January 18, 2017 By

How to Reduce Bacteria in Your Kitchen

How to Reduce Bacteria in Your KitchenWarning!  Your kitchen may not be as healthy as you think!

Your kitchen can become a breeding ground for bacteria and regular, old-fashioned dirt.  Not only does it become a collecting ground for debris from the human body itself, but food and cooking oils can accumulate on your countertops, appliances and surfaces over time.  If you have moldy food, it can release spores into the air.  Raw, uncooked foods can expose your kitchen to harmful bacteria.  The list goes on.

There are things you can do to keep your kitchen clean and yourself healthy, of course.  Here are some tips on how to make sure your kitchen is a clean, safe room.

Solid Surface countertops are a great way to start.  They’re non-porous, as opposed to natural stone.  That means that not only will they not absorb stains, but they also don’t provide the cracks and crevasses for bacteria to lurk and multiply.  No seams means that your countertops are easier to clean, and clean thoroughly.

Small appliances, if left on the countertop, can accumulate unhealthy bacteria as well. Your coffee maker, toaster, blender and stand mixer, just sitting there, can become breeding grounds for bacteria, accumulating over time.  If you’re redoing your kitchen, consider having sliding cubbies and appliance garages installed; they allow you to keep your appliances put away when not in use without too much extra effort.  It will help clear up counter space, as well.

Utensils, if kept on the counter, can similarly become a breeding ground for bacteria, often requiring you to wipe and rinse each spatula and spoon before use.  Instead, invest in a cutlery drawer holder, or custom drawers with sliding plastic covers, to help protect your utensils.

Countertop containers, with sugar, flour and spices, are incredibly convenient for chefs – but they’re dust magnets.  If you’re remodeling your kitchen, consider a pullout rack or deep cabinet drawer to store these containers; it will give you quick access to all your materials and keep them safe from gathering harmful bacteria.

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January 18, 2017 By

Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?

Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?Are solid surfaces a thing of the past?  It seems, at times, that Corian and other, similar solid surface brands like Formica, Wilsonart or Avonite get pushed to the back burner when it comes to lists of the hot, “in” countertop materials such as marble or quartz.

Don’t pay attention to those trends, though – solid surfaces are still top sellers, and are just as relevant today as when they were first entering our homes in the ‘60s and ‘70s.  Its selling points haven’t gone anywhere – solid surfaces are still highly durable, stain resistant, easy to repair in case of minor scratches, heat resistant, available in a wide range of colors and styles and reasonably priced.  It’ll never truly go away, because no other surface can offer everything solid surfaces give you.

That being said, there are several reasons why solid surface continues to be one of the best-selling surfaces on the market, even 50 years after it was first created.  Here are just a few:

Solid Surface Isn’t Yet Dated

A surface really only becomes dated when everyone stops using it – that’s why you don’t see much avocado green linoleum or shag carpeting being installed anymore; as people stopped wanting it, it became considered old and dated.  The wide range of colors and patterns you can get solid surface in prevents it from falling victim to those sorts of trends and, according to Time magazine, solid surface countertops are still tied for the third most popular countertop material today.  It may not be as “in” as quartz or granite, but it’s still one of the most commonly selected options available.

Solid Surface is Durable

Renovating a kitchen is a major project!  It’s certainly not something you want to do over and over again – you want to make sure that your new kitchen lasts the test of time.  There isn’t a surface out there more durable than solid surface – while it’s possible to scratch, it’s nowhere near as fragile or damage-prone as granite or marble.  Most damage can be easily repaired with a scrubber sponge – it’s incredibly low-maintenance.  That means it’s a choice you can count on to last the lifetime of your kitchen.

Solid Surface is a Good Investment

If you select a trendy, “in” kitchen material for your design, you’re running a risk.  Remember when we mocked those avocado countertops a few paragraphs back?  Well, if you grab on to the latest craze, it’s possible your trendy, hip style will become the next shag carpet or frilly window treatment.  Solid surface, however, has stood the test of time, and that gives it those two magic words: “resale value”.  If you’ve ever been home shopping and saw a truly outdated kitchen, it probably made you think twice about making an offer.  Solid surface helps keep your kitchen looking great, and your home’s resale value up.

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December 29, 2016 By

Dental Practice Remodeling

Dental Practice RemodelingGoing to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience for some clients, so you want to be sure that your office is as welcoming and relaxing as possible.  Part of this comes in having the latest and greatest equipment and facilities, but remodeling your entire practice may be a way to help put patients at ease, especially if your office currently looks like something straight out of the ‘70s.

Remodeling can also help improve patient flow, maximize your space and contribute to better staff productivity.   A well-thought-through remodel can increase productivity, allowing you to see more patients per day.  It can show patients that you’re willing to invest in their comfort and safety, putting them at ease when they enter your practice.  It can be an opportunity to add features other offices don’t have – adding privacy at a check-out area, or making the office easier for those with handicaps to access.

Whether you’re looking for a full remodel or just a few touchups, there are some simple, easy things you can do to help your practice look as good as possible.

Cabinets and countertops can easily become outdated and worn.  New units can be custom-built to meet the exact needs of you and your practice.  This is both an issue of appearance – a run-down environment will make people more wary of trust you and your practice – and efficiency.  A solid surface like Corian is an excellent choice – it can withstand the wear and tear of a high-volume environment like your office, and its nonporous surface means that harmful bacteria, mold or mildew won’t seep in and create unhygienic conditions.

Corian is GREENGUARD certified as a low VOC-emitting material, and is GREENGUARD listed in terms of microbial resistance.  It’s Class I Fire Rated, and meets all relevant NSF/ANSI standards, to boot.  It’s the perfect choice for a safe, healthy environment.

Replacing old lighting fixtures with new, fluorescent units can be a major boon, as well.  They provide much better ambient light than traditional fixtures, which is an exceptional benefit.  In a waiting area, also consider incandescent or sconce lights, creating a softer and more inviting atmosphere.

Flooring quickly becomes dirty and dreary, so new carpeting, especially in the high-traffic seating area and hallways, is a quick fix.  Similarly, replacing vinyl in operatories, labs and rest rooms also quickly make your practice seem better put together.

Even something as simple as a new coat of paint on the wall can make a major difference in the overall appearance of your space.  There are dozens of possible improvements you can make with a remodel of your practice.  You and your patients will be glad you spent the time and effort to do so.

 

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December 29, 2016 By

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

How to Choose a Kitchen SinkThere is no such thing as the perfect kitchen sink.  There is no one size fits all solution to kitchen issues, no one, perfect sink that will fit the bachelor in his apartment and the family of seven in their sprawling estate.  There is no right kitchen sink, but there is a kitchen sink that is right for you.

If you haven’t spent much time thinking about it, you may well think that a sink is just a sink – no need to overcomplicate things.  However, if you’re looking to choose a new kitchen sink, you may be surprised at the sheer number of options and decisions you need to make.  Here are some of the most important ones, so you can know what to look for when choosing a new sink.

How many basins?

Sinks come in a variety of different sizes.  A deep single basin means you can easily soak or wash a big pan, or prep large quantities of food at one time.   It’s also best for the space-conscious.  However, only having one basin means you may have issues if you need the sink for multiple uses – say, soaking a dish and prepping vegetables.

Many people like two basins, but even then, you have choices – two basins of the same size appeals to the more symmetrically inclined of us, but you can also have one larger basin and one smaller one – giving you one larger basin for those larger pots and pans.  You can even go wild and have three or more basins – usually two large basins, and a third, smaller one for the garbage disposal.  That can come in handy when you need to use the disposal while also soaking pots and pans.  Ultimately, the size will depend on how you use your sink.

What shape?

In addition to your “standard” sinks, there are a number of common shape alternatives to choose from.  Farmhouse sinks are large, single basins, with a distinctive, apron front.  It gives a nice vintage vibe, and is convenient for holding large amounts of water.  It’s deeper than your traditional sink.  You can also get that in a double-basin style, though it won’t bring that same vintage charm.  You can also get a sink with rounded edges, as opposed to traditional square edges, which some people find easier to clean.

Another possibility is getting a built-in drainboard, which sacrifices some counter space for an easier time hand-washing dishes or drying fruits and vegetables.  If you don’t have a dishwasher, or just enjoy washing dishes by hand, it’s a good option to choose.

What material?

Sinks come in a wide variety of materials. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, though it can also scratch.  If you have hard water, it will also eventually leave a variety of spots on your sink.  Porcelain is a very traditional material, and comes in a wide variety of colors.  However, it can also chip, and potentially be damaged by metal pans.

A granite composite sink resists those scratches and chips, and won’t show water spots.  However, it can stain, and requires more special maintenance than steel or porcelain.  Similarly, natural stone, such as soapstone, requires special cleaning products and can scratch and chip, but can be a wonderful aesthetic choice, matching your countertops exactly.  A solid surface like Corian can be the perfect blend of aesthetic desirability and maintenance-free durability.

These are just a few of the decisions you have to make when shopping for a sink.  We hope this gets you started – and if you have any questions, the experts at Corian Pros will be glad to help you out!

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November 24, 2016 By

How to Restore a Solid Surface Sink

How to Restore a Solid Surface SinkDo you have a solid surface sink which has seen better days?  Something that looked spectacular when it was first installed, but over the years, has become dull and tarnished?  Have no fears – often, all a solid surface sink needs is a solid cleaning and some restoration work, rather than replacing the entire unit.  With a little elbow grease and a little know-how, you can get your sink looking great once again.

One of the benefits of solid surface is that it’s a non-porous surface, meaning that stains won’t penetrate deep into your sink or countertops.  However, regular abrasion from dishes, pots and pans can still occur, which can cause that smooth luster to dull and fade.   Thin, built-up layers of grime and gunk can also adhere to the roughened surface, further dulling its look.  Some simple maintenance, however, can get it back to looking spic and span once again.

Tools

For a basic restoration, you’ll want to gather some simple tools before you begin:

  • An abrasive cleaner with bleach, such as Comet.
  • A scrubbing sponge
  • An abrasive pad, if you’re in need of especially deep cleaning
  • A small plastic bristled brush

Cleaning Powder

After wetting the sink, take your cleaning powder and spread it liberally all over your sink basins.  You’ll want to leave it on the surface for a couple of hours.  That allows the bleach to have time to act on that caked-on food gunk, breaking it down and making it easier to clean.

After those few hours, you’ll want to scrub the sink down with the scrubbing sponge.  It’s a good idea to wear gloves during this part of the restoration; the chemicals involved aren’t necessarily dangerous, per se, but they really do a number on exposed skin.  For tighter areas around seams and drains, the scrub brush will probably be easier to use, and will help remove any residual staining.

Deep Scratch Repair

If you have any very deep scratches, simply using the cleaning powder will not be sufficient to restoring your sink.  At this point, you’ll want to break out the sandpaper.

One of the benefits of solid surface is that the pattern and color goes all the way through the countertop—it’s not just on the surface layer.  Therefore, many scratches can actually be sanded out without damaging the look of your sink.

Start with a 400-grit piece of sandpaper, and see if that works.  If the scratch remains, continue with more aggressive grits, even down to 60-grit.

The Toughest Scratches

If you’re an expert DYIer, you can handle even deeper scratches than that, though that’s a much more complicated process than simple cleaning and sanding.  An old rotary tool, equipped with an aluminum oxide bit, can be used to polish out deep scratches.  A diamond cutting wheel can be used to cut a deep groove right on the dark marks, which will remove the scratches but will require them to be filled back in again, using epoxy.

Final Steps

Once you’ve restored your sink, be it with cleansers, sandpaper or epoxy, it should look good as new again.  You can keep it looking newer for longer by regularly cleaning it with an abrasive cleaner and pad – it’s much easier to stay on top of cleaning regularly rather than making a major project out of it every few years.

Our trained professionals here can help you if you don’t feel confident dealing with the deepest scratches.  If you want the benefit of experienced contractors with years of experience, or simply need some more personalized advice on how to continue, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We’re glad to help with the fabrication, installation and maintenance of solid surface material, and we promise to bring the absolute best experience to each and every one of our clients.

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November 24, 2016 By

DYI Solid Surface Countertops

DIY Solid Surface CountertopsInstalling solid-surface countertops yourself can be a challenging task for even the most avid DYIer.  This is why so many professional services exist – to help navigate all the challenges and issues the layman is likely to encounter when trying to get a professional, long-lasting look in their countertops.

If you are an avid DYIer, however, and want to tackle the task yourself, we’re here to give you some basic advice and a guide to some of the procedures involved.  If you’re attempting this yourself, these are handy tips to getting started.  If you’re hiring a professional, like the experts at Solid Surface Canada, then this guide will tell you what to expect when the contractors begin work.

Level the Base Cabinets

Countertops rest directly atop the cabinets below, and solid surface countertops are no exception.  If the cabinets aren’t of a consistent height, then the countertops will not lie flat when finally installed.  That could lead to cracking and other structural damage, as well as simply not giving you a uniform work surface to deal with!

If sections of your counters are too high, a belt sander or coping saw can be used to trim them down to size.  If they are too low, simple shims can be used to raise the countertop, keeping the height consistent over the length of your counter.

Add the Necessary Supports

Sometimes there will be gaps in your cabinets where you’ll want your countertop to go.  Maybe you’re installing a new dishwasher or a small refrigerator – you’ll want your countertop to run over them, but you won’t have cabinets below to provide support.  You can use 2×2 lengths of wood, called “cleats”, for support.

Screw the cleats directly into the wall, or into the cabinet bases on either side of the appliance.  You’ll want to ensure that these cleats are out of sight, so they don’t interfere with the aesthetics of your kitchen.  You’ll also want to ensure that their location won’t interfere with the installation of the appliances later.

Countertop Installation

You’ll want to use painter’s tape along the top edge of your countertops, to prevent the glue from sticking to them.  Then, apply a bead of quality construction adhesive atop the cabinets, and gently set the solid surface countertop onto the cabinet tops.  This may require two people to ensure everything is laid down gently and smoothly; it can often be too bulky for a single person to complete this task.

When you have the countertop properly aligned, simply push down on the countertop, causing it to bond with the adhesive.

Sink Installation

Most sinks come with a template for cutting.  Using this template, carefully sketch out the pattern on the countertop that you’ll be cutting.  Make sure that the back of the sink will be a consistent distance from the wall, and that it’s set back far enough so that the sink avoids the base cabinet.

Then, use a hole saw to create a starting place, and a jigsaw to actually cut out the opening for the sink.  You’ll want to apply plumber’s putty around the lower edge of the sink to ensure a water-tight seal before setting the sink into the hole.

Push the sink down firmly, and remove any putty that squeezes out.  Your sink should come with clamps; use them to secure the sink to the countertops.  After that, it’s a matter of just installing the faucet and attaching it to the plumbing.

Conclusion

It’s a complex task, but with the proper tools and expertise, you can successfully install your own countertops.

If, however, you want the benefit of experienced contractors with years of experience, or simply need some more personalized advice on how to continue, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We’re glad to help with the fabrication and installation of solid surface material, and we promise to bring the absolute best experience to each and every one of our clients.

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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.

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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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