—someone out there will have the same pattern and color you do.  That can be a negative if you want a really unique signature look for your countertops.  On the other hand, if you have to replace a section of a marble countertop, it’s very obvious, because you won’t be able to find another piece that exactly matches the damaged section.  With something mass-produced like Corian, you can be sure that you’ll get an exact match if you ever have to replace anything, keeping the look of your kitchen or bathroom consistent.

A solid surface brings a good balance of good lucks, performance and cost efficiency to your home.  They’re definitely one of the most versatile options you can pick when making your countertop selection.