Solid surface countertops, available in a wide range of colors and textures, are a great choice for homeowners seeking a product more durable than laminate – yet still affordable. Solid surface countertops also require less maintenance than other popular countertop choices, such as granite. Unlike natural or engineered stone, these surfaces are completely man-made from acrylics and resins that are formed to create a durable (and versatile!) material. Innovators like Corian and Wilsonart continue to push the boundaries of what the solid surface category can be, integrating color and texture seamlessly into countertop design.
The three main benefits of solid surface countertops are:
1. Seamless Design
Unlike laminate surfacing, solid surface is designed to be seamless. Through a process known as thermoforming, solid surface can be manipulated into a variety of shapes and sizes making it one of the most versatile options for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Most solid surface countertops can be designed to your specifications, including integrating solid surface sinks and backsplashes directly into the countertop design. Not only does this create a seamless visual appeal, but it also eliminates gaps, nooks, and crevices where water or food items can accumulate, causing bacteria to grow. The hygienic properties of solid surfaces carry great appeal for bathroom and kitchen countertops.
2. Fully Customizable and Affordable
Solid surface countertops are fully customizable; they are available in hundreds of colors and patterns and can be ordered in any size or shape. Ranging from smooth and polished to highly textured, this type of surface can be designed to suit your kitchen and bath design needs. Like laminate, solid surface can mimic any other surface, such as natural stone, engineered stone, or even concrete. For example, Corian® Solid Surface offers two veined options that look like Carrara marble (Carrara Lino and Carrara Crema), a surface with bold, pronounced veining called The Artista in ivory, gray, beige, and dust; and a Sparkling Granita with translucent and sparkling particles.
On average, solid surface countertops cost more than laminate, but they are comparable in price to granite, with a few added benefits. Unlike granite, solid surface does not need to be sealed and is considered a more durable and long-lasting option than laminate. You get the look you want with the added benefits of seamless construction and increased durability that solid surface countertops provide.
3. High Performance, High Beauty
Like many of its alternatives, including granite and quartz, solid surface is both impact- and stain-resistant. Because it is non-porous, it does not require annual resealing. Though it is not as hard as quartz, solid surface can stand up to most minor scrapes and scratches. For deeper damage (such as stains or scratches that can’t be buffed out by hand), a professional can simply sand the surface down to repair it to original condition.
It’s important to note, however, that unlike granite or quartz, solid surface is not heat resistant and you should always avoid direct contact with extreme heat to prevent scorching or burning of the countertop surface.
Brands and Alternatives
At Swartz Kitchens and Baths, we offer both Corian and Wilsonart solid surface countertops in a broad array of colors, patterns, and finishes. Still not sure about which kitchen or bath surfacing is right for your project? Contact Swartz Kitchens and Baths and we’ll help you schedule an initial meeting with a kitchen designer at any of our five convenient locations.
High-Quality and Versatile Design
The three main benefits of solid surface countertops are:
1. Seamless Design
Unlike laminate surfacing, solid surface is designed to be seamless. Through a process known as thermoforming, solid surface can be manipulated into a variety of shapes and sizes making it one of the most versatile options for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Most solid surface countertops can be designed to your specifications, including integrating solid surface sinks and backsplashes directly into the countertop design. Not only does this create a seamless visual appeal, but it also eliminates gaps, nooks, and crevices where water or food items can accumulate, causing bacteria to grow. The hygienic properties of solid surfaces carry great appeal for bathroom and kitchen countertops.
2. Fully Customizable and Affordable
Solid surface countertops are fully customizable; they are available in hundreds of colors and patterns and can be ordered in any size or shape. Ranging from smooth and polished to highly textured, this type of surface can be designed to suit your kitchen and bath design needs. Like laminate, solid surface can mimic any other surface, such as natural stone, engineered stone, or even concrete. For example, Corian® Solid Surface offers two veined options that look like Carrara marble (Carrara Lino and Carrara Crema), a surface with bold, pronounced veining called The Artista in ivory, gray, beige, and dust; and a Sparkling Granita with translucent and sparkling particles.
On average, solid surface countertops cost more than laminate, but they are comparable in price to granite, with a few added benefits. Unlike granite, solid surface does not need to be sealed and is considered a more durable and long-lasting option than laminate. You get the look you want with the added benefits of seamless construction and increased durability that solid surface countertops provide.
3. High Performance, High Beauty
Like many of its alternatives, including granite and quartz, solid surface is both impact- and stain-resistant. Because it is non-porous, it does not require annual resealing. Though it is not as hard as quartz, solid surface can stand up to most minor scrapes and scratches. For deeper damage (such as stains or scratches that can’t be buffed out by hand), a professional can simply sand the surface down to repair it to original condition.
It’s important to note, however, that unlike granite or quartz, solid surface is not heat resistant and you should always avoid direct contact with extreme heat to prevent scorching or burning of the countertop surface.
Brands and Alternatives
At Swartz Kitchens and Baths, we offer both Corian and Wilsonart solid surface countertops in a broad array of colors, patterns, and finishes. Still not sure about which kitchen or bath surfacing is right for your project? Contact Swartz Kitchens and Baths and we’ll help you schedule an initial meeting with a kitchen designer at any of our five convenient locations.