What is a Solid Surface Worktop?
By Alex Winward
At its most simple definition, a 'solid surface' is one that is of identical colour and texture all the way through, so that if you for instance cut it into a cross section, the revealed surfaces would always be identical. It has come now really to refer to the synthetic stone that is increasingly becoming common place in our kitchens, bathrooms and anywhere in fact that needs a tough and easy to clean surface.
The first of these 'solid surfaces' were created by Dupont in 1967. Labelled 'Corian', it quickly drew admirers from the interior and kitchen design industry. Very hard, completely water proof and with some additional features (which I will get into in just a moment), that has made it a very hard to ignore choice for a variety of applications. It has also, of course, drawn the eye of rivals and there are now several 'flavours' of solid surface materials out there for kitchen designers (and indeed the public) to choose from. For instance Hi-Macs from LG, which has subtly different characteristics - when choosing a worktop it might be advisable to do some research as to the relative advantages of each material.
Essentially these solid surfaces are made up of a mineral, Aluminium tri-Hydrate, and small amounts of other pigments, texturisers and bonding polymers. Many of the Avonite Colours and the Hi-Macs Volcanic colours also contain Polyester to increase the depth of finish and transparency. It is the ratio of these different elements and the types of bonding resin used that gives each solid surface its own 'flavour'. It is really a synthetic stone, a completely man-made material, and that offers it some really interesting qualities.
For instance, the base mineral in conjunction with the bonding polymer is non-porous, it simply does not absorb water, and that makes it a great material for the kitchen and bathroom which are frequently damp environments, and where a very high level of cleanliness is desirable.
Also, because it is made chemically, it can be virtually any colour or pattern - and these colours have a very long life cycle. There is no reason to suggest that the identical colour will not be being manufactured in 30 years.
Another trick up its sleeve is that at very high temperatures it melts - enabling just about any shape to be moulded, which has drawn the interest of experimental interior designers drawn to the versatility, strength and durability of these materials. For instance, with Corian, you can even get slightly translucent 'flavours', for a very interesting and futuristic look.
My feeling is that we have hardly begun to tap the possibilities inherent in this material, and that it will most likely be come a much more common place material around our homes and offices, especially with the rising prices and falling availability of tropical hardwoods.
The author is webmaster at Worktop Concepts an established and successful firm selling Corian Worktops throughout the UK.
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