Solid surface is an artificial material composed of marble dust, bauxite, acrylic or polyester resin, and pigments. The name solid surface comes from the fact that the material is solid throughout its thickness.
It is a non-porous, low-maintenance, durable and elegant surface. It comes in the form of sheets and various thicknesses that can be joined to have an invisible seam. It can be shaped, and if it breaks or scratches, it can be repaired by a trained fabricator in most cases.
It is available in hundreds of colors and visual textures. From solid colors to combinations that simulate the effect of marble, wood grain and granite. It can be finished to have a high gloss or matte finish depending on the application.
Solid surface is stain and mold resistant, antibacterial (because it’s nonporous, there’s nowhere for bacteria to hide), heat tolerant, and cold tolerant.
Solidsurface applications are varied; most people recognize that it is used for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. In domestic applications it is a good alternative to the more expensive marble countertops available. It is also easier to use. Which at home makes it worth the extra money over a traditional laminate countertop (like the Formica brand), as it can take a lot more abuse.
For those seeking the same type of look in other areas of their home, solid surface can be used on tables, mantels, hallways, window sills, etc. There are so many cool new ways to use this wonderful material in your everyday life.
Since then, it has become more popular in commercial and industrial settings, such as hospitals, offices, bars, museums, airports, etc. A small example of uses in these settings would be, bars, tables, reception desks, nursing stations, teller lines, checking desks, billing counters, facades, meeting tables, window sills and more. This is due to the fact that when non-porous characteristics are combined with durability, renewability and formability, it has become the material of choice for many designers and architects.
Recently, it is being used in more applications due to its durability and graceful elegance, such as nameplates, monuments, and signs. More and more people are inspired to find new possibilities.
Dozens of companies manufacture solid surface sheets for the commercial and local markets. Solid surface brands are: Avonite, Corian, Formica Solid Surface, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Wilsonart.
It is priced to compete with natural stone, quartz and marble, but with better qualities such as uniformity, repairability, durability, ease of care and maintenance, and design flexibility.