You’ve probably heard a lot about the different natural stone countertop materials available, like marble, travertine, and granite countertops. These are easy to understand – natural materials taken from the ground and processed into attractive stone countertops. And most people are also familiar with more budget options like laminate.
But then there’s a curveball thrown in there – solid surface countertops. This is another popular material for bathroom and kitchen countertops, but the vague name often has people confused about what it is and whether or not it’s a good choice for their home. Let’s look into what solid surface countertops are along with its pros and cons.
What does solid surface mean?
Solid surface was introduced as somewhat of a compromise between natural stone and laminate. Made to resemble natural stone as closely as possible, solid surface is a harder and more stable product than laminate and is without the porosity of natural stone. It is a synthetic material made from plastic resins, such as polyester, acrylic, or epoxy. It also contains pigments to form the different colors and styles of the material, and may also contain dust from natural stones and minerals such as marble.
The pros of solid surface countertops
As the name suggests, this material is solid, making it a fairly durable option for your countertops. The solid nature also refers to the fact that a slab of this material is the same throughout, rather than being made up of different material layers like laminate. The benefit of this is that you can refinish your countertops and sand out chips or scratches without affecting the appearance of the surface.
A benefit of solid surface over natural stone is that it is non-porous. This means that spilled liquids won’t soak into the surface and cause stains or etches. Its non-porous nature also makes it a hygienic surface for preparing food on as it won’t absorb bacteria, making it easy to clean.
The cons of solid surface countertops
Solid surface is a common compromise for people looking for a more affordable option than natural stone countertops. However, the difference in price is often negligible, with Home Advisor putting the average costs of granite and solid surface countertops at almost identical levels. And although solid surface does a good job at imitating stones like granite and quartz, you can tell the difference when you are close to the surface. It is also less tough and durable than stone, making it easier to scratch or dent.
Whether you’re looking for solid surface or natural stone, Amanzi can help you design the kitchen or bathroom countertops of your dreams. Get in touch for our design or installation services in Kernersville, Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point.
