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.