“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.