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Is Solid Surface Outdated in 2017?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.

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

There is no such thing as the perfect kitchen sink. There is no one size fits all solution to kitchen issues, no one, perfect sink that will fit the bachelor in his apartment and the family of seven in their sprawling estate. There is no right kitchen sink, but there is a kitchen sink that is right for you.

If you haven’t spent much time thinking about it, you may well think that a sink is just a sink – no need to overcomplicate things. However, if you’re looking to choose a new kitchen sink, you may be surprised at the sheer number of options and decisions you need to make. Here are some of the most important ones, so you can know what to look for when choosing a new sink.

How many basins?

Sinks come in a variety of different sizes. A deep single basin means you can easily soak or wash a big pan, or prep large quantities of food at one time. It’s also best for the space-conscious. However, only having one basin means you may have issues if you need the sink for multiple uses – say, soaking a dish and prepping vegetables.

Many people like two basins, but even then, you have choices – two basins of the same size appeals to the more symmetrically inclined of us, but you can also have one larger basin and one smaller one – giving you one larger basin for those larger pots and pans. You can even go wild and have three or more basins – usually two large basins, and a third, smaller one for the garbage disposal. That can come in handy when you need to use the disposal while also soaking pots and pans. Ultimately, the size will depend on how you use your sink.

What shape?

In addition to your “standard” sinks, there are a number of common shape alternatives to choose from. Farmhouse sinks are large, single basins, with a distinctive, apron front. It gives a nice vintage vibe, and is convenient for holding large amounts of water. It’s deeper than your traditional sink. You can also get that in a double-basin style, though it won’t bring that same vintage charm. You can also get a sink with rounded edges, as opposed to traditional square edges, which some people find easier to clean.

Another possibility is getting a built-in drainboard, which sacrifices some counter space for an easier time hand-washing dishes or drying fruits and vegetables. If you don’t have a dishwasher, or just enjoy washing dishes by hand, it’s a good option to choose.

What material?

Sinks come in a wide variety of materials. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, though it can also scratch. If you have hard water, it will also eventually leave a variety of spots on your sink. Porcelain is a very traditional material, and comes in a wide variety of colors. However, it can also chip, and potentially be damaged by metal pans.

A granite composite sink resists those scratches and chips, and won’t show water spots. However, it can stain, and requires more special maintenance than steel or porcelain. Similarly, natural stone, such as soapstone, requires special cleaning products and can scratch and chip, but can be a wonderful aesthetic choice, matching your countertops exactly. A solid surface like Corian can be the perfect blend of aesthetic desirability and maintenance-free durability.

These are just a few of the decisions you have to make when shopping for a sink. We hope this gets you started – and if you have any questions, the experts at Corian Pros will be glad to help you out!