Archives for November 2021

It’s easy to see solid surface countertops associated with striking colors. These surfaces are great at mimicking natural stones, making them a good replacement for marble and quartz.   However, you can also use these countertop styles for any color. Below, we will delve into some of the best warm colors for solid surface countertops.  

Color #1: Corian Mahogany Nuwood

Mahogany Nuwood is a Corian-specific color best for mimicking the deep wooden colors of deep mahogany or oak. These wood colors are excellent at creating that warm, comforting feeling, but wood in a kitchen is how you harbor bacteria.

To avoid this, Corian has these (among other) colors to mimic wooden structures. So the next time you think you need to go with wood to create that rustic finish, consider the wide range of Corian colors that maintains an easy-to-clean surface.

Color #2: Wilsonart Chicory Cream Melange

Chicory Cream Melange is closer to a stone-like replacement. The idea of warm stone makes it feel close to a replacement for ceramic tile, but countertops might also benefit from the deep to medium-range warm colors you can expect.

Chicory Cream Melange also mimics some of that classic terrazzo look without contrasting too hard. Consider this countertop to be good as a transition into warmer cabinets.

Color #3: Corian Weathered Aggregate

The color of Corian Weathered Aggregate is unique in its dullness. Like all things, its potential is in what you want to pair with it. This is an excellent design choice if you want a sleepy and sophisticated feeling that transitions into a warm kitchen.

Think of it similar to granite countertops, only at a fraction of the cost and the maintenance required. Stone countertops may be in strong desire, but it is only a status symbol. From a practical standpoint, solid surfaces still have some significant advantages.

Color #4: Corian Warm Soapstone

Popular modern countertop ideas go back to a more natural look. The ultimate example of natural is to make something appear as though it has been lifted from the cave wall. Warm soapstone manages to do this while maintaining a warm feeling.

While many solid surface stone-like surfaces are lighter in color, warm soapstone is a good reminder of the alternative. The next time you speak to a designer, be sure to ask about warmer stone-like surfaces to see your options.

Color #5: Avonite Dark Roast

Avonite is an excellent alternative to the better-known Corian brand. Regardless, it has some fantastic colors, including this one: Dark Roast.

As you might expect from the name, Dark Roast is similar to a mostly black coffee. If you are like me, coffee is a massive part of your life. So why not color your countertop like it? It’s a warm and present color that makes you think of a delicious beverage.

Conclusion

If you want your kitchen or bathroom to be a warm and inviting space, consider the darker side of solid surface countertops. To check out your options, contact us today to see your options for solid surface countertops.

In the ultimate battle of kitchen countertops, you hear a lot about granite, stone, wood, and (of course) solid surface. But fewer people talk about laminate because of its lesser appeal. So, does laminate get a bad rap, or is it worth the trouble?

Laminate is incredibly cost-effective compared to most other countertop surfaces. However, that passes on to its ability to resist damage, making it last less time than other countertop types.

Below, we will provide a pros and cons comparison of laminate and solid surfaces to help you decide.

The Pros – Laminate vs. Solid Surface

The ultimate pro of laminate countertops comes from their inexpensive installation. Manufacturers make these countertops with inexpensive wood with a sheet of plastic covering them.

Laminate takes full advantage of this by enabling you to switch out the design easily. It’s also a bit easier to manage when it comes to DIY kitchen projects.

Solid surface countertops are made using resins or polymers. Unlike laminate, a solid surface is made using a single solid material.

The chosen material is non-porous, making it much easier to clean. It is also easy to mold, making it suitable for unique counter shape needs.

Both tops are relatively heat resistant and can be scratch resistant. Solid surface countertops are also able to easily resemble the incredibly popular stone countertop design. Laminate counters can emulate more expensive options, but not stone.

The Cons – Solid Surface vs. Laminate

The biggest con of solid surface comes back to the cost. The upfront cost of solid surface countertops is much higher when compared to laminate. This countertop style is comparable to inexpensive stone or wood.

Laminate is cheaper, but it loses the quality to match. Laminate will be damaged far easier than other design choices. Also, it is far more susceptible to bacteria.

\Solid surface is customization, but laminate is easier to swap out designs. The top layer swap is convenient, but also easy to strip off.

Both are comparable when it comes to scratch and heat resistance. Laminate is far less easy to repair, as chunking a small bit might cause you to have to replace an entire portion of the counter.

Final Thoughts – Which Is The Better Countertop?

On an overall comparison, laminate wins when it comes to an inexpensive initial investment. On all other aspects, solid surface countertops are far more effective.

Small scratches on many solid surface options are easily buffed out. Even if you remove a chunk of the countertop, it’s a matter of filling it in with the right resin.

Solid surface countertops do not support thriving bacteria. There are no gaps for them to live in.

Despite having a higher upfront cost, you won’t be replacing it as often as you do laminate. Also, many solid surface options are pretty cost-effective when you consider long-term needs.

If you want to see how to get the quality of solid surface in your home, contact our team of specialists for a quote today.