Q. How long will solid surface countertops last?

A. Solid surface countertops are made from a mixture of natural stone and man made synthetic polymers. This combination of durability should last the life of the kitchen. Most manufacturers offer a 10 year warranty, and some offer even longer warranties.

Q. Can solid surface countertops be repaired?

A. The brochures tell you that solid surface material can be sanded to remove blemishes. This is true, but only in cases of matte finishes. It is recommended that surface damage repairs be performed by specialists to ensure a consistent, professional look. Counter Solutions can bring your solid surface countertops back to looking brand new using our reconditioning program.

Q. Once my countertop has been repaired, will I see a scar?

A. The benefit of solid surface lies in the solid pattern all the way through the material. This benefit enables us to sand off an old layer to reveal brand new material. This is the secret to "invisible" surface repair. Most damage to solid surface can be repaired with an orbital sander. In the extreme case (burns, fractures or chips), the damage will be cut out and a "plug" of solid surface material will be glued back in and sanded, leaving no visible scar. Try that with Granite! This benefit is priceless as most damage to countertops occurs in visible, high traffic areas.

Q. How should I care for my Solid Surface Countertop?

A. Clean the surface regularly in much the same way that you would maintain any counter or working surface in your home. When your installation is completed, ask the installer for suggestions about caring for the surface. Be sure to read all the product information and instructions provided with your Solid Surface. Each manufacturer generally provides a care and maintenance guide with suggestions about your particular surface. By following their advice and instructions you will be sure to receive the maximum performance and benefits your Solid Surface has to offer.

Q. If it's so great, why do I need to care for it?

A. For all its strong points, Solid Surface has a few shortcomings as well. Like traditional materials, it is somewhat accepting of minor scratching and dulling. Most Solid Surface products have a deep rich glow. If desired, it can be buffed to a high shine. However, a high gloss shine shows scratches and is usually not recommended for high traffic areas such as a kitchen. The answer is to provide the customer with a "low luster shine," or matte finish, that is more forgiving. This is the level of finish recommended by the industry. Once fabricated, the surface is sanded to a medium shine and then buffed to a deep, rich, natural, low luster glow. Caring for your Solid Surface will help maintain that dry, clean natural look. If for some reason your surface does become damaged, keep in mind that repairs can be made with relative ease by a skilled craftsperson. In many cases, damage that you might consider as unrepairable, can in fact be repaired to a "like new" appearance. To learn more about surface finishes and which one is right for your application, please visit our "Finishes" section.

Q. Why build with Solid Surface?

A. There are many materials that can be used to construct a working surface for a kitchen or bathroom. From either a construction standpoint or the consumer's standpoint, each has its desirable qualities and some undesirable qualities. Solid Surface was developed as an answer to most of the undesirable qualities of these traditional materials. Below are the three strongest arguments as to why you should choose a solid surface material for your kitchen improvement project:

1.     Solid Surface emulates the best attributes of high-end traditional products. It also possesses the desirable attributes of expensive materials like quartz, marble and granite. It is very strong and durable. In contrast, it is far easier to care for and repair than marble or other stone surfaces. Best of all, Solid Surface is seamless. There are no grout lines, no edge seams and no cracks to catch dirt.

2.     Solid Surface has all the advantages of Laminates and ceramic tile. It is easy to clean, has a bright finish, and is stain resistant. It comes in a wider range of colors and textures that allow the average consumer the opportunity to have an out-of-the-ordinary kitchen, bath or bar.

3.     Solid Surface products can minimize the usual costly repairs. Most countertops when damaged and repaired, look repaired! Solid Surfaces can be plugged with an exact color/pattern match, sanded and repaired in a variety of ways that quite literally make the "fix" disappear. Try THAT with Granite!

The average customer will spend anywhere from two thousand to ten thousand dollars for an installation in their home. The final price depends on material choice, edge finishes and your kitchen's overall counter square footage. This sounds like a lot of money to spend on counters until you consider the alternatives. Stone surface is costly. Laminates, though inexpensive, has limited applications. Tile is uneven and often difficult to clean. All these surfaces can also be costly to repair and are much more difficult to keep looking new in the years ahead. This makes the seamless Solid Surface product a fantastic alternative. In short...it's a great value!