Having a big, wide basin is great for many things. If you’ve ever been to a music festival or had a farm, you might have an idea of what we are talking about: containment. But when it comes to your sink or kitchen, do you need that much containment? 

Below, we will address this question by giving you the pros and cons of a trough sink. As the latest craze in home decor, it’s essential to know if this fad has some use.

Pros of Trough Sinks

It Contains the Liquid Inside

These large sink basins are ideal for use in the kitchen if you often prepare food. If you are cleaning meat or veggies, the extra space will help you contain the mess. In traditional sinks, this is much more difficult.

Made of Sturdy Materials

Trough sinks are typically made using solid materials. Concrete sinks are often combined with trough sinks to create an overall industrial, modern look. Combined, you get a combo of statement pieces with longevity.

Less Cliche Than Double Sinks

When people finally “make it,” they usually invest in a double sink. While there is some charm to dual sinks, a single sink often does things just as well. Trough sinks are much more dynamic, making your bathroom feel unique. 

Works Well With Solid Surface

Solid surface is moldable to any available type of trough sink. This is because it is made using heat and resin, which other materials can’t say the same about. As a result, the two are a potent combo pair that work to create unique experiences at completely reasonable costs.  

Beautiful

When done right (clean lines, seamless integration, etc.), trough sinks are one of the most beautiful choices available. Despite that not being necessarily practical, the right company can help you make it feel like it is yours. Feeling good about a room in your home is one of the most helpful things, don’t forget to appreciate your effort in earning this.

Cons of Trough Sinks

Takes Away Counter Space

If you do not have the counter space to spare, a trough sink might not be your best friend. Often, these sinks take up a considerable portion, making them less ideal for smaller spaces. In these cases, a traditional sink does better. 

Fewer Residential Applications

The most common place you see trough sinks is in commercial buildings (specifically the kitchen). The trough sink design is ideal for holding a wide range of dishes. While commercial applications make this design much more significant, it still counts. 

Limits Your Selection of Bathroom Vanities

The bathroom sinks you choose from limit the bathroom vanities you can pick. In this case, you must limit yourself to a bathroom vanity with a deep basin allowance. Many designs of trough sinks won’t work with simple wooden vanities.

Conclusion – Are Trough Sinks Worth It?

Outside of needing the counter space, there are plenty of reasons you should get trough sinks. Despite being trendy, they are just as practical. They are also easy to clean, making them ideal for residential and business applications. 

Whether you celebrate the end of 2021 or have some fond memories, it is over. With this in mind, several design trends are coming up on the horizon for 2022. Based on our findings, here are the best solid surface trends for 2022. 

Trend #1: Sustainable Materials

Sustainable materials aren’t exactly a new design trend. Still, they are a growing one in the solid surface world. 

Because plastics are difficult to recycle, many solid surface companies take them upon themselves for reuse. They melt food-friendly plastic back into their process, keeping these raw materials in use. 

Several Eco lines of this material have also found themselves gaining massive popularity. As market growth continues, we should see more of these brands emerge. 

Trend #2: Natural Stone Appearances

There is no doubt that quartz and granite are two prevalent materials. But with the cost of getting those materials, they are out of reach for most people.

To address the gap, solid surface manufacturers have numerous stone-like surfaces available. Given they are non-porous surfaces, these materials are often safer (bacterially speaking) than their natural counterparts.

There is some appeal to natural materials, so natural wood is still prevalent. But a valuable source of look-a-like materials with unique advantages still makes for a solid alternative. 

Trend #3: High Contrast Surfaces

Many modern kitchens are showing their stuff by selecting a single bold color. The need for color in the contemporary kitchen is clear, which is why you see so many selecting one.

Whether it be reds, greens, or blues, the idea is to allow one element of your kitchen a level of boldness. That way, it isn’t a color circus trying to enter your kitchen. 

Typically, this boldness comes from the front of counters. This allows the solid surface countertops to be an excellent base, giving you a calming element to take a look at.

There are some alternative schools of thought where the surface should have boldness. However, this is less common, given you are more likely to look closer at the surface of your countertops. 

Trend #4: Thinner Material

A prominent feature of solid surface countertops comes back to them being durable and manageable. Still, there is a trend of thinner material for these engineered surfaces. 

The idea is to use thinner pieces of material that still maintain their waterproof tendencies. This keeps the material resistant to most issues, but the development is slower because they are not as non-porous as standard solid surfaces.

Regardless, these ultrathin materials are suitable for bathroom trends more than kitchen countertops. This offers numerous market opportunities beyond the standard. 

You as a consumer might consider them for your backsplash, another popular kitchen trend alongside the solid surface market. 

Conclusion

We hope the best for your 2022 experience for the upcoming new year. As we start to see more evolutions in the solid surface market, it will be interesting to see how this impacts design trends. 

Contact us today if you are looking to apply some of these trends to your kitchen or bathroom. 

It’s easy to see solid surface countertops associated with striking colors. These surfaces are great at mimicking natural stones, making them a good replacement for marble and quartz.   However, you can also use these countertop styles for any color. Below, we will delve into some of the best warm colors for solid surface countertops.  

Color #1: Corian Mahogany Nuwood

Mahogany Nuwood is a Corian-specific color best for mimicking the deep wooden colors of deep mahogany or oak. These wood colors are excellent at creating that warm, comforting feeling, but wood in a kitchen is how you harbor bacteria.

To avoid this, Corian has these (among other) colors to mimic wooden structures. So the next time you think you need to go with wood to create that rustic finish, consider the wide range of Corian colors that maintains an easy-to-clean surface.

Color #2: Wilsonart Chicory Cream Melange

Chicory Cream Melange is closer to a stone-like replacement. The idea of warm stone makes it feel close to a replacement for ceramic tile, but countertops might also benefit from the deep to medium-range warm colors you can expect.

Chicory Cream Melange also mimics some of that classic terrazzo look without contrasting too hard. Consider this countertop to be good as a transition into warmer cabinets.

Color #3: Corian Weathered Aggregate

The color of Corian Weathered Aggregate is unique in its dullness. Like all things, its potential is in what you want to pair with it. This is an excellent design choice if you want a sleepy and sophisticated feeling that transitions into a warm kitchen.

Think of it similar to granite countertops, only at a fraction of the cost and the maintenance required. Stone countertops may be in strong desire, but it is only a status symbol. From a practical standpoint, solid surfaces still have some significant advantages.

Color #4: Corian Warm Soapstone

Popular modern countertop ideas go back to a more natural look. The ultimate example of natural is to make something appear as though it has been lifted from the cave wall. Warm soapstone manages to do this while maintaining a warm feeling.

While many solid surface stone-like surfaces are lighter in color, warm soapstone is a good reminder of the alternative. The next time you speak to a designer, be sure to ask about warmer stone-like surfaces to see your options.

Color #5: Avonite Dark Roast

Avonite is an excellent alternative to the better-known Corian brand. Regardless, it has some fantastic colors, including this one: Dark Roast.

As you might expect from the name, Dark Roast is similar to a mostly black coffee. If you are like me, coffee is a massive part of your life. So why not color your countertop like it? It’s a warm and present color that makes you think of a delicious beverage.

Conclusion

If you want your kitchen or bathroom to be a warm and inviting space, consider the darker side of solid surface countertops. To check out your options, contact us today to see your options for solid surface countertops.

In the ultimate battle of kitchen countertops, you hear a lot about granite, stone, wood, and (of course) solid surface. But fewer people talk about laminate because of its lesser appeal. So, does laminate get a bad rap, or is it worth the trouble?

Laminate is incredibly cost-effective compared to most other countertop surfaces. However, that passes on to its ability to resist damage, making it last less time than other countertop types.

Below, we will provide a pros and cons comparison of laminate and solid surfaces to help you decide.

The Pros – Laminate vs. Solid Surface

The ultimate pro of laminate countertops comes from their inexpensive installation. Manufacturers make these countertops with inexpensive wood with a sheet of plastic covering them.

Laminate takes full advantage of this by enabling you to switch out the design easily. It’s also a bit easier to manage when it comes to DIY kitchen projects.

Solid surface countertops are made using resins or polymers. Unlike laminate, a solid surface is made using a single solid material.

The chosen material is non-porous, making it much easier to clean. It is also easy to mold, making it suitable for unique counter shape needs.

Both tops are relatively heat resistant and can be scratch resistant. Solid surface countertops are also able to easily resemble the incredibly popular stone countertop design. Laminate counters can emulate more expensive options, but not stone.

The Cons – Solid Surface vs. Laminate

The biggest con of solid surface comes back to the cost. The upfront cost of solid surface countertops is much higher when compared to laminate. This countertop style is comparable to inexpensive stone or wood.

Laminate is cheaper, but it loses the quality to match. Laminate will be damaged far easier than other design choices. Also, it is far more susceptible to bacteria.

\Solid surface is customization, but laminate is easier to swap out designs. The top layer swap is convenient, but also easy to strip off.

Both are comparable when it comes to scratch and heat resistance. Laminate is far less easy to repair, as chunking a small bit might cause you to have to replace an entire portion of the counter.

Final Thoughts – Which Is The Better Countertop?

On an overall comparison, laminate wins when it comes to an inexpensive initial investment. On all other aspects, solid surface countertops are far more effective.

Small scratches on many solid surface options are easily buffed out. Even if you remove a chunk of the countertop, it’s a matter of filling it in with the right resin.

Solid surface countertops do not support thriving bacteria. There are no gaps for them to live in.

Despite having a higher upfront cost, you won’t be replacing it as often as you do laminate. Also, many solid surface options are pretty cost-effective when you consider long-term needs.

If you want to see how to get the quality of solid surface in your home, contact our team of specialists for a quote today.

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.