The 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.

When 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.

“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.

When it comes to interior design, solid surface countertops are usually admired by anyone who comes into contact with them. From a busy restaurant kitchen to a newly renovated residential bathroom, impressive countertop spaces are cherished by their owners for good reason.

However, while people often appreciate solid surface countertops, they rarely talk about the details that are so important for the selection of the most suitable countertop for whatever purpose the buyer is shopping for. Regardless of whether a home cook needs something solid to chop and roll on, or whether a commercial hotel needs durable solid surface vanities for its bathroom upgrade, careful consideration is required.

What Kind of Solid Surface Countertops am I Looking For?

If you are looking to buy solid surface countertops—especially if the concept is new to you—then its purpose should guide your purchase:

Home

A Wilsonart solid surface countertop is a worthwhile choice if you are buying for a home installation, as the acrylic organic Wilsonart Solid Surface products can be post-formed to create customized appearances in more than 50 colors, while its easy-to-clean toughness is complemented by a water resistance that also guards against dirt and food particles.

Commercial

Corian countertops are appropriate if you are shopping for a commercial setting like an eatery or an office building. Corian solid surface countertops are certified by Du Pont, as the company engineered the solid surface material.

While a variety of colors and designs is on offer, Corian’s emphasis lies in flexibility and durability—the former allows it to be shaped for any purpose, without affecting its beautiful appearance, while the latter’s non-porous, stain-resistant properties mean that Corian countertops are built to withstand intensive use and maintain a resistance to bacteria.

Healthcare

Solid surface for healthcare is highly recommended, as the material is ideal for the design of hygienic environments. An Avonite solid surface countertop stands out in this regard, as not only is its non-porous and heat- and stain-resistant surface easy to clean, but the product’s GreenGuard certification means that the material improves the surrounding air quality.

Like anything, experience is a great advantage when shopping for solid surface countertops. We have been assisting both residential and commercial buyers since 2001, so in Toronto, the advantage is simply a phone call away.