Archives for September 2021

Solid surface materials (like Corian) are a bit unique. There are a lot of questions about what they are and how they are made. Because we’ve already talked about how these countertops are made, we can now address one of the main reasons for buying them: they are the healthiest choice.

What makes solid surface countertops healthy?

Solid surface counters are nearly non-porous, meaning they are incredibly good at keeping water and air out. Without water and air, bacteria cannot survive, so there are no microscopic bacteria on the surface.

Below, we will address how other types of countertops compare to solid surfaces regarding health.

Wood vs Solid Surface – Which is Healthier?

People find wood to be naturally appealing. So you might find them on the inside of many kitchen counters, just not the tops.

There are few exceptions, but wood is considered a porous material. Porous materials are known for easily absorbing water and air.

As a result, it is straightforward for mold to grow. While wood sealants attempt to prevent this, these wear off over shorter periods.

You will never seed mold on a solid surface because it does not retain water. If you don’t believe us, try adding sealant to a deck after a rainstorm (don’t do this). It will ruin your deck by sealing in the water, making it almost worthless.

Marble vs Solid Surface – Which is Healthier?

When comparing these two, you’ve got a bit more competition. Marble is closer to solid surface, and the natural stone doesn’t absorb water.

Marble countertops are unaffected by water, the exception being if there is some preexisting crack. You won’t ever see a water-only stain on a stone countertop.

While marble is less porous than wood, it isn’t completely non-porous. So it isn’t 100% effective.

Solid surface countertops are still more effective but are less heat resistant. Even if you were to warp the surface, it would still maintain its non-porous capabilities.

Natural Stone vs Solid Surface – Which is Healthier?

Other natural stone options (granite) are similar regarding staining. However, you will still need to seal some countertops regularly.

Make sure if you choose the stone, you check on how often you need to seal it.

Tiled Countertops vs Solid Surface – Which is Healthier?

While the tiles themselves are somewhat non-porous, the grout doesn’t fit the same categories. Tiled countertops are not considered entirely non-porous.

If you purchase tile overseas, you run the risk of them containing toxic materials. You should also be wary when buying used materials.

Despite tile having a pretty nice appearance, it is a bit more complicated to handle overall.

Final Thoughts – Why Solid Surface is Healthy

When choosing the best non-porous countertop, the two best options are marble and solid surface. Because marble costs much more, most people stick with the reasonable option.

If you want some help picking the best solid surface for your health, contact our specialists at Solid Surface Canada. Our company will ensure that your space is safe, healthy, and an important part of your dream kitchen.

For most consumers, the term “solid surface” doesn’t mean much. While you might know it is a type of countertop, that doesn’t give much away about the materials used. What are solid surface countertops made of?

Solid surface countertops are made with a combination of natural minerals and resin. The minerals used are commonly marble, but the materials are consistent.

Because of this consistent material use, a solid surface is much longer-lasting than laminate countertops. Regardless of this difference, it is on par with cost when compared to laminate.

Below, we will delve into the process for making this countertop and how this process outperforms other standard counters.

How is Solid Surface Made?

A mixture of acrylic and polyester typically makes up the resin. The resin and minerals are heated to cure the surface of the countertop chemically.

The heat enables the countertop to mold into whatever desired shape of the creator. As a result, it is inexpensive and easy to fit in sinks, which can be incredibly expensive when using quartz.

The materials are entirely the same throughout, which creates the “solid surface” name.   By comparison, cheaper laminate countertops are layered. That means the upper layer could be reasonably solid, but it is typically cheaper underneath.

Quartz providers will still tell you of the usefulness of quartz over solid surfaces. While the durability of stone countertops is undeniable, the cost of maintaining them is insane.

The reality is this: regardless of how tough your countertops are, they will inevitably break. Solid surface countertops are the simplest countertops regarding imperfections.

Solid Surface Countertops – Easy to Repair

Because of how solid surface is made, it is easy to repair. Any homeowner with an orbital sander and fine grain sandpaper can remove potential scratches.

By comparison, laminate countertops will require the replacement of the surface. As a result, the replacement of laminate is usually more expensive on average.

If you throw in the cost of repairing granite countertops, some repairs cost more than replacements with alternate materials.

If you take large chunks out of your countertop, such as through a rogue frying pan, replacing that section is more accessible. The creation process of molding and resin enables repair work to be done in small areas.

Are Solid Surface Countertops Easy to Maintain?

Alongside the simple repair process, solid surface tops are non-porous. Non-porous materials are straightforward to clean, given there are no gaps.

A solid surface is a solid sheet of material. So with a single swipe of a clean cloth and a low-impact cleaning solution, you can clean in half the time of the comparable countertops.

These countertops are the simplest to maintain because of the solid material they are made of.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how these solid surface countertops are made gives you a better understanding of why people prefer them. By being pretty inexpensive and easy to repair, you can’t be the tour de force of these countertops.

If you want to see how to get these counters in your home, contact Solid Surface Canada today.