Solid-Surface Countertops

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Soild Surface Countertops

The most functional countertops are made of solid stone or similar tightly compacted materials. A solid surface is a basic requirement because the countertop will be subjected to daily food preparation and its related activities.

Solid surfaces will be able to handle these daily stresses without getting easily damaged. The problem with most solid stone countertop materials such as granite is that they are very expensive. There is an affordable alternative material which has been used in the past for this purpose. These are the solid-surface countertops which can be as hard as any solid stone surface.

These materials are not natural but completely man-made. They are composed of synthetic sheets formed by combining a mineral compound with polyester or acrylic resins. Different sheets can be laid one at a time using different formulations, appearances and effects. The material is chemically cured by bringing it to about 60º centigrade. The method of making them results in a product with a smooth surface, and a uniform consistency all throughout.

It could also be made to look like real stone without any seams and no color variations. This material is strong and durable as any hard stone because the consistency is the same throughout the surface. You can have it custom-made according to your preference. Countertop sinks can be integrated to the surface therefore the structure will look like just one whole piece without any seams.

Types of Solid Surfaces
If you are thinking of having solid-surface countertops, you should consider the different types of solid surfaces. The differences lie mainly in the content of acrylic and polyester in the material. Some solid surfaces are purely acrylic, while some have higher polyester content. Basically, the higher the acrylic content of the solid surface, the more durable it will be. Solid surface consisting mostly of acrylic can have frosted or clear finish which can give fascinating effects when they are back-lighted.

Advantages of Solid-Surface Countertops
Some of the advantages you can enjoy in using this type of material are the following:
1) The price is very affordable - it costs only about $40 to $80 per square foot. This is truly lower compared to the prices of other solid stone surfaces.
2) Non-porous – being composed with uniform synthetic material, the surface has a density that is impervious to liquid and dirt.
3) Clean – since dirt and liquid cannot penetrate the surface, hygienic food preparation is possible.
4) Strong and durable – the synthetic material is uniform all throughout making all sections in the surface equal in strength.
5) Easy to repair – repairing accidental scratches is easy by just sanding them out.
6) Varied design choices – you can choose from the simplest to the most intricate design possible
7) Varied color choices – you also have a wide range of color choices, from the clearest to the darkest colors possible.
8) Easy integration – you can integrate countertop sinks to the surface making it look just like one piece of structure without any seams.
9) Easy cleaning and maintenance – being made of plastic, just wiping the surface with soft cloth dipped in mild soap will take off all kinds of stains. 

Disadvantages of Solid-Surface Countertops
1) Heat – since this is a synthetic material, it has low resistance to heat.
2) Difficult to make – solid surface countertops are difficult to fabricate and is best left with the professionals.
3) Discoloration – heat can also discolor the surface.

Main Benefits
The major benefit you can get from this type of countertop material is the hygienic food preparation. Bacteria and viruses cannot lodge in any section of the surface because it has no seams. They are also easily cleaned and wiped out by just using mild soap and soft cloth. Additional benefits such as ease of repair and flexibility in countertop design makes it a good alternative for those looking for affordable countertop alternatives.

Brands and Types
Some of the more popular brands of solid-surface countertops are the following:
– Earthstone – looks and feels just like a natural stone, very easy to maintain and repair and also very affordable.
– Staron – you have more than 50 choices of colors with this 100% acrylic material, with a wide variety of inlay and edge options.
– Corian – has more that 100 color choices, in matte-satin finish, high gloss finish or semi-gloss finish.
– Rembrandt – ideal for your kitchen and bathroom, the choices of color can be easily matched with your room’s existing colors.
– Gibraltar – stain resistant, heat resistant, and comes in different colors and very easy to repair.
– Ceasarstone – a man-made stone that is nice and shiny and cool to the touch. It is 5 times harder and 15 times stronger than granite.
– Meganite – an acrylic man-made stone that comes in 65 different colors. It also has a product line that can be bent by using heat. This is very attractive to those who would prefer flexible designs and shapes for their countertops.

There are many more types of this product in the market today. An online search will provide you with more choices of colors, classes and prices. You can also view these items on the websites of these suppliers and get a better grasp of how they can fit in your present kitchen or bathroom set-up.

Uses
Nowadays, you can see solid-surface countertops being used in the following places:
– Commercial establishments – such as store displays, walls, counters, etc.
– Homes – mostly in the kitchen, bathroom, vanity countertops and even bathtubs.
– Restaurants – such as reception tables, countertop bars, etc.
– Hospitals – in hospital sinks, laboratory countertops, etc.
– Public offices – such as meeting tables, facades, museum displays.
– Airports – countertops for ticket sales and check-in.

A countertop made of solid surface material is indeed a great alternative to the more expensive hard stones like granite. Aside from its affordability, and ease of maintenance, it offers more flexibility in design and application.