We all desire a beautiful and functional countertop for our kitchen, and natural stone is undeniably attractive. However, the maintenance required to keep it in good condition can be overwhelming for some, and the price tag is not always affordable. This is where solid surface countertops come in as an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They are easy to maintain and provide a great look at a reasonable price.
Solid Surface Countertops
Image Credit: R&D Marble
Solid surface is a synthetic material made from a composite of polymers, such as acrylic and polyester. It is durable and less expensive than natural stone, and it combines the best properties needed for a kitchen environment. Bauxite, minerals, and dyes are used to add color to the material.
When done well, the resulting product is nearly indistinguishable from the natural material it's trying to mimic. Since its introduction to the market as DuPont Corian, solid surfaces have quickly gained popularity and can now be found adorning backsplashes, waterfall edges, and floating counters in a wide range of settings from homes to hospitals.
The reason for its popularity is because solid surfaces are extremely practical.
Solid Surface Countertops – A Fuss-Free and Practical Choice.
Solid surfaces are specially designed to meet the most common requirements in the kitchen. Since the kitchen is where you prepare food daily, a countertop should be easy to clean and hygienic, and solid surfaces excel in these aspects. So, what makes solid surfaces easy to maintain?
1. Stains Begone
Solid surface countertops are an excellent choice for your kitchen, as they are non-porous and can't be stained easily. They are not prone to soaking up oil, food pigments, or any other stain, provided the surface isn't scratched or damaged. They are ideal for use in sinks or areas where water might be present. However, it's best to clean up any puddles of water promptly, as they can leave unsightly water marks if left unattended for too long.
2. Requires Little Maintenance. Sealing
Solid surfaces are a great choice if you want to avoid the hassle of sealing and resealing. Sealing is the application of a protective coating, usually a special polymer, that fills the pores and gaps of a surface material. It is absolutely necessary for porous materials like natural stone, if you want to prevent stains. These materials also require periodic resealing to maintain their protective coat. However, with solid surfaces, you never need to worry about sealing or resealing. Polyester solid surfaces may require occasional polishing, but even without it, they won't stain.
3. Easy Repairs – Hey, Presto!
Solid surface countertops are prone to scratches and other types of damage. However, repairing this damage is surprisingly easy and the results are remarkable. This is because the material used to make solid surface countertops is homogeneous throughout, so sanding down the surface won't reveal any inconsistencies.
The uniformity in color and design also makes it easier to match a replacement part with the original piece, and the seams become almost invisible after joining.
4. Hard Knocks? No Problem!
Unlike hard stones, which are rigid and brittle, solid surfaces are flexible and, therefore, have better flexural strength. At the same thickness, the soft, elastic polymer composite will absorb shocks and knocks better than a hard material without cracking or chipping.
This will eliminate any worries you might have about accidentally dropping something heavy onto it, or if your less informed brother-in-law decides to climb onto it to reach that bag of chips you were trying to keep hidden from him.
5. Effortless Hygiene.
A non-porous material means that solid surfaces are much easier to clean. Most of the time, a wet cloth and some soapy water will suffice. But more importantly, a non-porous material will not snag dangerous bacteria which can be a real health concern. There's a reason why solid surfaces are popular with hospitals.
