Beginners Guide to Solid Surface
Solid Surface countertops have been a popular countertop choice for many through the years and is where a lot of countertop buyers naturally end up after carefully considering its high and low points compared to other materials. Our Solid Surface countertop guide will give you the basics you need to know if you are considering Solid Surface for your next project.
What is Solid Surface?
If you are wanting a seamless look when it comes to your countertop, solid surface may be the perfect material choice for you! Solid surface was designed to somewhat resemble natural stone, but unlike natural stone, solid surface is nonporous. This nonporous characteristic minimizes the chances of stains or bacteria growth damaging your countertops. Solid surface countertops consist of minerals mixed with plastic resigns and pigments. This material is known to be easy to fabricate and for it’s homogeneous look. There are two types of Solid Surface countertops, acrylic and polyester. Polyesters tend to come in more vibrant colors than acrylics. Acrylics are great if you need to do any fancy fabrication work, like thermoforming.
Pros and Cons of Solid Surface
PROS
- Easy to Repair: You do run the risk of scratching your solid surface countertops if you cut on it, so we always recommend using a cutting board. But with a sander and fine grain sandpaper, it is very easy to sand down scratches and have your countertop in tip-top shape.
- Nonporous: Solid surface’s extremely low porosity keeps bacteria and stains away, promoting a cleaner and more sanitary countertop.
- Seamless look: This surface goes all the way through, from top to bottom. As a result, it visually fares better after impact than a multi-layered product like laminate.
CONS
- Scratches: As we said before, you do run the risk of leaving scratches on your countertops if you cut directly on top, but with a cutting board easily at hand, you can avoid this issue.
- Heat: Solid surface can withstand temperatures up to 212 F, but setting dishes above that temperature directly on your surface can lead to deformation. Avoid this by setting your hot dishes on trivets, to protect your countertop from heat damage.
Solid Surface Brands We Carry
So with this guide, we hope you were able to learn a little more about Solid Surface countertops. If you are looking for a kitchen or bathroom countertop that looks great, is affordable and comes in various color options Solid Surface could be the countertop you have been searching for. If you would like to learn more about Solid Surface countertops, visit or contact us today! Be sure to continue following along on our blog for information on countertops, current trends and more.