Solid Surface Characteristics Solid surface is a non-porous, renewable, low-maintenance countertop surface. A man-made product, it has the ability to mimic the appearance of stone, wood and other naturally occurring materials, yet can be joined nearly invisibly by a trained craftsman. Typically manufactured in sheet form for fabrication into finished countertops, solid surface can also be cast into a variety of shapes, including sinks, shower pans and even bathtubs. |
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An emerging market for solid surface is in commercial and industrial settings, where its non-porous characteristics, combined with exceptional durability, renew-ability and form-ability make it the material of choice for many designers and architects. Also appealing, is the wide range of colors and textures, as well as the ability to custom-color the material for large projects. Hospitals, in particular, employ massive amounts of solid surface for sinks, showers, nursing stations and wall cladding, because its seamless properties eliminate gaps and crevices that harbor harmful bacteria. |
Applications Kitchen/Bathroom: kitchen worktops with integrated sink, vanity countertop, bath tub etc. Hospitality/Catering: bars, tables, reception desks etc. Shop Fitting: displays, counters, wall cladding etc. Airports: check-in counters Public buildings: displays in museums, facades, meeting tables etc. Hospitals: laboratory countertops, decontamination sinks, endoscopy etc | |  In a residential setting, solid surface can be used with excellent results as kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops and shower and tub surrounds. Countertop professionals, known as “fabricators,” typically seam solid surface sheets into desired shapes using a two-part adhesive, after which the cured joint is machined perfectly flat. A major appeal of solid surface is its seamless nature. Solid surface sinks can be joined to the countertop surface with no gaps, which eliminates areas for water to collect and bacteria to grow. Integral backsplashes can also be created that follow the contours of the wall “seamlessly” and without gaps. Should the material become scratched or broken, solid surface can, in most cases, be repaired quickly by a trained fabricator to make the product look and perform “good as new.” Because solid surface is solid throughout, a countertop that has undergone years of wear and tear can be refinished to look as fresh and clean as the day it was installed. The installed product is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from matte to high-gloss, although most manufacturers recommend a matte or satin finish for ease of maintenance. 
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