When you hear someone mention solid surface countertops for the first time, you may think the term is odd…because, well, isn’t every countertop surface supposed to be pretty solid?  Good point - but if you hear someone referring to solid surface countertops, they aren’t referring to granite, quartz, or any other natural countertop material (unless they’re mistaken).  Solid surface is a breed of its own. 

So what is it?  Solid surface is a man-made material that is usually comprised of a mixture of acrylic or polyester resins, marble dust, bauxite and pigments. Some of these popular manufacturer names may sound familiar to you: Corian, Staron and Hi-macs. 

What’s the upside?

Solid surface is extremely versatile since it can be formed into virtually any shape and size, but it has become a popular countertop material for many other reasons as well. 

It’s seamless: One thing this material can do that natural stone tops can’t always do is provide a seamless end product. That means countertops are seam-free, and homeowners also have the option to include integrated sinks, and continue the solid surface up the walls as an integrated backsplash, which is commonly seen in bathrooms. 

Low maintenance: No need to seal or scrub these tops, because solid surface is non-porous.  This means there’s nowhere for bacteria to easily hide or for stains to get trapped.  Simply clean them with mild soap and water, and wipe them dry.

Versatile style – Where other materials are limited, these tops excel.  You can achieve a limitless palate of colors and textures with solid surface.  If you want cherry red or vibrant green, they are achievable; as are patterns that mimic natural stone. 

And the downside?

While the positives are plentiful, solid surface isn’t exactly perfect…but luckily, its downsides can easily be worked with:

It isn’t indestructible: Solid surface countertops are heat resistant and scratch resistant…but the key word here is “resistant.”  If you set a hot pot or pan on the surface for too long, it can discolor – and if you use it as a cutting board…prepare to be buffing scratches. 

The positive side of this negative is that stains and scratches can be sanded out relatively easily.

The cost: As with all countertop materials, the cost of solid surface tops ranges widely, but can be generally thought of as expensive, for not being natural stone.  Prices can be comparable to quartz tops and also some low to mid grade granite.

All in all, these tops can achieve the look you’re going for, and they’re a great hygienic option for your kitchen.  If you’re interested in learning more about using solid surface to top your Chicago area kitchen or bathroom cabinets, contact our team of experts at Brakur.