Countertop materials are available in many popular varieties such as granite, quartz, wood, marble, and other. Moreover, solid surface countertops are also popular. Here is everything you need to know about solid surface countertops and whether they are worth buying as a countertop replacement or not.
Pros Of Solid Surface Countertops
They Are Non-Porous
Solid surface countertops are great when it comes to being naturally waterproof. They are made with highly compact materials and the whole composition is packed in a slab and it is almost impossible for any type of liquid to seep into the surface of the countertop. It is a great material that is naturally waterproof so you don’t need to deal with the hassle of getting it sealed or having to clean it all the time because of water spills. You will love the results of this countertop, especially where water is concerned.
They Are Stain-Resistant
Being non-porous, solid surface countertops are also stain-resistant. Stains can occur when some food or other component seeps deep into the surface of the countertop and the result is a stain on top of the surface. This can be a huge problem, especially with light-colored countertops.
Stains can be very obvious, but you will be happy to know that with solid surface countertops, there is no such thing that you need to worry about. You can easily clean off any spills without the fear of the food leaving nasty stains behind.
They Are Durable
Solid surface countertops are also very strong. If they are maintained properly, then they can last for as long as granite countertops. They are certainly a great choice for people who want something which is not as pricey as granite but has the same strength as any other natural stone countertop. They are resistant to impacts and force and you can do just about anything on these countertops.
A normal solid surface countertop will last you a good 15 to 20 years, which is a lot and enough for any kitchen. So, the next time you are remodeling your kitchen and want some ideas for countertop materials, keep a solid surface in mind.
Cons Of Solid Surface Countertops
Strong Chemicals Are A No-No
Solid surface countertops have a high affinity to chemicals. They can react strongly with acids and other chemicals. This can be a huge problem especially if you are used to cleaning countertops with a chemical-based cleaner. You will be ruining your countertops and the material will disintegrate in no time. It’s best to keep chemicals at bay from these countertops. You can use a simple water and soap solution to clean the countertops and it will do the trick just as great. Keep an eye out for cleaners that have harsh chemicals in them.
Not Heat-Resistant
One of the biggest drawbacks of solid surface countertops is that it is not resistant to heat. It is highly sensitive to heat and heat is the main reason why these countertops never last as long in normal households. Heat can crack and damage the surface of the countertop and it can really make the countertop look unappealing. Black spots and marks are very common with heat on these countertops and they can be very hard to clean. In order to avoid this, try to use trivets or a cutting board to handle the hot pots and pans.
Can Be Scratched Easily
Another major drawback of solid surface countertops is that they can get scratches on the top very easily. It is a hard material but it can be scratched with a sharp thing like a knife or any other pointed edge material very easily. These scratches can be hard to get filled, especially if your countertop is darker in color.
Scratches never look good and the deeper the scratches are, the more damaged the stone can get since fluids have easy access to penetrate deeper into the stone. It’s better to not purposely scratch the countertop.
Conclusion
There you have it! Solid surface countertops are a great option if you are looking for something which is the perfect liaison between a natural stone like granite countertops and a manmade material like quartz countertops NC.
