Solid surface countertops have been around for more than 25 years. And it’s a milestone that solid surface countertops certainly deserve. While some Countertop innovations are, in my opinion, fads and trends that will disappear before time (ie, concrete), against the solid surface is a true pillar of the modern kitchen.
The problems of not having a solid surface Countertop
Cooks have long been trying to find the perfect Countertop material. At one time, wood or butcher block were in favor of materials, but a problem with wood is that it is porous. Ceramic tile has hated both the grout lines that make it impossible to implement much of the mass walk. Even the popular granite and marble options are not perfect: they are expensive, prone to cracking, and it can even be damaged by hot pans.
Beyond the Formica and Laminates
Laminate flooring, a nearly 100-year-old material, came to the fore in the 1960s as the premium surface for countertops. Mainly known as the Formica brand (Wilsonart is also a major manufacturer), is a minimally heat-resistant laminate “sandwich” of fabric or paper impregnated with melamine resin. Designs and colors are no longer limited to the imagination, and completely smooth surfaces are now possible. However, the downside of laminate is that the chips easily, burns hot under pans, and the core material (usually the composition of wood) is not very strong.
Solid surface brands
Popular brands of solid surface Countertop materials include:
Corian
Silestone
Avonite
Shirestone
Gibraltar
Earthstone
Staron
Mystery
What is the solid surface Countertop?
Reichhold, a supplier of resins for the solid surface Countertop industry, indicates that there are a number of qualities, including
Non-porous - keeps bacteria away, building a cleaner, more sanitary Countertop.
Strong - unlike laminate, plastic goes all the way through, and therefore better resist the impact.
Skates can be out of sand - for now, the biggest advantage of the solid surface material Countertop.
Wide range of possible designs.
Wide range of colors possible - infinitely “dye-able”
A disadvantage of solid surfaces is that they are difficult if not impossible, for the do-it-yourself home remodelers to be produced. However, we must add that almost all materials kitchen Countertop, with the exception of wood, are difficult to manufacture without special tools and experience.