As far as kitchen countertops are concerned, Mr. McGuire in theThe Graduate had it right: "There's a great future in plastics." Not all plastics, of course—in general, we try to keep them out of the kitchen—but the durable, adaptable manufactured material commonly known as Corian is gaining traction. While natural materials (granite, marble, and wood) have ruled the roost in kitchens for many years, solid-surface countertops are increasingly the competition. Greater color choices, widespread availability, and a more affordable entry point than high-end stone are just some of the reasons to take another look.
Have you installed Corian or other solid-surface countertops in your own kitchen? Please share your experiences in the Comments section at the bottom.
Above: In a Victorian house in Stoke Newington, London, a white Corian countertop lightens the small kitchen. Photograph via JJ Locations.
What are solid-surface counters?
Solid surface is a manufactured material made from polymer resins mixed with minerals and colorants. It is durable, nontoxic, hygienic, non-allergenic, and Greenguard Indoor Air-Quality Certified. Most commonly manufactured in sheets (in thicknesses akin to standard countertops), solid surface is fabricated into countertops, cabinet fronts, and backsplashes.
In addition to being man-made and therefore abundantly available unlike natural stone, solid surface is:
- Nonporous, making it resistant to stains and easy to keep clean.
- Solid—hence its not exactly poetic moniker. There's no veneer or coating; no matter how you slice it, solid surface has the same composition and color throughout.
- Infinitely Repairable. It's scratchable, but thanks to its solidity, scuffs, dents, and burns can be sanded out.
- Seamless in appearance. Solid-surface countertop pieces can be tightly glued together then sanded so that the seams disappear.
- Fully Customizable. It can be carved, sanded, and heat-shaped to create, among other things, integrated drain boards, curved sink openings, and sinks themselves.
Above: In a kitchen by Blakes London, a member of the Remodelista Architect Directory, the designers used white solid surface for both the countertop and integrated sink. "The ability to have an integral sink in the same finish as the counter is an attractive feature in some of these manufactured surfaces," Jamie Blake says. To get this seamless look, customization isn't always required: Many solid-surface manufacturers stand ready with prefabricated sinks for order. Photograph courtesy of Blakes London.
Who makes solid-surface countertops?
As Levi's is to blue jeans, the brand Corian is to solid-surface countertops. Dupont created the material in the 1960s and held a patent for over 30 years. The expiration of Corian's patent enabled other manufacturers of solid-surface countertops to enter the market. These include LG Hi-Macs, Samsung's Staron, Hanex, Wilsonart, and Finnish-based Durat, which uses 30 percent postindustrial recycled plastics. (It should be noted that Corian's Terra Collection is made with 6 percent pre-consumer recycled content.)
What's the difference between the brands? The materials are actually nearly identical (Dupont's once secret recipe for Corian is now out in the world). The product pricing is similar, too, with some variations from installation requirements (see below). Color is the biggest differentiator between the brands.
What colors are available?
Solid-surface counters are available in hundreds of hues, ranging from a rainbow of solids (whites to brights) to metallics to stone patterns. These are all matte and can't be polished to a sheen. Corian alone offers a portfolio of 118 colors. Manufacturers offer samples (small tiles of the actual material in the same thickness as a standard counter) either to order on their websites or through installers or reps.
Whites
Above: Solid surface is one of the few countertop materials that you can get in perfect white—lending it particular currency in the pale kitchen trend of late. The white Corian countertop in this London Victorian has integrated sinks to give the small space a minimalist look. Photograph via JJ Locations.
Stone Patterns
Above L and R: Corian Rain Cloud mimics Carrara marble. Photographs via KCB Cabinets.
Like the natural stone look? Most solid-surface brands offer stone-like colors and are working to get them closer to the real thing. That said, patterned solid surface should come with a warning label: Installation may compromise the seamless look. When patterned pieces are joined together at a corner, it's not possible to have perfect pattern matching; the seam won't be visible, but a perpendicular pattern change will be noticeable.
"In most of these manufactured materials, the solid colors or uniform, granular patterns are more successful than the ones that try to mimic granites and marbles," says architect Robert Schultz. Architect Lauren Rubin agrees: "I like the solid surfaces but generally avoid the simulated stone. I'm a purist, if you want the look of stone, stay with stone."
Brights
Above: Unlike most other countertop material (except plastic laminate) solid surface is available in a wide range of eye-opening colors—including this orange from Durat in a kitchen by Pirkko-Liisa Topelius. Photograph courtesy of Durat.
Darks:
Above: Dark colors are available, but show scratches and nicks more than lighter hues. Helsinki-based Studio Koskinen Rantanen used dark gray Durat solid surface throughout this kitchen. Photograph courtesy of Durat.
Can solid-surface countertops be mixed with other materials?
Yes, its range of colors and adaptability makes solid surface a great partner for all kinds of other materials, including wood and stainless steel.
Above: Stainless steel appliances and a white solid-surface countertop and backsplash complement the wood cabinets in a Brooklyn kitchen by BWArchitects. See more at Artist Live/Work Space. Photograph via BWArchitects.
How is solid-surface countertop installed?
Solid surface is most commonly manufactured in sheets that are then fabricated into countertops. The process typically goes something like this:
- The installer does a "rough," a drawing of the space to create a price quote.
- Once the quote is accepted, the installer comes to the site to create a template of the countertop dimensions and details, including openings for cooktops, sinks, and any other customizations.
- The counter is fabricated offsite using premade sheets of the material. In the case of a simple galley countertop, the entire counter is created in a single piece. For kitchens with L-shaped corners, the countertop may be fabricated in two or three pieces and then connected onsite (see info above on seams). This typically takes four to five weeks.
- The counter is installed (usually in a day since the bulk of the work is done offsite). Solid surface is typically applied to a sub-base of plywood.
Above: In a renovated kitchen by architect Oliver Freundlich, the sink counter is Glacier White Corian that's .75-inch thick: "1.25-inch thick is standard. I went with .75 inch because it's thin and light and complements the scale of the kitchen," says Freundlich. See more at Rehab Diary: Cobble Hill Kitchen Makeover, Before and After. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.
Can solid surface be used for more than countertops?
In residential settings, solid surface is most commonly found as countertops, but thanks to its durability, strength, and adaptability its uses are expanding. These include integrated sinks, backsplashes, wall panels, cabinet fronts, tables, shelving, and even switch plates—and that's just in the kitchen. Solid surface is making inroads in other rooms, too, especially bathrooms, thanks to the fact that it's impervious to water.
Above: The vanity and tub in a bathroom at the Hotel Brosundet in Norway is made of white Durat. Photograph courtesy of Durat.
How much do solid-surface countertops cost?
Corian and its competitors are not inexpensive. Northwest-based Precision Countertops advises that a good rule of thumb for estimating the cost of a solid-surface counter is $45 to $68 per square foot installed. The variation in price is mostly dependent on the color selected (colors are typically grouped in different price bands).
Another factor effecting pricing is fabrication. Some manufacturers require that the final product be fabricated by approved/trained fabricators (meaning you can't track down your own, more affordable option). The upside, in the case of Corian, is that the product and installation are covered by a 10-year warranty.
Above: To help lighten a dark kitchen in An Amsterdam Loft for a Nomadic Family, a minimalist light gray, solid-surface countertop was introduced. Photograph by Irene Hoofs of Bloesem Living.
How do you clean and maintain solid surface countertops?
Unlike many natural countertop materials, solid surface is extremely low maintenance. It doesn't require sealants and for day-to-day use, soapy water is all that's recommended. If however, there's residue buildup, a product like Soft Scrub and a nonscratching scouring pad should do the trick.
As for ongoing maintenance, the number-one thing to avoid is putting hot cooking vessels directly on the counter—like Formica, solid surface is not heat resistant and can burn. The good news is that if an accident occurs, solid-surface countertops are repairable: chips, scratches, burns and any other visible damage can be filled and sanded.
Above: In artist Alison Watt's live/work studio space in Edinburgh, Scotland, a solid-surface counter with an integrated drainboard stands next to the sink. "Corian is seamless," project architect Helen Lucas explains, "and it can cope with brush washing and oil paint." Take a tour of Watt's space in A Georgian Townhouse in Edinburgh Remodeled for an Artist. Photograph by Angus Bremner.
Solid Surface Countertop Recap
Pros:
- Can always be repaired
- Nonporous, so won't stain
- Easy to clean
- Available in a wide range of colors, including pure white
- Seamless
- Available in varying thicknesses, including thinner profiles than most countertop materials without sacrificing strength and durability.
Cons:
- Not heat resistant
- Can scratch and dent
- Not a natural look
- Can't be polished to a shine
Researching new countertops? Read 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops. And for more specifics on the subject, see our Remodeling 101 posts:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Remodelista Kitchen Countertop Picks
- A Marble Countertop Lookalike, Minus the Maintenance
- Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertop
- Remodeling 101: Concrete Kitchen Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Soapstone Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Stainless Steel Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Marble Countertops
- The Intel on Black Marble Countertops.
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