Views: 10 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-19 Origin: Site
Solid surface countertops and quartz countertops can have similar appearances, but there are a number of differences between them.
Those differences are important to know when choosing which material is best for your laboratory workspace.
Solid surface countertops and quartz countertops are both man-made. However, when it comes to solid surface vs. quartz countertops, their compositions differ.
Solid surface countertops are made from a non-porous, homogeneous material that maintains the same composition throughout the countertop. Solid surface is similar to plastic in that it is often made from acrylic or polyester resins and features a filler material.
The make-up of solid surface material is around 66% minerals and 33% binding resins. Resin materials can vary from acrylic to polyester and plastic. The mineral portion of the mixture depends on the desired final look and may include minerals like marble and granite. The mineral portion also typically includes aluminum trihydrate, which is a fine white powder that is responsible for the smooth appearance that solid surface counters feature.
This mixture chemically cures and is heated to 140 degrees F or more to form a solid material that can be customized to a specific size and shape.
Quartz countertops are made of about 93% natural quartz stone. The quartz crystals are ground into dust and then fused with resin binders. This
process is done under intense heat and pressure, which then forms a solid slab.
Also called “engineered stone countertops,” quartz can be made using a variety of pigments, which allow manufacturers to customize appearances and patterns.
Quartz is an engineered stone made of ~90% crushed natural quartz and ~10% polymer resins. It's incredibly hard and non-porous.
Solid Surface (e.g., Corian, LG Hi-Macs) is an acrylic or polyester-based material. It's a homogeneous, thermoformable plastic blend. It's softer but famously repairable.
| Feature | Solid Surface (e.g., Corian) | Quartz (e.g., Cambria, Silestone) |
|---|---|---|
| Material & Look | Acrylic/Polyester blend. Can mimic stone, concrete, or have subtle patterns. Seamless appearance is a hallmark. | ~90% ground quartz + resin. Offers vibrant, consistent patterns that closely mimic natural stone (like marble) or bold, uniform colors. |
| Durability | Good, but softer. More prone to scratches and heat | Excellent hardness & scratch resistance. Highly resistant to chipping and scratching. Not heat-proof – extreme heat can crack or discolor the resin. Thermal shock is a risk. |
| Stain Resistance | Non-porous and highly stain-resistant. However, harsh chemicals (like strong acids or acetone) can damage the surface. | Superior non-porousness. Virtually impervious to staining from coffee, wine, oil, etc. No sealing required. Highly chemical resistant. |
| Maintenance | Very easy. Clean with soap and water. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals. Scratches can be DIY repaired. | Extremely easy. Wipe and go. No sealing ever needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners to maintain polish. Damage is very hard to repair. |
| Seams | Nearly invisible. Material can be seamlessly joined with adhesive and the seam sanded away, creating a monolithic look. | Visible, but can be minimized. Seams are joined with color-matched epoxy. They will always be faintly visible, especially on busy patterns. |
| Installation | Requires professional fabrication. Its thermoforming ability allows for integrated sinks, curved edges, and backslashes. | Requires professional fabrication (special tools for hard stone). Integrated sinks are less common but possible. |
| Cost | Mid to High Range. Generally less expensive than high-end quartz or natural stone, but more than laminate. | Premium. Comparable to or slightly higher than granite. Price varies by brand and design complexity. |
| Eco-Friendliness | Contains plastics (acrylic). Some brands use recycled content. Off-gassing is minimal after installation. | Uses abundant natural quartz. Manufacturing is energy-intensive. Some brands use recycled materials. |
| Best For | Seamless design, repairability, and integrated features. Home cooks who want a forgiving, fixable surface. Contemporary styles. | Ultimate durability & stain resistance in high-traffic areas. Busy kitchens, rental properties, and anyone who loves the look of stone without maintenance. |
The ultimate answer of which is better for your lab, solid surface or quartz countertops, lies with your laboratory’s needs and specifications.
Both quartz and solid surface countertops offer stunning looks and high levels of durability thanks to their moisture resistant features. Solid surface countertops provide a seamless look and can be easily molded to fit a sink, backsplash and other custom features. Quartz countertops tend to hold up better to heat and scratches.
It’s possible that neither choice is the best option for your lab, especially if you regularly work with chemicals and harsh abrasives. In this case, you may want to consider other countertop options such as phenolic resin or epoxy resin countertops.
To learn more about your options, our article, Top 5 Materials To Consider For Your Lab Countertops,
offers some of the advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives so you choose the best material for your lab’s current and future needs.
