Views: 10 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-07 Origin: Site
Granite is prone to cracks and chips with use over time – and breaks are not uncommon.
Heat-resistant and stain-resistant, solid surface is designed to endure many years of use. After all, there are good reasons why it’s a material of choice for many commercial environments: It’s both stylish and easy to clean. Solid surface often plays a starring role in restaurant interior design, hotel industry trends and beyond.
Still not sure? Everform® Solid Surface comes with a ten-year guarantee and we have a few helpful tips for caring for your surface here.
Because Everform® Solid Surface is non-porous, it does not require sealing – unlike granite, which must be resealed regularly to prevent stains and bacteria growth. Granite maintenance is a drawback for many busy families who don’t have time to worry about resealing their kitchen countertops at least once a year.
Granite is rarely repairable. Whether it’s stains, chips or cracks, once damage is done to granite, the damage is generally done. Everform® Solid Surface can be renewed, as small knicks and scratches can easily be buffed out.
Due to its material nature, granite doesn’t allow for the modern, streamlined elegance of seamless integrated sinks. Learn more about solid surface and seamless integrated sinks.
Granite is a natural quarried material from mines. This allows the product to be unique, but that comes at a cost to the environment, such as consumption of natural resources and quarry waste.
Many solid surface colors feature decorative stone looks containing recycled content. And solid surface offers many design options that are both aesthetically pleasing and more affordable than granite.
solid surface countertop can be:
- Routed
- Shaped
- Sculpted
- Engraved
- Sandblasted
- Backlit
| Feature | Solid Surface | Quartz | Granite | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seamlessness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good) | ⭐ (Poor) |
| Repairability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) | ⭐ (Poor) | ⭐⭐ (Fair) | ⭐ (Poor) |
| Stain Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Good)* | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good) |
| Heat Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Good) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) | ⭐ (Poor) |
| Scratch Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good)** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) | ⭐⭐ (Fair) |
| Cost | Mid-Range | Mid to High | Mid to High | Budget |
*Granite requires sealing to maintain stain resistance.
***Scratches on solid surface can be easily sanded out.*
Heat Sensitivity: While repairable, it can be damaged by very hot pots and pans. Always use a trivet.
Susceptibility to Scratches: It is softer than quartz and stone, so it can be scratched by sharp knives or abrasive cleaners (though repairs are easy).
Not for Everyone: If you love the unique, bold veining of natural stone, the consistent pattern of solid surface might feel too uniform for your taste.
Kitchen Countertops & Integrated Sinks
Bathroom Vanities & Shower Walls
Healthcare Settings (Hospital nurse stations, lab counters)
Commercial Settings (Hotel reception desks, restaurant tables)
Vertical Applications (Wall cladding, backsplashes)
You should be using solid surface if your priorities are a seamless, hygienic, low-maintenance, and repairable surface with a modern, unified aesthetic. It’s the ultimate "practical luxury" material—offering incredible design flexibility without the anxiety of permanent damage.
It bridges the gap between the ultra-durability of quartz and the design limitations of laminate, making it a smart, beautiful, and long-term choice for a wide range of projects.
Q: What exactly is solid surface made of?
A: It's a man-made material typically composed of about 33% acrylic or polyester resins and 66% natural minerals (like alumina trihydrate). These components are mixed and heated to form a non-porous, homogenous sheet.
Q: Is Corian the same as solid surface?
A: Corian is a specific brand of solid surface, made by DuPont (now part of DuPont™ Surfaces). It's the most well-known name, much like Kleenex is for tissues. Other major brands include LG Hi-Macs, Wilsonart Solid Surface, and Swanstone.
Q: Where can solid surface be used?
A: Its versatility is a key strength. Common applications include:
Kitchen countertops and backsplashes
Integrated kitchen sinks
Bathroom vanities and shower surrounds
Commercial settings: reception desks, hotel counters, restaurant tables
Healthcare: lab countertops, nurse stations
Wall cladding and custom furniture.
Q: How durable is solid surface compared to granite or quartz?
A: It's durable but in a different way. It's more impact-resistant and less likely to chip than quartz or granite. However, it is softer and more susceptible to scratches. The key advantage is that while it can be damaged, it can be repaired easily, unlike its harder counterparts.
Q: Can I cut directly on my solid surface countertop?
A: It is not recommended. While minor scratches can be sanded out, using a cutting board will prevent deep scratches and protect your knives. Think of it as protecting the surface from unnecessary wear.
Q: How heat-resistant is it?
A: It has good heat resistance, but it is not completely heat-proof. A hot pot straight from the oven can cause thermal shock, potentially leading to cracking or discoloration. Always use a trivet or hot pad.
Q: How do I clean and maintain it?
A: It's incredibly easy. Daily cleaning requires only a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild liquid detergent. For disinfecting, a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol works well. Avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Q: Does it stain?
A: Due to its non-porous nature, it is highly stain-resistant against common household items like coffee, wine, and oil. Highly concentrated dyes (like permanent marker) can stain if left for a long time, but most can be cleaned off with a gentle abrasive cleaner.
Q: How are scratches repaired?
A: Minor scratches can often be removed by the homeowner using a Scotch-Brite® pad or fine-grit sandpaper (like 320 or 400 grit) following the manufacturer's instructions. Deeper scratches are best handled by a professional who can sand and buff the area to a like-new finish.
Q: What about burns or deep gouges?
A: This is where solid surface shines. A certified fabricator can repair significant damage. They will sand out the burn or fill a gouge with a matching solid surface paste, then sand and polish the entire area until the repair is completely invisible.
Q: How are the seams made to be invisible?
A: The seams are joined with a two-part adhesive that is the same color as the material. After the adhesive cures, the fabricator sands the entire seam area with a series of progressively finer abrasives, effectively blending the two pieces and the adhesive into one continuous, smooth surface.
Q: Is solid surface expensive?
A: It is generally considered a mid-range countertop material. It is typically more expensive than laminate but often less expensive than high-end quartz or natural stone. The cost can vary based on the brand, color, and complexity of the installation.
Q: Why does installation matter so much?
A: The benefits of solid surface—especially its seamless joins and repairability—are entirely dependent on proper fabrication and installation. This is not a DIY-friendly material. It requires specialized tools, adhesives, and techniques mastered by certified installers.
Q: Can I install an under-mount sink with solid surface?
A: Absolutely. However, the most iconic feature is the integrated sink, where the sink bowl is formed from the same piece of material as the countertop, leaving no seam at all.
Q: What are the design options?
A: The options are vast. You can find everything from pure, bright whites and bold solid colors to subtle patterns that mimic concrete, stone, or speckled terrazzo. New manufacturing techniques are constantly expanding the visual possibilities.
Q: It looks a bit "plastic" to me. Is that true?
A: This was a fair criticism of early solid surfaces. However, modern materials have a much more sophisticated and deep aesthetic. Many designs have a translucency and depth that closely resemble natural stone without the high maintenance. Requesting physical samples is the best way to judge.
Q: Can it be used outdoors?
A: Most manufacturers do not recommend it for full, unprotected outdoor use. Prolonged exposure to direct UV light can cause fading and weathering. Some brands offer specific grades for outdoor use, but it's essential to check with the manufacturer first.
