All You Need to Know about Solid Surface Countertops

Washington Marble Works is a family owned and operated business.

Solid surface, in comparison to other types of countertop materials, is a relatively new choice. It’s been around for about fifty years, and in that time it’s become a mainstay in kitchens and bathrooms all across the globe. It’s one of the most widely used and popular countertop choices in the world.

Solid surface is the choice for people who are looking for a dependable choice of middle-ground countertop material. It’s more affordable than natural stone, but it’s of higher quality than laminate, which puts it right in the sweet spot that many customers are searching for.

What people also love about solid surface is the fact that it’s possible to resurface it using an orbital sander if it should get damaged by scratching. Since it’s a synthetic material, minor blemishes are easy to fix on your own.

And while solid surface isn’t a mirror image of natural stone, it can get pretty close to copying the look. At the very least, it can get closer to the look of natural stone than laminate can.

Solid Surface—What Does It Mean?

Solid surface began with Corian by DuPont. They wanted to create something that had the look of natural stone but without the porousness that lend the stone to cracking or breaking. So, the concept of solid surface was born.

It’s called “solid” surface because it has a stable base—unlike laminate, which tends to be bouncier because it’s made from medium-density fiberboard. Solid surface is stable throughout—no matter how deep you cut, you’re going to find consistency in the material.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface is made up of sturdy acrylics, and the most popular brands are Corian and Swanstone. They’re extremely versatile, offering many different looks and many different colors to suit any type of kitchen or bathroom.

Solid surface is an extremely hard and durable material, which makes it a great choice for busy kitchens and bathrooms. People love the choices that solid surface provides; there are over a hundred different colors to choose from, along with a myriad of patterns.

While solid surface isn’t quite as resistant to heat as natural or engineered stone, you can keep them safe by exercising a bit of caution when handling hot things. A potholder or a trivet can go a long way with solid surface!

Solid surface is hardy and nonporous, meaning that it’s very easy to clean and maintain. You don’t have to worry about any special cleaners or chemicals, and you won’t have to worry about germs and bacteria soaking into your countertop either. If you want something that can handle messes and their cleanup as well, solid surface is the way to go.

If you have a busy family who’s always coming and going and using the kitchen and bathroom as they’re supposed to be used, the last thing you want to do is worry about your countertop. You’ve got plenty of other things on your mind. In order to free up some brain space and trust that your countertop can handle whatever life throws at it, choose solid surface.

Pros and Cons

Just like with any material, there are positive and negative aspects of solid surface. With the goal of being completely transparent about this material, we’ve listed those pros and cons here.

Pros:

– Solid surface is a nonporous material, unlike natural stone. It does not ever need to be sealed or resealed. As we stated, it keeps germs out, prevents liquid/stain damage, and makes for a lot less hassle.

– Solid surface is a homogeneous material, meaning it’s one material throughout the entire slab. This gives solid surface its look of consistency—something that laminate doesn’t have (because laminate is multi-layered).

– Solid surface is easily repairable; scratches can be buffed out with a sander by either yourself or a contractor.

– They’re affordable. They’re not cheap per se, but they do cost less than natural stone countertops.

Cons:

– While the scratches can be sanded away, solid surface countertops are somewhat easy to scratch.

– They are not heat resistant to the same level that natural stone countertops are.

Your Solid Surface

Solid surface is a choice that, for many homeowners, is smart for both their lifestyle and their budget. It doesn’t have many of the limitations that other countertops have—it’s a smooth, nonporous, and easy-to-clean material that will last in your family for a long time. It’s not prone to cracking, and it doesn’t chip as laminate does.

It’s a great choice for all types of kitchens and bathrooms because it’s safe, durable, and attractive. If you want to learn more about solid surface or you’d like a consultation, give Washington Marble Works a call at (253) 466-7497.

How We Install Your Countertops in Sumner, WA

Our process starts with an in-home consultation to discuss your kitchen design. Once we know what you’re looking for, we’ll take a template of your current counters, and you’ll get the chance to personally select the stone that we’ll use for the project.

Every countertop from Washington Marble Works is custom made by a professional stone fabricator. We’ll use the latest masonry technology to get clear lines and smooth bevels. And since we know how beautiful natural stone is, we’ll cut every piece to show off its pattern in the best possible light.

Our installation team is skillful and professional. After your counters have been created, we’ll personally deliver them to your home and install them in your kitchen. If changes need to be made, we’ll complete them on-site – making sure your appointment day is never wasted.

The team at Washington Marble Works is excited to fabricate and install your next set of natural stone counters. Whether you live in Sumner or another part of Washington, contact us to learn more about the services we provide.

Sumner Service Area Location