September 1, 2022 By

Solid Surface Solutions for Restaurants

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Your restaurant deserves the best countertop solution. Solid surface countertops offer a food-safe versatile option for food preparation and service. The nonporous surface complements every restaurant design. Whether you cater large gatherings, have an intimate mom-and-pop diner, or have a high-end gourmet eatery, durable solid surface countertops provide the ideal solution. Solid surface, also known as Corian, remains one of the most popular and affordable materials today for restaurants and commercial food preparation. 

What are the Advantages of Solid Surface Countertops? 

Solid surface consists of a high-quality acrylic material that will last a decade or more. Easy to maintain and repair, many restaurant owners choose solid surface for their restaurant design to save money. Quickly sand and buff any scratches. Stains are not an issue. Overall no other material offers so much durability and versatility. Don’t worry about chipping or cracking. Enjoy premium quality.

Additionally, the non-porous surface provides a safe, sterile surface for food preparation. Every restaurant prioritizes cleanliness and food safety. The solid surface resists bacteria and stains. Unlike other surfaces that collect bacteria and mould, the sturdy acrylic surface remains hygienic and perfect for food use. The special gel finish repels bacteria. Your employees and customers stay healthy. No worries about bacteria and food contamination. 

Our countertops don’t require professional maintenance. To clean a Corian countertop, just apply a microfiber cloth with water and mild soap. No costly cleaners are needed. It’s that simple! And you don’t need to worry about replacing your countertop for years and years. Every solid surface has professional sealing, adding an extra layer of protection to your countertops. That means you enjoy a quality sanitary food surface for a long, long time. 

Customized for Your Restaurant

The process of thermoforming creates beautiful three-dimensional surfaces perfectly cut and customized to your kitchen. Dupont Corian is an extremely durable and malleable material. Choose from a collection of limitless colours and styles. The state-of-the-art process creates the beautiful kitchen countertops you deserve. Enjoy a beautiful, sanitary food surface. And one that fits your restaurant’s aesthetic style. 

Thermoforming takes the acrylic material and uses heat to mould it into the desired form you need for your restaurant. At Solid Surface, our design team will work with you to find the ideal shape and style to match your kitchen and your business’s needs. 

Call Solid Surface Today

You deserve the best durable materials for your kitchen. Trust the team at Solid Surface to design the perfect surfaces for your kitchen. We know you care about your customers. You only want the best. We love helping new clients discover the benefits of Corian. Let’s make your dream kitchen a reality. We pay special attention to every client’s needs. No matter your budget or the size of your business, our team will find the right solution for you. Contact us today. We will be happy to work with you. 

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May 21, 2020 By

5 Ways to Care for Your Solid Surface Countertop

solid surface corianYour solid surface countertops have longevity and durability when properly cared for and maintained. A solid surface Corian or HiMacs material are easy to clean and repair. Compared to other materials, they require relatively little maintenance. Follow these simple cleaning tips to keep your solid surface countertop free from mold, bacteria, viruses, and grime.

Use the Right Cleaning Solutions

You want to avoid abrasive cleaners when cleaning your countertop. The cleaning techniques greatly matters on the type of finish. Do you have matte, high-gloss, or semi-gloss? Depending on the type of finish you have, choose the right cleaning solution for your solid surface Corian countertop.

In most cases soap and water will remove most dirt and grime. Then follow up with an ammonia-based cleaner. If you have a strong stain that will not let up, you can use a more abrasive cleaner. Always follow the instructions when using strong cleaners and be sure to air out the space.

Cleaning the Counter

You want to cover the entire surface with the soap and water or cleaning solutions. Use a soft damp cloth when cleaning. Follow the instructions of the cleaning solution then wipe away all moisture after finishing. Some stain may need to soak for a period of time before the dirt will wash away. Prevent residue by drying the surface thoroughly.

What to Avoid

Don’t use acidic drain cleaners, oven cleaners, or toilet cleaners when cleaning your solid surface countertop. You may irreparably damage the surface with these cleaners. If you have a difficult stain, most of the time a damp cloth with a little bit of more abrasive cleanser will help remove the stain. For pen marks or permanent marker, you can use a Scoth-Brite pad with cleanser.

Furniture Polish

Add some extra shine with furniture polish. You can use furniture polish on dark-colored solid surface countertops. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your countertop. Look for a food-safe polish if you plan on using the countertop for food preparation.

Countertop Repair and Replacement

Sometimes your countertop needs more than a simple polish and cleaning. Call the experts at Solid Surface Canada about repairing and replacing your old countertop. We pride ourselves on superior workmanship. Call our friendly staff today. We will be happy to answer any of your countertop questions. We cover a wide range of brands including Corian, Formica, Avonite, Hanex, and many other brands. Contact us today.

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April 20, 2020 By

The Ins and Outs of Disinfecting Your Kitchen

laminate-countertopsYour kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook, entertain, and feed your family. Keeping your family safe and clean from bacteria and viruses keeps your family healthy and safe. Whether you have solid surface, marble, or laminate countertops, find out right now how you can keep your kitchen germ-free.

Clean Your Kitchen Daily

This may go without saying, but you need to clean your kitchen daily. If you have porous surfaces, you need to watch for growth of bacteria, mold, and viruses more vigilantly. Non-porous materials like laminate countertops require less maintenance.

Clean regularly with disinfectant wipes. Some materials need just a soft towel and regular soap. Because viruses and bacteria may stay on surface for hours or even days, regular cleaning will ensure that you eliminate germs from your home.

Here is a simple breakdown of recommended cleaners for each type of countertop. Be sure to print this list and keep it in your kitchen for easy reference:

  • Solid Surface: Clean the solid surface countertop using a gentle microfiber cloth. Wipe the countertop each day. For stains, avoid harsh cleaners. Instead use mild dish soap with fresh water. Avoid water spots by using a towel to dry any moisture. You can also use glass cleaner or ammonia on solid surface countertops.
  • Laminate: Use dish soap and water. Use a microfiber cloth or clean soft cloth. Wipe down the counter daily. Rinse the cloth in fresh water.
  • Quartz: Wipe down each day. Use washcloth dipped in soapy warm water. Rinse in clean water. Wipe away any soap.
  • Marble: Use a marble cleaner. If you do not have marble cleaner, then use a non-abrasive dish soap. Use warm water in a spray bottle. Cover the marble with water and scrub very, very gently. Wipe any water with a soft cloth until all water is wiped up.
  • Corian Countertops: Use an ammonia based cleaner. Do not use window cleaner. Clean with a damp cloth. Use a circular motion.

How to Disinfect Your Kitchen

Bleach works great on almost all surfaces. Bleach works well on quartz. However, your laminate, Formica, and older vintage countertops might be damaged by bleach. If you combine diluted bleach with 70% isopropyl alcohol, most viruses and bacteria will be eliminated, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Should I Use Vinegar?

While vinegar does clean to some extent, vinegar will not eliminate viruses and bacteria. If you are looking to disinfect your kitchen, opt for disinfectant wipes, bleach, and similar cleaning products.

Wash Your Hands

Don’t forget to wash your hands after cleaning and disinfecting your kitchen. You can use disposable gloves if you want. However, regular soap and water will do.

Other Cleaning Tips

Here is a short list of other ways you can disinfect your kitchen. Eliminate bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

  • Disinfect nonporous food containers like glass and metal with disinfectant wipes
  • Move foods to clean containers
  • Run dishwasher on sanitizing setting
  • Leave newly bought packages out of the way for a few days before use
  • Rinse all produce
  • Always wash your hands, especially before serving food or when doing food prep and cooking
  • Encourage family members to wash their hands
  • Keep clean towels in the kitchen for hand use
  • Disinfect any utensils or cutting boards that come into contact with raw meat or raw eggs
  • Replace outdated cutting boards

Contact the Counter Experts at Solid Surface Canada

Ready to replace or refurbish your outdated countertop? Trust the experienced experts at Solid Surface Canada. We pride ourselves on the best customer service in Toronto. Solid Surface Canada has the widest selection of countertops, custom store fixtures, custom cabinetry, kitchens, dental cabinets, and so much more. Call us today. We are ready

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September 18, 2019 By

5 Solid Surface Brands You Don’t Want To Miss

5 solid surface brands you don't want to missWhen it comes to remodeling your kitchen, the countertop is one of the best investments. Not only is it the first place your eyes will be drawn to, but quality craftsmanship means you won’t have to replace them for a long time. Solid surface materials are the best way to go for countertops. They come in a wide range of colors, are extremely durable, and best of all, cost-efficient. There’s a lot of choices out there, so we’ve put together the best solid surface brands.

Corian

Perfect for both residential and commercial settings, Corian, which is manufactured by parent company DuPont, is a great solid surface brand. Corian surfaces are extremely versatile. They can be shaped and molded in numerous ways and the integration with other surfaces is paramount.

If you’re worried about bacteria buildup, then Corian is the way to go as the surfaces are all non-porous. There’s nowhere for bacteria to hide.

Formica

One of the solid surface brands you might be aware of is Formica. Perfect for vanity countertops or kitchen counters, this material will do wonders to spruce up your room. The material comes in a wide range of colors and stone looks.

Formica is incredibly durable as is it is wear-resistant, water-resistant, and fire-resistant. However, if you do happen to have any chips in it, don’t worry. Thanks to its construction, it is incredibly easy to resurface and repair.

Avonite

If you’re looking for a diverse range of colors to choose from, then look no further to Avonite. This solid surface brand is extremely flexible and can be sculpted into just about any shape or look you want.

Avonite is made up of composite materials such as concrete, glass, and metal. This ensures that there is less going to the landfill. It is the perfect brand for all eco-conscious people.

Wilsonart

Sometimes, kitchen countertops may look nice, but if you ever get a chip, you’ll realize that design doesn’t actually go all the way through. Not so with Wilsonart solid surface. Their designs run right through the entire material. This way, if there are any chips or scratches, it is extremely easy to repair.

A unique feature about Wilsonart is that the material is resistant to UV rays. So, even if you have a lovely, bright kitchen, your counter won’t fade.

Gemstone

Need a new kitchen sink, but want it to really dazzle? Why not try a solid surface sink? Gemstone is the industry leader when it comes to sinks. You can choose from kitchen or bathroom models, single or double sinks.

Gemstone produces sinks both for the home and the office. Whether you need to spruce up a powder room or want to outfit a new hospital, these sinks will meet your unique needs. The solid surface will resist staining and scratches and will also prevent any mold or bacteria from forming.

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January 18, 2017 By

Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?

Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?Are solid surfaces a thing of the past?  It seems, at times, that Corian and other, similar solid surface brands like Formica, Wilsonart or Avonite get pushed to the back burner when it comes to lists of the hot, “in” countertop materials such as marble or quartz.

Don’t pay attention to those trends, though – solid surfaces are still top sellers, and are just as relevant today as when they were first entering our homes in the ‘60s and ‘70s.  Its selling points haven’t gone anywhere – solid surfaces are still highly durable, stain resistant, easy to repair in case of minor scratches, heat resistant, available in a wide range of colors and styles and reasonably priced.  It’ll never truly go away, because no other surface can offer everything solid surfaces give you.

That being said, there are several reasons why solid surface continues to be one of the best-selling surfaces on the market, even 50 years after it was first created.  Here are just a few:

Solid Surface Isn’t Yet Dated

A surface really only becomes dated when everyone stops using it – that’s why you don’t see much avocado green linoleum or shag carpeting being installed anymore; as people stopped wanting it, it became considered old and dated.  The wide range of colors and patterns you can get solid surface in prevents it from falling victim to those sorts of trends and, according to Time magazine, solid surface countertops are still tied for the third most popular countertop material today.  It may not be as “in” as quartz or granite, but it’s still one of the most commonly selected options available.

Solid Surface is Durable

Renovating a kitchen is a major project!  It’s certainly not something you want to do over and over again – you want to make sure that your new kitchen lasts the test of time.  There isn’t a surface out there more durable than solid surface – while it’s possible to scratch, it’s nowhere near as fragile or damage-prone as granite or marble.  Most damage can be easily repaired with a scrubber sponge – it’s incredibly low-maintenance.  That means it’s a choice you can count on to last the lifetime of your kitchen.

Solid Surface is a Good Investment

If you select a trendy, “in” kitchen material for your design, you’re running a risk.  Remember when we mocked those avocado countertops a few paragraphs back?  Well, if you grab on to the latest craze, it’s possible your trendy, hip style will become the next shag carpet or frilly window treatment.  Solid surface, however, has stood the test of time, and that gives it those two magic words: “resale value”.  If you’ve ever been home shopping and saw a truly outdated kitchen, it probably made you think twice about making an offer.  Solid surface helps keep your kitchen looking great, and your home’s resale value up.

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October 26, 2016 By

Solid Surface Countertop Brands

When you’re deciding on solid surface countertops, you may be surprised to see the wide variety of brands available.  Different companies offer their own unique solid surface styles, each with their own selection of colors, finishes and other options.  It can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time buyer, but each brand offers its own strengths and weaknesses.

DuPont Corian

Solid surfaces were invented by DuPont in 1967, and its Corian brand was, for many years, the only brand available, until their patent ran out and competitors can enter the market.  The original solid surface is still a very solid choice.  It comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, and is still the leading brand in the industry.  Corian is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry, and has a proven track record of durability—it’s still the gold standard among solid surface brands.

Wilsonart

Wilsonart is best known for its laminate countertops, but they’ve been involved in the solid surface industry for over a decade and make some fine options.  Their main selling point is their variety; Wilsonart offers more than 80 colors and patterns to choose from.  They used to have quality control issues, offering a “solid surface veneer” that cracked and shattered, but their current offerings are much better in quality and definitely worth considering.

Samsung Staron

When you think “Samsung”, you think televisions and mobile devices, not countertops.  However, Samsung’s Staron brand is one of the more attractive solid surfaces available on the market.  Their Tempest line of semi-translucent metallic finishes has them stand out from the pack; they’re not like any other brand on the market today.  Their more traditional offerings promise to give you Corian-style quality at cheaper prices.

Avonite

Avonite offers both polyester-based and acrylic-based solid surfaces, and pioneered a new technology allowing them to create incredibly long sheets of acrylics.  While you’re likely not in the market for a 300-foot kitchen counter, it goes to show you that they’re an innovative and established company.  With both the polyester and acrylic options, Avonite gives customers the widest range of budget choices, as polyester-based solid surfaces generally are cheaper than their acrylic-based counterparts.  That doesn’t mean they’re of lesser quality, however; polyester tends to stand up against harsh chemicals better and can achieve a higher polish.

Formica

Like Wilsonart, Formica is better known for its laminate countertops, to the point where “Formica” is often used as the generic term for laminate.  However, they’ve been transitioning into the world of solid surface, and have come out with some exciting colors and styles in recent years, and are a rapidly-growing name in the solid surface world.

There are many other brands available, with Hanex and LG HI-MACS getting their fair share of use, as well.  Ultimately, the choice for best surface to use will depend on your precise requirements.  An expert solid surface professional can help make sure you’re making the right choice for your home.

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