Webmaster, Author at Solid Surface Countertops Toronto: Commercial & Residential

February 19, 2020 By Webmaster

4 Best Kitchen Countertops 2020

Ready to choose the right countertop for your home? With so many options like solid surface, quartz, and other materials, how can you choose? For over fifty years, solid surface countertops have durability and a versatile number of styles. Be inspired with these kitchen countertop ideas.

What is Solid Surface?

When looking at the best kitchen countertops for 2020, consider solid surface countertops. This durable countertop mimics natural stone but is non-porous. Unlike bouncy laminates, solid surface countertops do not crack or break easily. The material continues from top to bottom, making it more durable under the impact. Want to make a statement? Fortunately, solid surface comes in a variety of styles and colors that will match any of your exciting kitchen countertops ideas.

Solid surface countertops can withstand heat. Homeowners should use a cutting board if they have solid surface countertops. Hot pans may damage the surface if they have a very high temperature. The non-porous nature of solid surface means that cleaning and maintenance are easy.

Wood Surfaces

While wood surfaces can be beautiful they require regular maintenance to maintain their look. Wood can be hard to clean and may get slimy over time. Porous wood does not withstand damage or spills as well as a solid surface.

Granite and Marble

Some homeowners like the luxurious look of granite or marble countertops. This costly option does crack like natural stone.

Tile Countertops

Another popular option this year includes tile countertops. This ornamental option withstands heat. While a beautiful option, tile will chip easily. Heavy impacts can crack the tile. Grout lines need proper sealing to prevent staining from spilled liquids or coffee.

Contact Us

Since 2001 Solid Surface Canada has provided superior solid surface fabrication and installation. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and adherence to the highest of industry standards. Contact our experienced team today about your kitchen countertop needs. We provide an extensive array of exciting styles, colors, and designs perfect for every homeowner and budget. Trust us to build the kitchen of your dreams. Call us today.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: cabinets, countertops, kitchen, kitchen design, solid surface

February 1, 2020 By Webmaster

25 Minimalist Countertop Ideas for 2020

Whether you own a home, have a small business or run a large restaurant chain, you make a first impression the minute someone walks through your door. The right countertops make a statement about your home or business. You want surfaces that emphasize both elegance and functionality, as well as your individual taste. Explore this year’s trending Minimalist design ideas.

Breaking Down Minimalist Design

When we discuss minimalism in interior design, we refer to the old axiom “less is more”. In minimalist design clean simplicity and elegance have priority over the superfluous. In other words, clean countertops in muted colors, neutral tones, and clean lines demonstrate elegance and order. A commercial retail space, office, or home that emphasizes simplicity denotes professionalism and class.

Top Trending Design Ideas

When selecting the right materials for your minimalist design, you can choose from a wide variety of countertop options. Enjoy a great array of colors and styles. Here are the most popular minimalist ideas:

Solid surface neutral tone countertops contrasted with dark cabinets and fixtures
Custom task lighting to maximize utility and elegance
Metallic fixtures in mixed styles
Monochromatic palette in matte charcoal, marble, and white
Accent with natural materials, woods, and unique organic designs
Install a statement chandelier
Leave spaces blank or simply add sparse vases in dark colors to surfaces
Add beautiful geometric art prints
Place lovely vases of lush greenery strategically around the space
Install colorful toe-kick lights or under cabinet lighting for extra elegance
Carefully select which items to display in your home
Avoid cluttering counters and shelving
Coordinate the flow and layout of your space
Choose antique glass materials
Contrast neutral walls and flooring with bold bright countertop colors
Curved and organically shaped counters
Ergonomic design in opal
Simple lines and geometric
Avoid harsh patterns
Use recycled materials
Install stainless steel fixtures
Include hidden storage to reduce mess
Make stunning statements with unique custom shapes
Tastefully combine glass displays with elegant lighting
Always have the guest experience in mind

As you can see, there are countless ways to create an elegant clean minimalist look in your home or business. The minimalist style has the advantage of being easy to maintain and to perpetually looking classy. Unlike other styles like Boho, maximalist, or shabby chic, this clean design is timeless. Combine this style with an industrial look or Scandinavian furniture for a twist.

The Premier Design Professionals

Contact the seasoned design professionals at Solid Surface Canada today. Our friendly staff will happily answer any of your questions. We work with any project, large or small. We pride ourselves on superior artistry and craftsmanship. Call us today.

Filed Under: blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: countertops, design, kitchen design, solid surface, solid surface countertop

December 20, 2019 By Webmaster

How Can a Kitchen Remodel Increase the Value of Your Home?

For many of us, our homes are our biggest and most important investment. It’s not only the place we rest our heads and hold our most precious moments, but it’s also a financial decision that we hope will pay dividends in the future. Home values are affected by all sorts of different things, from buyer demand to the quality of nearby schools. And unfortunately, many of these factors are far beyond our control as homeowners. There are some things we can do, however, to boost our home’s value, and the most significant of these is a kitchen remodel.

Let’s be honest, though. Major kitchen remodels are expensive. Most people don’t have the extra cash necessary to complete it, and the thought of taking out a home improvement loan can be a terrifying prospect. However, for houses located in a seller’s market where a fast sale is expected, upgrading the kitchen can earn a fantastic return on investment. In fact, The National Association of Realtors stated that the best interior project to increase a home’s value is a well-designed kitchen remodel.

It’s important to examine all the details of your area’s real estate market, as well as the projected return on your investment. Generally speaking, though, you can expect that an updated kitchen will give a nice boost to the value of your home. Realtor.com tells us that 80% of homebuyers rate the kitchen as one of the three most important areas they look at in a new home. If they aren’t impressed by the kitchen, then chances are, they’ll feel underwhelmed by the entire house. Just remember, most buyers are willing to shell out a few extra bucks for new appliances and high-end finishes. So if the market is in your favor, why not look into giving your kitchen a makeover?

What if you’re not planning to sell your home? Can you still gain value from a kitchen remodel? You bet your Bundt cake, you can! We spend so much of our day-to-day lives in our kitchens. In fact, for many families, it’s the most used home in the house. So having a kitchen that’s functional and suits your needs – and that you love to be in – can raise your quality of life by leaps and bounds.

A 2017 study shows that after completing a kitchen remodel, 50% of households have more family time, 41% prepare more home-cooked meals, and 33% have overall healthier lifestyles. Raising your quality of life in these kinds of ways can truly add years to your life. That’s more time you’ll have to cherish and enjoy your loved ones. And much of that time will probably be spent in the kitchen!

Filed Under: blog

November 22, 2019 By Webmaster

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Corian

Are you considering Corian for your new counter surface? Or are you just trying to learn a little more about the material? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with all the information you need.

It’s a New Material
When you consider the millions of years it takes for natural stones such as granite or marble to form, Corian is a brand-spanking-new material. It was invented by Dupont scientist Donald Slocum in 1967.

It’s a Blended Material
To the untrained eye, Corian can appear to look like natural stone. But in reality, it is a blend of acrylic polymers and aggregate material. Plus, stone or glass can be added to the mixture as well.

Corian Can Take Any Shape
Before Corian takes any specific shape, it is first blended together to acquire the desired color, consistency, and visual texture. The blend is then poured into a mold and gradually hardens to the custom-designed shape.

It Has No Seams
The molding process allows for a finished product that is entirely seamless. The only stipulation is a need for a mold large enough to suit your needs.

Corian is Available in 180 Colors
Because Corian is a custom-blended material, it can be created in 180 different colors and carefully crafted to meet your individual needs. Don’t forget that visual textures are also available, and the mold can help create tactile textures as well.

Consistent Color Throughout
Natural stone cannot offer uniformity. Every slice will look different from the next. Corian, on the other hand, provides consistent coloring throughout the entire piece. If you were to crack open the surface, you would find a uniform color all the way through.

Seamlessly Join Sink and Countertop
Once again, the molding process provides a unique benefit not found with natural stone. A sink can be seamlessly included as a connected part of the countertop, and have the same color, texture, and strength that you can count on. Plus, there’s no concern for harmful bacteria collecting in the nooks and crannies.

Coordinated Backsplash
Just like with the sink, your backsplash can also be included as a part of your countertop and sink. Or, if you prefer, it can be a separate piece that has a complementary color and texture.

Corian is Moisture-resistant
This is an excellent benefit for countertops: Corian is non-porous, which means that liquids cannot penetrate and stain the surface. Granite and marble, though, are very porous and are easily discolored.

It’s Impact-resistant Too
No need to worry about nicking your Corian countertop. The material is impact-resistant and can easily withstand a heavy pan that is accidentally dropped. It’s not invincible, but compared to natural stone, there is very little concern for causing damage to your surface.

Long life span
With proper maintenance and care, Corian is expected to last for your entire life. That’s right, as long as you desire a beautiful and reliable countertop, you’ll have one. In fact, some manufacturers even support this dependability by offering a lifetime warranty.

Filed Under: blog

October 24, 2019 By Webmaster

Uses for Corian You Never Knew Existed

If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you are at least familiar with Corian and its unparalleled performance as a kitchen countertop surface. If not, then I’ll just say that Corian is tougher, easier to clean, and more stain-resistant than any other popular kitchen surface, such as marble, granite, or laminate.

But kitchen countertops are only a portion of the story. Before we dive into the many uses for Corian, let’s first take a look at the critical process known as thermoforming. This is the process through which the polycarbonate material is heated until it becomes pliable and can be formed in a mold to make specific shapes. For example, when Corian is used as a kitchen counter surface, thermoforming can raise one end of the surface to create a seamless backsplash with no crease or joint.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some other uses for Corian that you may not know about.

Corian charging surface
Corian textured walls
Corian sinks

Let’s take a quick look at each one of these.

Corian Charging Surface
Simply stated, through the use of a power transmitter placed on the underside of a Corian countertop, you can wirelessly charge your smart device by simply setting it on the solid surface above the transmitter. To be clear, the entire surface does not become a charging area. But for the space directly above the transmitter, the surface acts as a conduit for the energy and can get your device up to full power just as quickly and efficiently as a standard wall charger.

Corian Textured Walls
This is an incredible advancement for the world of interior design. With Corian textured walls, a room no longer has to be confined by the limits of drywall and colored paint. Instead, an entirely new world of possibilities is opened by adding the sensory element to the design. The possibilities are endless, and it’s definitely worth a quick Google search to see what’s out there.

Corian Sinks and Lavatories
Lastly, here’s an idea that seems obvious but is often overlooked: Sinks. Yes, the primary consumer use of Corian is as a solid surface countertop. But with the curved shaping allowed by thermoforming, Corian makes an excellent material for sinks and lavatories. And remember, this material is nonporous. Which means that not only is Corian highly stain resistant, but also it does not inherently promote the growth of mildew and mold. But as with any sink, it should be kept hygienic with regular cleaning.

The main point to remember is that Corian has nearly limitless applications. And thanks to the process of thermoforming, shapes, sizes, and designs create an entire world of possibilities. How can Corian help with your next project?

Filed Under: blog, Uncategorized

September 18, 2019 By Webmaster

5 Solid Surface Brands You Don’t Want To Miss

5 solid surface brands you don't want to miss When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, the countertop is one of the best investments. Not only is it the first place your eyes will be drawn to, but quality craftsmanship means you won’t have to replace them for a long time. Solid surface materials are the best way to go for countertops. They come in a wide range of colors, are extremely durable, and best of all, cost-efficient. There’s a lot of choices out there, so we’ve put together the best solid surface brands.

Corian

Perfect for both residential and commercial settings, Corian, which is manufactured by parent company DuPont, is a great solid surface brand. Corian surfaces are extremely versatile. They can be shaped and molded in numerous ways and the integration with other surfaces is paramount.

If you’re worried about bacteria buildup, then Corian is the way to go as the surfaces are all non-porous. There’s nowhere for bacteria to hide.

Formica

One of the solid surface brands you might be aware of is Formica. Perfect for vanity countertops or kitchen counters, this material will do wonders to spruce up your room. The material comes in a wide range of colors and stone looks.

Formica is incredibly durable as is it is wear-resistant, water-resistant, and fire-resistant. However, if you do happen to have any chips in it, don’t worry. Thanks to its construction, it is incredibly easy to resurface and repair.

Avonite

If you’re looking for a diverse range of colors to choose from, then look no further to Avonite. This solid surface brand is extremely flexible and can be sculpted into just about any shape or look you want.

Avonite is made up of composite materials such as concrete, glass, and metal. This ensures that there is less going to the landfill. It is the perfect brand for all eco-conscious people.

Wilsonart

Sometimes, kitchen countertops may look nice, but if you ever get a chip, you’ll realize that design doesn’t actually go all the way through. Not so with Wilsonart solid surface. Their designs run right through the entire material. This way, if there are any chips or scratches, it is extremely easy to repair.

A unique feature about Wilsonart is that the material is resistant to UV rays. So, even if you have a lovely, bright kitchen, your counter won’t fade.

Gemstone

Need a new kitchen sink, but want it to really dazzle? Why not try a solid surface sink? Gemstone is the industry leader when it comes to sinks. You can choose from kitchen or bathroom models, single or double sinks.

Gemstone produces sinks both for the home and the office. Whether you need to spruce up a powder room or want to outfit a new hospital, these sinks will meet your unique needs. The solid surface will resist staining and scratches and will also prevent any mold or bacteria from forming.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: bathroom, brands, corian, gemstone, kitchen

August 18, 2019 By Webmaster

5 Ways To Create A Durable Kitchen

5 ways to create a durable kitchen Your kitchen is used a lot. Morning, afternoon, evening: there is no downtime for a kitchen. It makes sense, then, to invest in ways to create a durable kitchen. The more preventative measures you can take, the longer your kitchen will last.

Countertop corners

You might not realize it, but countertop corners can really take a beating. They jut out and can get knocked on quite often. And while you might be more concerned with your bruised elbow, that corner might start to feel ill at ease, as well.

Smoothing out countertop corners protects both you and the surface. Rounded ones mean there is a bit of a buffer when you run into it. If you can create more of a curved edge, all the better.

Countertop surfaces

When it comes to your countertop surface, you want to find the perfect blend of form and function. Counters with elegant bits of glass in them may look nice, but these can actually fall out and leave tiny holes behind. Kitchens are a breeding ground for bacteria and will find anywhere to hide in.

The solution is to find a well-made product, such as Solid Surface. It is made of composite materials so won’t fade or chip. It is also incredibly durable and will last for ages.

Work surfaces

If you are a budding home chef, why not install a piece of butcher block in your counter? You don’t need to re-surface the entire kitchen; rather, just place it where you would normally prepare your dinner. You can chop as hard as need be and not have to worry about staining or chipping your countertop. Plus, it adds a bit of splash to your décor.

Floor tiles

Let’s face it; you are going to drop something on your kitchen floor. So, think well about what will happen once that item falls. You may be able to replace your bowl easily, but what about the floor? Can you replace an individual tile?

If you opt for soft textures, such as linoleum and cork, you could run the risk of leaving a mark behind. Linoleum can tear easily, so if a knife falls, it could actually cut through. The same comes with hardwood or laminate. Hardwood is a bit more durable, but at least with either material you can hopefully just replace the injured piece.

Quality craftsmanship

Above all else, the best way to create a durable kitchen is to invest in quality craftsmanship. Look for a company that has a solid reputation and excellent customer reviews. Don’t be afraid of interviewing multiple contractors. You want to find the best fit possible. Your kitchen deserves only the best.

Filed Under: blog

July 19, 2019 By Webmaster

4 Ways To Make Kitchen Cleanup Easier

4 ways to make kitchen cleanup easier Your kitchen is the life of your home. It’s where everyone gathers to share stories from their day. To unwind and savor the fruits of their labor. But after a shared meal together, there’s the unfortunate necessity of cleaning up. We’re here to help make kitchen cleanup easier for you.

Start with the right surface

First, what are your kitchen countertops made of? There are a lot of unique countertop choices, but not all of them make sense for cleaning. Ideally, you should be able to wipe them clean and not worry about gross germs being stuck in the surface. Solid Surface is an ideal choice. Because there are no cracks or even grout lines to contend with, kitchen cleanup is easier than ever. You can wash the Solid Surface counters down and not worry about anything remaining behind.

Clean as you go

Are you the kind of home cook that produces a beautiful meal, only to leave the massive mess for later? While it might seem like you have no time to clean while preparing your savory dishes, a little can go a long way. Take the few seconds during prep to wipe down a counter or start the soaking process of a pan. Once you become more aware of what can be quickly cleaned, the easier it is to incorporate into your cooking process.

Enlist help

Are there children running around after dinner? It’s never too early to start working on chores. Simple dish drying is always an easy task. Even a toddler can unload the dishwasher with proper supervision. And, if kitchen cleanup is part of the everyday tasks, kids will come to accept its natural order. Furthermore, as they become older, you can add more duties to their list. It’s important for kids to take part in the family household, moreover, the kitchen is the perfect place to start.

Be prepared

Do you have leftovers? Do they need to be transferred to a new serving dish, or can they be served from their container? What can you make ahead of time for a large dinner that can cut down on clean up later on? These little details can quickly add up in saved time.

One other factor of preparation is in the waste regime. Many cities have now adopted a green waste program, which allows you to ‘recycle’ kitchen scraps. Do you have a designated pail for this? What about recyclables? Can they separate easily? If you have a compost in the garden, keep a container next to your food prep to quickly place vegetable peels into it for later. There are many ways to decrease the amount of garbage we produce; you just need to have a system in place ahead of time.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: countertops, hygeine, kitchen chores

June 19, 2019 By Webmaster

Unveiling Solid Surface’s Amazing New Color Selection

Sometimes you just need the perfect color for your bathroom or kitchen. And sometimes that color just can’t be found. Fortunately, if you’re in the market for a new Solid Surface countertop, that perfect color can be found. Solid Surface already boasts an impressive array of color choices, and those choices have just expanded. The amazing new color selection of Solid Surface products can’t be beaten.

New Color Selection

To expand on their already extensive range of colors, Solid Surface now has 18 new colors. From a collection of grey aggregate, to a deep mahogany color, there are more and more brilliant colors to choose from. There is even deep magenta color and a Laguna blue color. If you’re not sure where to place these Solid Surface design colors, we’ve decided to remind you just how functional this material is.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a place where you can gather, talk, collaborate, and create. There are no limitations in the kitchen. Shouldn’t you have a kitchen that reflects this tone? Thanks to the many colors of Solid Surface, you can choose practically any kitchen counter that you could dream of. This is because Solid Surface is manufactured. You don’t have to hunt for a perfectly marbled countertop that can be used in the whole kitchen. If you have an extensive number of countertops, you can imagine how difficult this can be.

And, thanks to the impressive nature of Solid Surface, you don’t have to worry about any unnatural seams bridging two pieces together. Exact measurements create a product for your exact needs.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are those unique places where you can close a door and transport yourself to a world of peaceful serenity. With a little bit of décor, you can have your own little oasis. Solid Surface has calming colors, soothing motifs, and a never-ending supply of colors to match your vision. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Solid Surface can create the bathroom of your dreams.

Healthcare

It may not be as glamorous as a full-scale kitchen or a relaxing bathroom, but healthcare offices are just as in need of the genius of Solid Surface. Built to be both durable and hygienic, Solid Surface is perfect for healthcare settings the world over.

Whether it’s for the front reception or the back office, Solid Surface countertops bring both practicality and design to the healthcare world. What’s more, their vast color selection means that you can create the ambiance you want for your patients. Gone are the days of clinical feelings when you step into the door. Instead, the warm tones of Solid Surface will await you in any healthcare setting.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: bathroom, healthcare, kitchen, new colors

May 19, 2019 By Webmaster

What Solid Surface Means For High End Retail

what solid surface means for high end retail If you’ve ever been to Paris, chances are you’ve strolled through the Galleries Lafayette. You probably didn’t buy anything, but it was nice enough just to see how the other half lives. Galleries Lafayette has expanded into Shanghai, China, and with it, they have brought solid surface to create the high end retail look you all know and love.

Crisp aesthetic

High end retail is all about presentation. Clothes are sparser and hung on individual racks. It’s not about bulk buying as it is about buying signature pieces. There is an eye for every detail, and that includes the architecture within the building itself.

Solid surface is able to create whatever look you want. No matter what color or design, there is a sold surface for you. It’s lack of lines also makes it appealing. Who wants to see where two pieces were fused when you can just see a seamless countertop instead?

Wall to wall to wall

Inside the Galleries Lafayette in Shanghai, solid surface can be found in so many areas. The giant columns that anchor the store are all made from solid surface in an elegant glacier white color. The retail countertops allow you to complete your purchase with that same regal look as when you walked through the door. Even the elevator cladding uses solid surface for that seamless, high end look.

Time to rest

Every inch of the Galleries Lafayette was constructed with detail which makes it no surprise that the washrooms were, too. Inside all the washrooms and the nursing room, solid surface is used for an elegant look. The seamless countertops ensure that you never forget that you are indeed inside a high end place.

A window to the heavens

If you aren’t completely bombarded by the beauty inside the Galleries Lafayette, take a moment to look up. Atop the main arcade is a showstopper skylight. This window to the heavens is made possible because of the Corian solid surface cladding. Together with fluid LED light bands, you can look out on the night sky and feel truly humbled.

Into the future

What is really impressive with the Galleried Lafayette in Shanghai is that Corian solid surface is most definitely a path to the future. Instead of trying to use existing materials to fit a project, solid surface allows architects to create their own design. There’s no more playing around and altering plans. Instead, whatever look you want, you can get.

This may seem a bit daunting if you plan on using Corian solid surface in your own home. But the point is that its versatility means that no matter where it is used, solid surface will make a giant impact.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: countertops, renovation, retail, seamless