Why You Should Choose Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are a manmade material constructed from bauxite

, which is an aluminum ore, and a plastic resin combined with pigments. The components are brought into a mold and then cured with heat and chemicals into a solid sheet of stone. The final sheet is a quarter of an inch thick and can be layered upon itself to fit into any space and to create edges.

The resulting countertop material is a non-porous surface that is highly resistant to moisture, mildew, stains, and bacteria, so much so as to be usable even in hospitals. The colors and pigments added to the material allow the final product to take on the appearance of any type of natural stone as well as a full range of colors to satisfy any interior decorator.

Overall, solid surface countertops are a durable material, being resistant to heat and scratches. They are used not only in home applications such as the kitchen or bathroom, but also in public buildings from hospitals to bars and restaurants. The surfaces themselves are glued together in pieces to create a seamless transition between countertops, sinks, and backsplashes. This enhances the look of the final product, but also helps prevent water damage and bacteria growth that can occur between stone slab pieces.

Solid surface countertops are made by a number of different manufacturers who all offer slightly different formulations as well as colors and designs. The two most commonly used brands are Corian made by DuPont and Hi Macs manufactured by LG. Let's take a look at how they compare and differ.

DuPont's Corian

DuPont's Corian countertop material is a propriety formula that combines their pigment specialty to offer over 130 different colors and designs. The finished slabs are also certified by the American National Standard Institute for food contact, meaning the surfaces are guaranteed and verified to be resistant to bacteria. DuPont boasts a 96% customer satisfaction rating and a 10-year warranty on Corian and its installation.

LG's Hi Macs

LG's brand of solid surface material is called Hi Macs. This engineered surface is cured a second time at 320 degrees in order to increase the material's heat resistance. This is especially useful in a kitchen setting in case a hot pot or pan is placed directly onto the countertop. LG offers a 15-year warranty on their Hi Macs product.

All solid surface materials come at a very reasonable cost as compared to natural stone and granite alternatives. If one of the products is damaged, the slabs can be repaired in place rather than having to rip them out and use another slab as in the case of a stone countertop. All of these reasons come together to offer an impressive and beautiful product with a long lifetime. It is no wonder why more homeowners and public buildings are incorporating this material into their designs.

Whether you choose Corian for its certified standards or LG for its heat resistance and longer warranty, you can't lose with these countertops.

by: Christine Harrell

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