solid surface fabricator Archives - Solid Surface Countertops Toronto: Commercial & Residential

Five Good Materials for Food Prep Surfaces

Busy kitchens have a wide variety of options available for food prep surfaces. Those surfaces built for food prioritize safety. Sometimes, those surfaces are also heat resistant for your hot cookware. If you want to select suitable material for your food prep surfaces, check out these suggestions:

Stainless Steel
Engineered or natural stone
Recycled glass
Laminate
Wood

All of these materials can be In your countertops in various areas. However, all of them have significant advantages when used as food prep surfaces. Let’s dig into why below:

#1: Stainless Steel

Stainless steel countertops are number one on durability. Given its flat steel surface, the material is also easy to clean. These countertops are also the most common options among professional eateries because of this. When preferring efficiency over appearance, stainless steel is a reliable go-to option.

Their biggest problem? These countertops are unappealing in residential applications due to their industrial appearance. Unless you have a particular idea in mind for your build, these countertops don’t fit into most design ideas.

#2: Engineered Or Natural Stone

Both engineered and natural stone is known for their heat resistance. However, be careful to buy the right type of stone. Some natural stone countertops have divots and grooves that make them less suitable for food preparation, regardless of how sturdy they are.

Engineered quartz is one of the best examples available. Quartz is stunning when used as a countertop material. Compared to laminate, there is a noticeable quality difference in favor of using stone. Be prepared to pay more for the higher-end material.

#3: Recycled Glass

Recycled glass countertops are the usage of large shards of melted glass to create a contemporary look. These recycled glass shards are also known to resist scratches and some levels of heat. However, not all recycled glass options are created equal.

Be sure to ask about the heat resistance and scratch-resistant capabilities of whatever you buy. While you aren’t going to be cutting directly on the glass, there is always a chance that you might slip.

#4: Laminate

Laminate is a far more popular option for residential applications because of its appearance. It is also one of the most friendly budget options available on the market. As a result, they are “cheaper looking,” making them less appealing to those who prioritize quality.

Also, be sure to use a cutting board on the top layer. If the top layer is damaged, it is no longer safe for food preparation.

#5: Wood (Butcher Block)

The popularity of including a butcher blog in high-end homes is evident. Butcher blocks look great and create a central location where it is obvious where you are cutting your food.

Be careful to keep moisture away from this material. Don’t worry quite as much about scratches, as you can address these with a sander.

Final Thoughts

It would be best if you addressed food preparation areas with a certain degree of care. Not all surfaces are created equal, and this will become incredibly evident when making the purchase. Ensure that your busy kitchen is taken care of by the experts who know about these critical areas.

Questions You Should Ask Solid Surface Fabricators

Out of all the hard surface varieties, such as quartz, granite, marble, soapstone, and wood, solid surface is unquestionably the best at doing its job. It is completely non-porous, virtually indestructible, easy to maintain, and beautiful. It is also, however, quite expensive compared to most other options. Most agree that its all-around effectiveness justifies its price, but, as with any long-term investment, it is important you know the right questions to ask to know exactly what your hard-earned money is going towards.

What are the Important Questions to Ask My Solid Surface Fabricator?

There are several must-ask questions to ask when consulting a solid surface fabricator, such as:

What are Your Qualifications? – Solid surface countertops or vanities are a serious investment that can easily last for generations, so it is of utmost importance that the fabricator crafting your investment really knows his stuff. Most companies selling solid surfaces require that their solid surface fabricators be thoroughly trained and certified before being put on the job, but it is always a good idea to make sure before it’s too late.
How Thick is the Solid Surface? – The majority of solid surfaces are ½ inch slabs of solid acrylic or polyester, whichever that particular model is made of. In some cases, though, the actual acrylic/polyester layer can be thinner. In these cases, a particle-board core will make up what lies beneath the actual solid surface in order to cut costs. One of the reasons solid surfaces are usually so easy to maintain is due to them generally being made of one solid material, so any nicks or scratches that somehow penetrate the high definition laminate can be simply buffed out with a little bit of sanding. If the solid surface layer is thin, it means frequent maintenance will not be feasible.
What Colors and Designs are Available? One of the biggest perks of solid surfaces is that they are available in an endless array of designs, both in terms of colour and finish. They tend to dominate the aesthetic of a room they are placed in, so you have the chance to dictate exactly what mood you want the room to convey. What’s more, solid surfaces do not degrade or tarnish easily and it is likely they will carry exactly the same look for many years to come. It is, therefore, necessary to choose design wisely and be aware of all the possible options before buying.

Our Toronto-based team of master solid surface fabricators will be happy to answer any questions you have before you buy in order to make your experience of purchasing a solid surface countertop or vanity as worry-free as possible.