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.