October 26, 2016 By

Solid Surface Countertop Brands

When you’re deciding on solid surface countertops, you may be surprised to see the wide variety of brands available.  Different companies offer their own unique solid surface styles, each with their own selection of colors, finishes and other options.  It can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time buyer, but each brand offers its own strengths and weaknesses.

DuPont Corian

Solid surfaces were invented by DuPont in 1967, and its Corian brand was, for many years, the only brand available, until their patent ran out and competitors can enter the market.  The original solid surface is still a very solid choice.  It comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, and is still the leading brand in the industry.  Corian is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry, and has a proven track record of durability—it’s still the gold standard among solid surface brands.

Wilsonart

Wilsonart is best known for its laminate countertops, but they’ve been involved in the solid surface industry for over a decade and make some fine options.  Their main selling point is their variety; Wilsonart offers more than 80 colors and patterns to choose from.  They used to have quality control issues, offering a “solid surface veneer” that cracked and shattered, but their current offerings are much better in quality and definitely worth considering.

Samsung Staron

When you think “Samsung”, you think televisions and mobile devices, not countertops.  However, Samsung’s Staron brand is one of the more attractive solid surfaces available on the market.  Their Tempest line of semi-translucent metallic finishes has them stand out from the pack; they’re not like any other brand on the market today.  Their more traditional offerings promise to give you Corian-style quality at cheaper prices.

Avonite

Avonite offers both polyester-based and acrylic-based solid surfaces, and pioneered a new technology allowing them to create incredibly long sheets of acrylics.  While you’re likely not in the market for a 300-foot kitchen counter, it goes to show you that they’re an innovative and established company.  With both the polyester and acrylic options, Avonite gives customers the widest range of budget choices, as polyester-based solid surfaces generally are cheaper than their acrylic-based counterparts.  That doesn’t mean they’re of lesser quality, however; polyester tends to stand up against harsh chemicals better and can achieve a higher polish.

Formica

Like Wilsonart, Formica is better known for its laminate countertops, to the point where “Formica” is often used as the generic term for laminate.  However, they’ve been transitioning into the world of solid surface, and have come out with some exciting colors and styles in recent years, and are a rapidly-growing name in the solid surface world.

There are many other brands available, with Hanex and LG HI-MACS getting their fair share of use, as well.  Ultimately, the choice for best surface to use will depend on your precise requirements.  An expert solid surface professional can help make sure you’re making the right choice for your home.

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October 26, 2016 By

Cleaning a Solid Surface Countertop

Cleaning a solid surface countertop is quick and simple—an easy, stress-free task that can help extend the life of your countertops and keep them looking and feeling like new.

The first thing you’ll need to do is to remove any dirt or other standing residue.  This can be done with plain soapy water or a standard ammonia-based cleaner.  Be sure to rinse and wipe dry the counter after this step; it will help remove any loose particles from your countertops.

Hard water can leave unsightly marks on your countertops.  Help prevent them by wiping your surfaces dry, both after spills and after cleaning.  This prevents the hard water from sitting on your countertop, staining the surface.  If you do end up with hard water spots, however, ordinary vinegar can remove most of them without too much trouble.

For more stubborn stains, you can use a diluted mixture of water and bleach for cleaning, or denatured alcohol applied to a cotton cloth.  Avoid stronger, acidic products—using a toilet or oven cleaner on your solid surface countertop can cause damage, and are not recommended.  When you’re done cleaning, be sure to rinse with plain water and wipe dry.

To disinfect your countertops, a mixture of one part water and one part ordinary household bleach is recommended.  Again, rinse with clear water and wipe dry when you are finished.

Integrated solid-surface sinks can be cleaned in the same way as your countertops, or with standard liquid cleansers.  Make sure to rub over the entire sink to help blend in the finish.

The best way to keep your countertop clean, of course, is to avoid stains and damage in the first place.  Use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans, electronic cookware and anything else hot.  Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can discolor your countertops.

You should also avoid exposing your countertop to harsh chemicals.  Paint removers, oven cleaners and similar products can eat away at the surface of your countertop.  If you do accidentally spill some on your countertop, rinse immediately and thoroughly with cold water.

Do not cut items directly on your solid surface countertop, as that can scratch your surface.  Instead, use a cutting board.  Also ensure that you’re running your faucet if you dump boiling water down your solid surface sink; the extreme heat could cause discoloration.

One of the major benefits of solid surface is the fact that it’s a continuous pattern all the way through, rather than just on the top level of your countertop.  That means you can remove minor cuts and scratches with a simple wet abrasive sponge.  Simply rub it in a circular motion over the scratch or cut until the renewed area blends in with the surrounding surface.

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August 18, 2016 By

Making a solid surface countertop

ss5A 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.

Filed Under: blog, solid surface countertops
August 18, 2016 By

How is cultured marble made?

ss4Cultured marble is a relatively new material used for countertops and other home renovation purposes—it’s less than 40 years old.  A blend of marble and resin, cultured marble is cheaper, easier to care for, more versatile and easier to install than natural marble, making it a very popular choice for people looking for a marble look but without the headaches of dealing with the actual natural material itself.

To make cultured marble, you start with actual marble dust.  For a natural marble countertop, you need to find a piece of marble large enough to cut into the proper shape, but for cultured marble, you can take smaller fragments and powdered marble as the basis for the material.  To that marble dust, manufacturers add a liquid polyester resin—about 75 percent marble to 25 percent resin.  They mix everything together until it’s liquid smooth and consistent.  They add color, but don’t mix it in entirely—that’s to create a vein-like effect like you would find in natural marble.

The liquid mix is then poured into molds matching your requirements—whatever shape and size you need your countertops to be.  The liquid marble mix is then left to harden and solidify, and then a protective gel coating is applied to help prevent staining or discoloration.

Because each piece of cultured marble is specially tailored to the builder’ or customer’s requirements, you can be assured that it will fit perfectly into space for which it was designed; there’s no concern about cutting it to precisely match a preexisting space like you would have with natural marble.  The mold often will contain decorative elements; sink basins, for example, can be molded right in with the original construction of the material.  The end result is a unique countertop specifically designed to meet your exact needs.

The process makes the material more dense and durable than natural marble alone.  The protective gel makes it less prone to discoloration and allows it to be cleaned with regular cleaners and household products, rather than requiring special, marble-specific cleaners.  It combines the beauty and elegance of the natural stone—remember, it is actual stone, just blended with resin—with the functionality and simplicity of an artificial solid surface.  In many ways, cultured marble is the best of both worlds, thanks to the care taken during its manufacturing process.

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August 18, 2016 By

What is a solid surface countertop?

ss3The 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.

Filed Under: blog, solid surface countertops
August 18, 2016 By

Solid surface countertops pros and cons

ss2When 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.

Filed Under: blog, solid surface countertops
May 15, 2016 By

Comparing Corian Countertops to Popular Alternatives

corian countertopsCorian countertops were the first solid surface product to hit the market back in the late 60s. They represented a significant breakthrough in countertop materials because not only were they man made and more affordable than natural stone but they were/are completely non-porous; hence the name ‘solid surface’. But while companies that sell and install solid surface are well aware of its attributes many consumers remain in the dark. In this post we’ll try and shed some light on what makes solid surface such a great deal when compared to the competition.

Corian countertops: How They Stack Up

While there are many brands of solid surface countertops today we’re going to confine our discussion to Corian and how it compares to its primary natural stone competitors. Let’s get going.

  • Durability – Granite, quartz and other natural stones are prone to chipping and cracking due to their composition. Solid surface by contrast is engineered to be the same density all the way through making it less likely to chip or crack. Both solid surface and natural stone are easy to clean though you’ll need to reseal granite and other stones at least once a year.
  • Porous vs. non-porous – Perhaps the defining characteristic of solid surface Corian countertops is that they’re non-porous. They won’t absorb spilled liquids of any kind. This gives Corian a major advantage over quartz, marble and other natural stones that need to be watched carefully in order to avoid leaving stains that can wind up permanent countertop features.
  • Maintainability – Granite and marble are beautiful but woe unto you should someone put a ding or significant scratch in the surface. You’ll basically just have to live with it. With solid surface scratches, even fairly deep ones, can be buffed out along with knicks and small chips. The ability to refresh the surface in this fashion is another major advantage of solid surface.
  • Seamless Integrated Sinks – While in recent years stone fabricators have found ways to create integrated seamless sinks using granite, soapstone and other natural stones it’s still far easier to achieve this smooth, timeless, in demand effect using Corian or another type of solid surface countertop material.
  • Adaptability – While natural stone can be carved to a certain degree solid surface Corian can be made to serve whatever design or decorative task you set out for it. You can engrave it, sculpt it, sandblast it, carve it and more. The fabricator can also bend it by the precise application of heat and force to create virtually any desired shape. Try bending granite.

It’s likely that natural stones like granite, quartz and marble are not going out of style any time soon and that’s fine because in certain cases you want marble or granite. Most homeowners however are better served by having an affordable, versatile alternative to fall back on when both the cost and limits of natural stone become obstacles. Talk to the professionals at Solid Surface.ca and find out more about how beautiful, durable Corian countertops can benefit your home.

Filed Under: blog, Corian Countertops
May 5, 2016 By

Running Through a Number of the Main Factors to Consider When Buying a Solid Surface for Healthcare Facilities

solid surface for healthcareHealthcare facilities must adhere to a rigid set of criteria regarding building materials both during general construction and the build out. Because people’s lives are at stake there is no fudging the rules or cutting corners. Materials must meet established standards or they won’t make the cut; simple as that. When it comes to hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices the challenge facing architects and healthcare professionals has long been to find a material for countertops that will allow for the maintenance of a safe, sterile environment. In this post we’ll look at several reasons why solid surface may be the perfect clinical building material.

The Impressive Value of Solid Surface for Healthcare Environments

Solid surface for healthcare environments has a number of advantages over other types of countertop material. These advantages include the fact that:

  • It’s Hygienic – Healthcare environments need to adhere to rigorous standards of safety and hygiene. Due to their non-porous nature solid surface countertops give bacteria and mold nowhere to hide making them an ideal fit. The dangers of bacteria are well known but mold can be extremely insidious too; lurking in the seams of old countertops and sending out spores that can create serious respiratory and even heart problems.
  • It’s Durable – Cracks and chips in other materials can become home to bacteria and mold colonies just as counter seams can. The danger is even greater in the shower area due to the elevated moisture levels. The even density engineered into solid surface products means they’re not nearly as susceptible to day to day damage as other materials and make not only ideal countertops but ideal shower floors as well.
  • It’s Low Maintenance – Solid surface for healthcare cleans up easily and because of its non-porous nature it stays clean until you’re ready to use it again. The same goes for solid surface flooring in the shower area. A regular wash down with soap and water will keep them sparkling and provide ample evidence to anyone using the shower that it’s free of potentially harmful mold and bacteria.
  • It’s Easy to Repair – While man made solid surface floors and countertops are more resistant to incidental damage than their natural counterparts that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. However, should you find your solid surface countertop has become chipped or scratched it can be easily renewed by a qualified solid surface craftsman. No such option is available to those with natural stone countertops.

Other benefits of solid surface that make it ideal for use in healthcare settings include:

  • Less glare than natural stone
  • Overall cost effectiveness
  • Ease of installation
  • 100% non-allergenic
  • A plethora of optional looks

Countertops of solid surface for healthcare settings create safe, attractive environments for patients and healthcare professionals. No more hours of scrubbing exam room countertops and shower floors chasing mold and bacteria. If you’d like to learn more about installing hygienic, affordable solid surface in your healthcare facility or office call the professionals at Solid Surface.ca. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Filed Under: blog, Solid surfaces for healthcare
April 25, 2016 By

Questions to Ask When Soliciting Quotes for Solid Surface Countertops

solid surface countertops“Solid Surface” is a man-made material commonly used for countertops in both residential and commercial settings. Due to its ability to mimic the look of natural stone like granite it generated great demand right from the time of its introduction in 1967. Today Corian, Wilsonart and other brand name solid surface countertops account for a significant percentage of the countertop business. In spite of its popularity however, care must still be taken when purchasing solid surface in order to ensure you get a top-notch product installed by solid surface experts. In this post we’ll take a look at some of the questions you’ll want to pose to solid surface companies before picking one.

Solid Surface Countertops: Clarifying the Purchasing Process

While plenty of home design and decoration trends have come and gone in the days since Corian first hit the market solid surface has retained and even expanded its market share. Still before you decide to plunk down your hard-earned on solid surface countertops there are a few questions you’ll want to ask the prospective seller/installer.

  • How long have you been installing solid surface? – Installing solid surface requires a slightly different skillset than installing granite, quartz or marble. If the seller/installer has little or no experience installing solid surface it’s easy for them to make mistakes with the details or possibly damage the material in subtle ways that may invalidate your warranty.
  • Do you sell Acrylic or Polyester Solid Surfaces? – This is a distinction many people are not aware of but it’s important to ask about in order to ensure you’re getting what you want. In short, polyester-based solid surface is more brittle than acrylic and more likely to chip or crack. Acrylic by comparison exhibits greater tensile strength and can be reshaped (that is, bent under heat) to fit almost any application.
  • Can I keep the waste material? – Typically when installing a solid surface countertop the installer will need to cut a hole in the slab to make room for the sink. Ask them if you’ll be allowed to keep the cut-out. Why, you say? Because the cut-out can be fashioned into a matching cutting board. Some companies will ask you to pay extra, though many will not.
  • What kind of warranty will I get? – You should get a generous warranty from the manufacturer on the solid surface itself but you’ll also want a warranty against defective workmanship. That’s because if the installer messes up the installation in some way that compromises the material it will likely void the manufacturer’s warranty, under the “physical abuse” clause.

Solid surface countertops are the affordable alternative to prohibitively expensive natural stone like granite. But they’re more than that. They’re also a design element of extraordinary flexibility and a sure fire way to add the finishing touch on any kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. If you’re in the market to replace your countertops you owe it to yourself to investigate this incredible material. Contact Solid Surface.ca in Toronto on 416-346-5612 to find out more.

Filed Under: blog, solid surface countertops
June 2, 2015 By

What’s Different About a Wilsonart Solid Surface

There are a range of solid surface fabricators to choose from if you are in the market for a new vanity countertop. Wilsonart solid surfaces, with their bevy of practical and aesthetic features, are certainly among the brands you should look at.

What Features Make Wilsonart Solid Surfaces a Top Contender?

  • Fire-retardant – One of the most common problems suffered by most solid surface countertops comes from being exposed to high heat and developing burn marks. Wilsonart solid surfaces, however, are flame-retardant and will stay free of burns.
  • Water-Tight – Another common problem with many kitchen or bathroom counters is that they start to smell bad after a while because of water or food debris that gets trapped in the seams between sections of the counter and the resulting mold and mildew buildup. The seams of Wilsonart counters are 100% water-tight, assuring easy cleaning and no bad smell.
  • Silky Smooth – Wilsonart is famous for the innovative laminate finish with which it treats its surfaces. The high definition laminate gives your surface a shining gleam while making it extremely smooth and easy to clean with a quick wipe of a sponge.
  • Durable – The famous laminates are also treated with AEON Enhanced Performance Technology methods. This makes the surfaces significantly more durable, going a long way towards assuring it does not suffer cracks, scratches, scuffs, or other damage marks.
  • Beautiful – Wilsonart solid surfaces show off a sleek and beautiful design that shines like polished marble or granite but, as demonstrated above, suffers from none of the same vulnerabilities. The surfaces are available in over 50 colors and patterns, guaranteeing that a great fit can be found for any interior design scheme. From Aged Piazza to Winter Carnival, you will be able to make a statement with your counter’s design. Wilsonart counters’ edge designs are also customizable, allowing you to add even more character to your Toronto

Wilsonart offers one of the most diverse and professionally made selections of solid surface countertops and vanities that money can buy. By choosing to go with Wilsonart, you will add durability, cleanliness, and beauty to the room you put the surface in while significantly increasing the value of your home. Let our Solid Surface expert technicians, serving homes throughout the Toronto area, deliver and install a Wilsonart countertop, and with it these excellent benefits, to you.

Filed Under: blog, Wilsonart Solid Surfaces
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