Solid surface is a great material for kitchen countertops, as it’s really beautiful and durable at the same time. Still, as a buyer, you might have some questions about solid surface countertops and why you should choose them over quartz kitchen countertops, which is another engineered stone countertop material. Here are the most frequently asked questions about solid surface countertops.

Are Solid Surface Countertops Durable?

If you’re looking for a material that’s going to last you a long time, along with being versatile and practical then solid surface countertops are the way to go. Solid surface countertops are very durable and they can last up to 70 years, without any problems, given that you maintain them properly.

They’re also great for use in the bathroom and other places where you need countertops because the aesthetics of this material are out of this world and you’ll be getting a great deal for the money you’re spending. Solid surface countertops are pretty up there with granite and quartz, and in some cases, they surpass the qualities of these natural and hard stones, so it’s worth a shot.

Do They Have Variety?

A stone that doesn’t have variety seems like a waste of money for most people. A lot of people love the idea of choosing their favorite colors, patterns, and designs from an array of options. While a lot of materials can be lacking in this department, you don’t need to worry about solid surface countertops.

There is a lot of variety available in this material and you are going to be tempted to buy every single color and pattern of this stone because it’s that mesmerizing and unique. There are pastel colors that are perfect for the minimalists out there.

If you’re someone who likes a touch of darkness in countertops, then a solid surface has you covered in that color scheme as well, and there are a lot of options for the neutral color-loving people out there as well. Needless to say, there’s something for everyone, as far as solid surface countertops are concerned.

Are Solid Surface Countertops Heat Resistant?

Solid surface countertops are not heat resistant. This might be one of the biggest drawbacks of this material, even though it’s quite durable. This material has no protection against heat and it can blister very easily, so that’s not a good thing at all.

If you’re investing in a material that’s going to be used in the kitchen, then you want to be able to get one that’s going to endure all of the environments in the kitchen, but sadly solid surface countertops will disappoint you in the temperature endurance department.

If you put hot pots and pans directly on the solid stone surface, then it’s going to lead to black stains that are going to be a nightmare to remove and you don’t want that. The only way to protect your countertops is to use trivets or a cutting board to provide a barrier between the countertop and the high heat.

Do Solid Surface Countertops Get Scratched Easily?

Yes, solid surface countertops can get scratched easily. This is also another thing that’s going to shave off some points because scratches are never pretty and they also deepen over time, and that can be unpleasant to look at. Not to mention, scratches can also lead to internal damage in the stone and that’s going to prematurely ruin your countertops and you won’t have any other choice but to replace them, once and for all.

Solid surface countertops can get scratched pretty easily by sharp knives and even pointy objects. So, as a preventative measure, it’s good that you don’t use extremely sharp knives directly on the surface of the countertop. Using it once or twice is fine but try to limit this habit and use plates or cutting boards instead. They’re going to save your countertops from major damage.

Are Solid Surface Countertops Expensive?

Solid surface countertops aren’t expensive, but they aren’t cheap either. They’re cheaper than natural stones like marble and granite countertops Rockville and also engineered stone countertops like quartz, but they’re not rock bottom by any means either. They’re a bit more expensive than laminate or concrete countertops.

Solid surface countertops have a price range of $85 to $125 and that’s pretty expensive, for a countertop, but they’re still very attainable and reasonable as compared to granite and quartz they are not only whopping in price, but demand a lot of maintenance as well. So, it’s better to choose solid surface countertops if you have the budget for them, because they’re going to give you your money’s worth.

Low Maintenance Or High Maintenance?

Speaking of maintenance, solid surface countertops are very low maintenance. This material is similar to quartz when it comes to maintenance and that’s a huge plus because a lot of people just can’t be bothered by maintaining a countertop material regularly.

Solid surface countertops don’t need special cleaners, they don’t require polishing or varnish, they also don’t need to be heavily maintained, on an annual basis either, and these qualities make this material a better choice for all of the busy bees out there who can’t seem to find the time to maintain kitchen countertops.

Are Solid Surface Countertops Waterproof?

Solid surface countertops are naturally non-porous and you know what that means. It doesn’t allow water or moisture to seep into the stone and it doesn’t damage it either.

These countertops have amazing resistance against water and even if water or some sort of liquid spills on the surface, the fluid will naturally bead up and all you have to do is wipe it away with a wet washcloth and call it a day. It’s really easy to maintain these countertops because they’re naturally waterproof, so there’s also no need to seal the surface.

Will Seams Be An Issue?

Another great thing about solid surface countertops is that there are no seams on the surface. Seams are a huge issue for people especially if they’re choosing expensive stones and installing them in their kitchen. Seams are those lines that show the installation marks and they’re not pretty at all. A countertop installation expert can minimize those.

A lot of the time, half of the installation time is wasted in trying to make the countertops look seamless, but with solid surface countertops, there’s no need to worry about these things, because they’re installed in a single slab and there is not even one seam, that will ruin the look of the countertops.

How To Clean Solid Surface Countertops?

Lastly, cleaning solid surface countertops is super easy too. You don’t need to go out and buy specialty cleaners for them, because you can easily get the job done with a mixture of liquid soap and lukewarm water.

You can use a simple washcloth or a microfiber cloth and drench it in the soapy mixture. This solution will clean the countertops perfectly daily and will also get rid of the stains and finger smudges on the surface. Cleaning countertops never sounded this easy and quick.

Conclusion

These questions will solidify your opinion on solid surface countertops and you can decide if you want to select them for your kitchen or not. Discuss more with a quartz countertops dealer Potomac for choosing the right engineered stone countertop.