Is Solid Surface a Wonder Material?

Here are pros and cons of the solid surface material that is practically taking over all spaces of the house

Pooja Khanna Tyagi15 June 2017

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

Solid surface is a contemporary material that imparts elegance and a high-end luxurious look to interiors. This material stands out because of its innovative design applications and flexibility in creating organic shapes that are almost impossible to achieve in other materials. The primary ingredients for solid surface are marble dust, bauxite, acrylic or polyester resins and pigments. It is mainly used as a substitute for wood or stone in countertops and is also used to fabricate customised sinks, bathtubs, jaalis and so on.

If you are looking for a contemporary interior finish for your home, here is all you need to know about solid-surface materials.

Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers

Pro: Durable

Solid surface is a long-lasting and durable solution that can last a lifetime. Unlike stone and wood, it does not require sealants as a protective top coat. Also, neither does it chip nor does it have unfinished ends. It has enhanced qualities: it has excellent colour stability, is weatherproof and resistant to moisture and pollution, which makes it suitable for the outdoors as well.

Tip: Opt for brands that provide a minimum warranty of 10 years.

Sebastian Greuner Photographie

Pro: Seamless joints

The best part about this material is that it gives a seamless finished look. The material is preferred for large spans of countertops because they seem to be fabricated from a single piece.

The seamless installation prevents liquids from getting absorbed and creates a watertight surface. This makes it highly suitable for fabricating sinks, bathtubs and countertops in bathrooms and kitchens that are exposed to moisture and humidity.

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Harvey Jones Kitchens

Pro: Stain-resistant

Solid surfaces do not have any pores; this prevents stains from penetrating the surface and also discourages any bacterial growth.

Tip: Routine cleaning includes a gentle wipe with a microfibre cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh cleaners as they might damage the surface.

Cadence Architects

Pro: Easy to maintain

The greatest advantage of solid surface is that the surface damage caused by scratches can be easily repaired with scrubbing or light sanding.

innovation

Pro: Is translucent and can be back-lit

One of the most exciting design features of solid surface is that it is also available in translucent sheets. When the translucent surface is back-lit the play of light in the material radiates a soft glow and brings depth. Back lighting can be accomplished through many options, ranging from conventional bulbs to LEDs, to create stunning effects.

In this example the image of a deity is etched on a solid-surface sheet. Just see how a dramatic image of the deity is created by being back-lit.

Cadence Architects

Pro: Flexible and available in multiple options

The beauty of solid surface lies in its flexibility: it can be customised into any shape when thermoformed. The process of thermoforming involves the use of heat to mould the solid surface into any basic or complex shape.

Solid surface offers many options in colours and finishes that can replicate wood, stone or granite in thicknesses ranging between 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch.

Also CNC machinery (computer-controlled machine tools) can be used to engrave various styles like raised textures, etchings, 3D images, customised jaali patterns and so on.

Elad Gonen

Con: Not resistant to heat and chemicals

The main drawback of solid surface is that the material is composed of resins which makes it highly sensitive to heat and chemicals. The surface has the tendency to get damaged, discoloured or crack when in contact with direct heat or chemicals.

Tip: As a precaution, use trivets for keeping hot vessels and do not place them directly on the solid-surface countertop.

Con: Vulnerable to scratches

Solid surfaces are prone to scratches but when sanded with sandpaper they can be repaired and the solid surface restored to its original condition.

Make it a point to use a chopping board when working in the kitchen and not to chop or cut directly on this surface.

Atelier BOOM TOWN

Con: Gives a plastic look

It is mainly composed of acrylic polymers, which give a satiny-smooth look. Some homeowners, though, could find its look artificial in comparison to natural materials like stone or wood.

Essentia Environments

Con: Expensive

The cost of the material and its installation is very high.

Read more:
Top Surfaces for Bathroom Countertops
Kitchen Planning: 9 Reasons That Make an Island Irresistible

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