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.

Solid surface countertops are easy to clean and manage. However, there is a specific process you need to follow to keep them easy to manage. But how do you keep solid surface countertops looking good?

To keep them shiny, you must use an ammonia-based household clearer. Other types of cleaners will leave behind residue, which makes them look cloudy. So stick to something similar to your glass cleaner.

This article will detail a detailed step-by-step process to keep your solid surface countertops streak-free. By the end of this article, you’ll have a defined cleaning process for your counters.

Step-by-Step on Cleaning Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface counters can be simple, provided that you follow these three steps.

1. Use either an ammonia-based household cleaner or regular soapy water
2. Use a microfiber cloth to run the cleaner along the surface
3. Use a second microfiber cloth and rinse the surface with clean water

The third step is what trips people up. Why use a second microfiber cloth when cleaning countertops?

You use a second cloth because it removes the chemicals from the surface. The second cloth prevents any lingering chemicals from leaving stains. It also provides for better food safety.  

Why is Soapy Water Also Good for Solid Surface Countertops?

Soapy water, which is just a mix of a squirt of dish soap and water, is a good substitute. Why? Because dish soap doesn’t have any potent chemicals.

While you still want to remove all the soapy water with a second towel through rinsing, there’s less harm in getting sick. Food safety should be a high priority when you are cleaning spaces for food prep.

Why Cleaning in “Tiny Circles” is the Best Way To Clean

You’ve probably seen employees at a restaurant or your mom clean in tiny circles. You might think this is needless, but it’s the only way to clean your food surfaces.

Why?

Because wiping in a circular motion allows you to double-tap on areas you may have missed. It runs through the same spot multiple times, allowing you to put more detail into the process.

Cleaning in circles won’t help if you aren’t keeping your microfiber cloth clean. So every few feet, flip the surface of the microfiber cloth to use the clean side. For larger surfaces, consider the use of multiple rags.

Do not take a dirty rag to a clean surface. Filthy rags will cause chemicals from other spaces to land on your counters. Dirty rags are great for creating environments that are the opposite of clean.

Final Thoughts – The Last Cleaning Tip

If you want to keep your solid surface countertops clean, you need to remember this last tip:

Clean a mess before it has a chance to sit.

The biggest mistake homeowners make with any surface is to let that mess sit. But if you clean it up before it has a chance to dry on, you won’t have to be as diligent with your cleaning later.

To get solid surface countertops worthy of your detailed cleaning practice, contact Solid Surface Canada to get long-lasting counters that are easy to clean.

Solid surface countertops are an excellent addition to both kitchens and bathrooms. They are easy to install, cheap to maintain, and simple to clean. But who are the best brands of solid surface countertops?

Below, we will dig into five of those top brands, informing you of their specialty.  

#1: Avonite

Avonite is an all-purpose brand that is excellent at mimicking glass, concrete, and metal. They are great if you want to get a solid surface countertop that pretends to be something else. 

All Avonite products are resistant to stains, scratches, and higher temperatures.

#2: Corian

Corian is often used interchangeably with solid surface due to its easy brand recognition.  Corian excels at easy shaping, making them very suitable for unique needs. 

DuPont is the creator behind Corian, lending to its unique features through transparent business practices. Corian is one of the best products of solid surface countertops as a result. 

#3: Formica 

Formica is another easily recognizable brand, but it is best known for its speckled appearance. However, Formica isn’t just a brand known to be “solid surface with sprinkles” Instead, it is known for seamless designs. 

Formica has an impressive line-up of designs for people from all walks. Whether you prefer solid covers of a unique appearance, Formica is an excellent selection.

#4: Hanex 

Hanex is a company known for two things: being easy to work with and flexible. It is one of the few companies known for having over 70 varieties of colors and patterns. That puts them on par with some of the better-known manufacturers. 

Hanex’s design is also known for being easily cut during fabrication. That means quick production and turnaround times. Still, it is sturdy enough to withstand heat and stains.

#5: Wilsonart

Wilsonart solid surface countertops are unique in their construction. These countertops are built so that they aren’t affected by UV lights, allowing them to keep their color. 

They are also known for having tight seams, keeping water and food from bunching in. Wilsonart countertops are easy to take care of and are great at duplicating a granite appearance. 

#6: Staron

Staron Solid Surfaces are known for being incredibly sturdy. They are also NSF compliant, meaning they are suitable for commercial food use. 

Staron also has a selection of about 70 patterns, with an entire series of colors for recycled materials. They also offer sinks and bathroom bowls that blend with their countertops.

#7: Meganite

Meganite offers acrylic solid surface options, known for producing everything from countertops to commercial spaces. Their countertops are also incredibly easy to manage and clean, explaining why they are used in healthcare. 

Meganite is also known to be easy to repair. However, it isn’t known for offering as many options. Still, those options are beautiful and simple.

Final Thoughts

Solid surface countertops can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, you’ll find yourself appreciating it more if you buy from a brand that appeals to you. 

Whether you are looking for flexibility, sturdiness, or something easy to clean, solid surface countertops cover all of these. To help find the right brand for you, reach out to Solid Surface Canada for your needs.

Corian is an immediately recognizable name in the kitchen construction industry. Corian is a term used interchangeably with all solid surface countertops. It’s similar to hearing someone call every soda a Coke.

Given their recognizable brand name, you might wonder about their quality. One of the critical tests of countertop durability comes back to heat resistance. With this in mind, can you put hot pans on Corian countertops?

No. While Corian countertops are heat resistant, they are not for direct exposure to hot pots or pans. Corian recommends you place a protective pad between any cookware and the surface of your countertop.

We’ll explore some alternatives to Corian and details on the countertop material later in this article.

What is Corian?

Corian is a premium form of solid surface countertop with immediate recognition. DuPont created it as an alternative to laminate countertops in the 1960s.

Corian is of higher quality because they have a single homogenous layer that could never de-laminate. Companies create laminate in layers that wear off over time.

Corian is also one of the few solid surface producers that provide information on its product from its website. Other producers rely on designers to provide this information.

It is because of their upfront nature and quality of products that they are considered quality producers. Below are some solid surface alternatives to Corian.

Staron – A Cheaper Alternative

Staron lacks the immediate brand recognition that Corian has, making it less expensive. However, the cheaper cost doesn’t necessarily result in lower quality, as their “Tempest” brand of countertops carries a striking metallic appearance comparable to others who offer higher prices.

The appearance of their Tempest line is comparable to stone countertops (like quartz)

Formica – A Competing Designer Brand

Formica is a competing brand that has about as much recognition as Corian. These countertops are typically in restaurants and bars due to their long-lastingness and eye-catching designs.

They are known for laminate surfaces but host a variety of different countertop styles. They also have some unique types like Bottle Glass Quartz and Café Quartz.

Avonite – Stylish and Environmentally Conscious

Avonite offers a GreenGuard certified product that is stylish and eye-catching. While residential customers don’t use them too often, they provide some solid design choices.

Their designs are also durable and easy to clean, making them a standard among solid surface providers. While they lack some of the same brand recognition, they certainly have the quality down.

Are There Countertops with Better Heat Resistance than Corian?

Natural stone and quartz are known for higher heat and scratch resistance than solid surface brands like Corian. However, Quartz lacks user-friendliness if you want to modify it down the road. That means replacements and modifications of your quartz countertops will always cost more.

The trade-off is that Quartz is more scratch-resistant, but the two have relatively similar maintenance processes.

Final Thoughts

For the best combination of cost-effectiveness and quality, Corian makes an excellent product. Their process is transparent and straightforward, making sure that both customers and designers have access to the same knowledge database.

If you’d like some more information on Corian or other Solid Surface Countertops, contact us at Solid Surface Canada. We’ll make sure that you know all of your options for solid surface.

 

 

 

When remodeling your kitchen, solid surface countertops are a beautiful addition to your home. Not only are they low maintenance, but they comprise a wide variety of materials that you can include in your household. With this in mind, what makes the best solid surface for your kitchen this year? Find out more by checking out our preferences for solid surface countertops in 2021.

What is a Solid Surface Countertop?

Solid surface countertops are a clean, flat material made of acrylic resin, polyester resin, or a combination of the two. The resulting use of resin allows easy customization in their use. As a result of this flexibility, you can cast them to fit into sinks, shower pans, and bathtubs.

Typically, the design mimics the appearance of natural stone materials (granite, stone, quartz, etc.). However, it is customizable. It’s also impermeable, making it suitable for seamless and reducing the chance of water and bacteria sinking in.

There are a huge variety of solid surface brands; here are our favorites:

• Avonite
• Corian
• Formica
• Hanex
• LG HI-MACS
• Meganite
• Staron
• Wilsonart
• Gemstone

Below, we will dig into our favorite designs featured by the above brands:

#1: One Color

A commonly underappreciated choice for kitchen cabinets is to stick with a single color. We aren’t talking about plain white, but navy blue, green, or other similar colors. The solidness of this solid surface countertop creates a striking design.

With complete control of the color, you have the option to create any field you want. Next time you look at solid surface countertops, try and look for those who have solid colors.

#2: Stone-Like Design

Solid surface countertops are great at mimicking stone designs. When people cannot afford the stone design, they have the choice to select a substitute. This substitute is far cheaper than their stone, marble, and quartz counterparts.

You do sacrifice a bit of durability in the process of choosing substitute stone designs. Still, the durability loss isn’t that great. You can still create a quality experience with a smaller investment.

#3: Spotted Terrazzo-Inspired Countertops

Terrazo has that familiar “speckled” appearance that comes on countertops. It might remind you of cookies and cream ice cream, only without the edible chunk. Terrazo is an excellent way to create depth without creating an entirely overwhelming countertop design.

If you envision a colorful kitchen, the white and sprinkles approach is a great way to make that kitchen light and enjoyable. The addition of color can also create a “pop,” making the paint too strong.

#4: Traditional White

A white kitchen might feel a bit basic, but there is some enjoyment out of simplicity. A plain white background with a mild gray countertop makes your kitchen easy on the eyes. When you don’t want your kitchen to look too crazy, duller colors are the way to go.

Final Thoughts

Solid surface countertops are a great addition to any household. Compared to stone, durability may be less, but you aren’t losing out much on quality. For the exports on solid surface countertops for your kitchen renovation, contact Solid Surface Canada for your needs.

One of the essential parts of your bathroom sinks is the material. While beauty is critical in this category, you also want to make sure that your sink is durable. You can say the same for your design choice, so how do you ensure that your sink is durable?

First, you need to decide upon a long-lasting material. Next, you need to be sure that your sink has a durable design. Finally, it would help if you had a sink that is comfortable in its surroundings. 

In the rest of this article, we will explore these three areas with greater depth. By the end of the article, you will know what you need to look for on sink durability.

Choosing Durable Bathroom Sink Materials

If longevity is your focus, you want a bathroom made of sterner stuff. While you can also choose porcelain and glass for beauty, there are more appropriate options for durability:

• Granite
• Marble
• Sandstone
• Stainless steel
• Teak (wood)
• Resin

While you might think that prioritizing toughness may make you sacrifice beauty, the options above state otherwise. All of the examples above can create beautiful experiences. They are also known to last quite a long while when compared to porcelain or ceramic sinks. Both porcelain and ceramic have good longevity with the proper maintenance.

Choosing A Design Of Longevity

Many sinks have basic modern designs that are appealing to the eye. While people think that thick metal piping and a square base may be the only way to increase longevity, that isn’t always the case. Below are some design tips that prioritize long-lastingness.

• Please keep it simple. While your sink has the potential to make a bold statement, it still needs to be something that makes sense.
• Take a look at designs that make sense. You don’t want to have something so far out there that it takes you 20 minutes to figure out how to turn on the water.
• Choose a design that naturally draws water back into the basin areas. If your bathroom floods, you need it to enter the drains rather than destroy your entire house.

Choose A Sink That is Comfortable in Its Surroundings

While this may return to choosing a simple design, this area reminds you to be aware of your surroundings. Keep the following in mind:

• Don’t make anything stick out at bathtub level. If you bash your knee against a poorly placed pipe, you are going to want to rip that pipe out of the wall and destroy your vanity.
• You have a variety of colors to choose from; Make sure none of them blend in to the point where you forget something is there.
• If you have a small bathroom, that means you need to choose a little vanity. Make all of the sizes uniform if possible.

Final Thoughts

The key to a bathroom with sinks that will last forever starts with the material and ends with design. Simplicity is key to longevity. Stick to basic knowledge of good design and sturdy stone, wood, or whatever you choose to make a solid experience.

If you are looking for residential solid surface countertops in Toronto, quartz countertops are less expensive than marble, are incredibly durable, and have a contemporary appearance. However, you rarely hear people talk about the cons of quartz countertops. This article will delve into reasons against investing in quartz countertops.

Five Reasons to Avoid Quartz Countertops

They are Still Pretty Expensive

Despite quartz costing less than marble, it is still one of the more expensive countertop materials. On average, you can expect to pay $150 per square foot. In some cases, you can end up paying as much as $200. While it is competitive to marble, concrete, granite, or slate countertops, it is more expensive than most wooden variants.

Some are Not Heat Resistant

Some countertops are very good at resisting the heat of pots and pans. While some quartz variants can take up to 300 degrees, most of them cannot handle more than a hot mug. This vulnerability has nothing to do with the quartz and everything to do with the resins coating it.

We can say this because the heat resistant capabilities of quartz depend heavily on the build quality. Building quality can vary from company to company. You will want to check with your company of choice.

Ask them if they understand the temperature point of their countertops. While many of them won’t reference the temperature, some should still note how their product is heat-resistant.

It is Challenging to Install

The average weight of quartz weighs around 25 pounds per square foot. As a result, it can be challenging to cut and handle these without hiring a trained group of professionals.

If you are expecting a DIY project with quartz, you will have a hard lesson wasting several hundred dollars. If you have the wrong position, exposed seams can ruin the appearance of your countertops.

Unless you happen to be a professional yourself, don’t try and take this as a personal project.

Exposure to Sunlight Can Cause Discoloring

Quartz countertops are purely an internal installation. But large windows can cause your quartz countertops to receive exposure from the sun. The result can cause your countertops to absorb the yellow color.

If you have a room with a significant sun exposure level, you should think twice about purchasing a quartz countertop.

It Isn’t Weatherproof

As you may expect, the lack of resistance to sunlight makes them unsuitable for outdoor use. Also, none of these countertops withstand rain and wind. You can also expect damage and warping from extreme cold as well. Few countertops can handle outdoor use.

Conclusion

While there are numerous reasons to install quartz countertops, one must be aware of the drawbacks before making a purchase.

They aren’t for DIY projects, as you cannot heft them easily by yourself. You also can’t expect them to be very affordable, although they are more cost-effective than marble and other types.

With the cons of quartz countertops in mind, you will be able to compare them easily with others who have their pros and cons. Whatever your decision is, be sure that you understand what you are purchasing.