What is a Synthetic Solid Surface?
Synthetic solid surfaces consist of a blend of natural materials and pure acrylic polymer, which creates a smooth and seamless surface. Solid surfaces can be used in an incredible variety of different ways such as: kitchen benchtops, vanity tops, custom built furniture, wall claddings (both internal and external), and even to create sinks, bath tubs, etc. Solid surfaces are warm to the touch and can be created in a huge variety of colours, textures, shapes and sizes.
Source: http://www.austaron.com.au
What are the benefits of Solid Surfaces?
Solid surface products provide the user with many great benefits: first of all, the product is incredibly hygienic as it is a non-porous material, being solid through its entire thickness. As such, it also does not require sealing however, it can be easy to scratch or mark it (depending on the type of colour you have chosen: certain colours show marks more than others). Solid surfaces are highly resistant and are easily repairable and renewable. Should your solid surface benchtop, for example, be scratched, marked or damaged, the product can easily be repaired on site without the need of replacing the entire benchtop. Should you decide on a solid surface benchtop in your home, it is always a smart idea to save any offcuts of the material; if your benchtop is damaged later on, it is easy for a professional to replace the damaged section with an offcut that will blend in seamlessly to the rest of your benchtop, thus saving you the trouble and the expense of replacing the entire top. Any joins in the benchtop are virtually invisible and as a result, solid surface materials are commonly used for counters in excess of 3000mm in length (as most benchtop materials are available in lengths of approximately 3000mm in length).
Source: http://www.durat.com
What sizes/edges are available in Solid Surfaces?
Most solid surface materials are available in sheet sizes of approximately 3660mm x 760 however, as the product is so easily and seamlessly bonded together, joins are virtually invisible. As well as being able to create any sort of edge profile you desire with solid surface materials, you can also mould it into any shape or create any texture you want. Custom made furniture, seamlessly integrated kitchen sinks or bathroom basins, integrated drainer boards, the possibilities are literally endless!
How do Solid Surface products compare in terms of pricing?
Solid surfaces can be rather expensive: they generally cost a little more than composite or natural stones in terms of benchtops; The costs start to add up when producing non-standard items such as integrated sinks, integrated drainer boards, etc. Custom made items such as bath tubs, vanity units, custom textures, etc. are also obviously an extra cost. In general, solid surface products fall in the higher end of the market.
Source: http://www.dupont.com
For further information on solid surface products, visit the following websites; each of these brands are available in Australia:
Have you used this type of product before? What are your thoughts?