Kitchen Solid Surface Countertop
Choosing solid surface countertops can be a good choice, and they are very popular mainly because of the wide selection of colors and durability. It has it's downsides though, such as melting from high heat, and their price. First Some Of The Advantages: - The color is solid throughout the thickness of the top. If you happen to scratch the top it can be sanded to remove them. Chips can also be sanded away.
- Solid surface sinks can be glued to the underside of the top to make a seamless transition. This is good because there are no little nooks and crannies to collect dirt and grime. Therefore, in my opinion, they're more sanitary.
- Any design can be made, no matter how complex, or large. Solid surface material is glued together with a resin and then sanded smooth to make the seam disappear. It is easily worked with normal tools and a skilled fabricator can make any design you could possibly think of.
- Colors are endless, because it's man-made. Colors are mixed and added to the material in very controlled amounts, and because of this the colors are very close if not perfectly matched. Staron has over 70 colors available. Staron is a Samsung company.
- Easily cleaned, soap and water is all that is needed. It's smooth surface facilitates cleaning and harsh abrasives should be avoided. The bright side is that harsh abrasives are not needed!
- If you are an experienced DIYer you can install these solid surface countertops yourself. Keep in mind this countertop is very expensive, and is not for the faint of heart to try.
Now Some Of The Disadvantages: - Easily scratched, it's very durable but easily scratched by sharp objects. As mentioned above, sanding is possible.
- Hot pans can melt the top. It's a form of plastic remember, and plastic melts. Trivets are cheap and easily found. But if you are like me, mistakes are common and the good thing is these tops are easily fixed by sanding.
- Professional fabrication is recommended. Not the average DIY project, and can be costly if mistakes are made. Professional installation can be the most expensive factor in this countertop installation. The more complex the design the more a professional should be hired to install it.
- Price, yes the price can be expensive. There is no doubt kitchen solid surface countertops are great but with it being in the same price range as some natural stones it's a tough decision.
- A way to keep the price down is to have a thinner layer of material applied to an MDF backer. This gives you the look of solid surface with out the cost of having it 3/4" thick.
In Summary Solid surface tops are a great option because of it's ability to make any design and size needed. The price is a definite downside but if you are dead set on a solid surface countertop you won't be disappointed.
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