Pros and Cons of Solid Surface Countertops

What are Solid Surface Countertops?

Simply put, when we refer to solid surface countertops, we are talking about a man-made countertop made of man-made components. This means it’s made of plastics, acrylic, or polyester resin. In contrast, just to explain why we say it’s man-made, quartz countertops are also man-made countertops, but they’re made of natural quartz that is combined with resins to create the surface. A solid surface means it’s completely man-made.

These countertops can have a striking or subtle look. They can be brightly colored or they can blend in nicely. So, what are the advantages of purchasing this type of countertop? What are the disadvantages? Is this the kind of countertop you need? What about granite or quartz? How do these compare?

Pros of Solid Surface

There are many advantages to installing a solid surface countertop. Here are the important positives to consider:

• Durability: Solid Surface countertops are very durable. They are impact-resistant, and they are very solid.
• Non-porous: Because of how these countertops are crafted, they are considered non-porous. That means they will not absorb bacteria and will be resistant to other germs and stains.
• Seamless: Granite and/or marble that have seams on the joints, there is no seam in custom-fit solid surface countertops. This creates a very smooth line and looks to your kitchen or bathroom.
• Easily Repaired: Solid surface countertops are very easy to repair if they do get damaged.
• A Simple Cleaning Process: All it takes to clean solid surface countertops is a light household cleaner and a rag or a paper towel.
• Vast Selection: Virtually every style and color is available in solid surface countertops because they are manufactured and not a natural surface. That can be very appealing when you have a specific design concept in mind.

Cons of Solid Surface Countertops

Although the pros of solid surface countertops may make this choice seem appealing, there are also a few disadvantages you may want to consider before pulling the trigger on solid surface countertops:

• Not Heat Resistant: Solid surface countertops are not resistant to heat. Putting a hot dish or pan on a solid surface countertop may mean a stain, a burn, or even a crack in your beautiful custom countertop.
• Not Stain Resistant: Although you may have many options of colors or styles to choose from, solid surface countertops stain easily and this could be a real problem if you have children or even if you ever use a food dye, marker, or even put a package with colorful wrapping on the counter.
• Highly Susceptible to Scratches or Chemical Damage: The overall theme of this type of countertop is that it’s just not as durable as other countertops. There are many other materials to choose from that are more durable than solid surface.

Call Signature Marble and Granite

Comparing different materials for countertops, it’s important to figure out which best fits your lifestyle. One major advantage to solid surface countertops is that the price can be a little lower than the natural material countertops. But is the slight price reduction worth the risk of stains, burns, and cracks? Make sure you consider all the pros and cons before making your selection. When in doubt contact the experts.