On This Page:

1. Average Solid Surface Counter Prices
2. Installation Considerations
3. Popular Solid Surface Countertop Brands
4. Pros and Cons of Solid Surface Countertops
5. Shopping for a Countertop
6. Other Considerations
7. Conclusion

A solid-surface countertop is an acrylic-based countertop product sometimes called “manufactured stone”. It’s made up of minerals, resins, and pigments that run all the way through the material. The seamless appearance and eco-friendly construction makes it attractive to look at and easy on the environment. The ease of maintenance, using only soapy water or mild cleansers, makes it easy on your schedule and pocketbook.

Average Solid Surface Counter Prices

Solid surface countertops cost from $52.00 to $120.00 per square foot installed. This is dependent on edge styles, colors, patterns, and the manufacturer.

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Installation Considerations

Solid surface countertops have a wide range of prices because they have a wide range of options. You’ll have quite a lot on your plate just selecting colors and patterns. Here are some more considerations to keep in mind:

• Measurements - While you can measure your countertop area on your own, this should only be used for a rough idea of how much you need. Many hardware stores provide templates for measuring, but the actual measurements need to be done on site by the installer.
• Seams - To ensure the look of a solid piece of countertop, the seams must be hidden by means of an epoxy tinted to match your countertop. This is a very easy part to go wrong on, so it’s best to let an experienced installer handle the job, especially if a pattern is involved.
• Edges – Most countertops will come with a basic edge. If you want a different edge, such as bullnose or ogee, it can cost $12.00 to $17.00 per linear foot.
• Corners - Corners are often the most difficult part of edgework. If your design has several corners, particularly inside corners, the installation cost may go up a bit.
• Customization - Customization is unavoidable. Every countertop must be cut to your kitchen’s specifications, though there are some standards. For example, a typical countertop is about 30 linear feet. Beyond that, however, the placement of sinks, backsplashes, and other features makes each countertop unique to its kitchen. Some countertops have built-in drain-boards, for example. Patterned countertops with backsplashes need to have their patterns line up and blend for a seamless look. Some people like a multi-level countertop. The customization options are endless.
• Location of worksite - One of the biggest factors to consider is how difficult it will be to get your countertop into the house. If the delivery truck has to park far away, if the crew has to climb a lot of stairs or maneuver through a lot of rooms, not only will the cost increase, but so do the chances of your countertop getting damaged. Be sure the path to your kitchen is as straight and clean as possible.

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Popular Solid Surface Countertop Brands

When it comes to brands, there are a handful of manufacturers whose products stand out from the rest. This is due to quality and durability when installed by professionals and people who know what they’re doing. Their catalogs are well worth checking out.

• Corian counters – Frequently used as a generic name for solid surface countertops, Corian is the leader in solid surface countertops. From the rich Deep Lapis to the soft Rain Cloud, Corian’s gallery has something for everybody.
• WilsonArt – Long known in the laminate countertop industry, WilsonArt is also known for faithful replications of various surface types. Their entire solid surface quartz line emphasizes the “beauty of imperfection” when replicating natural materials.
• Avonite – Avonite is the trendsetter among solid surface manufacturers. When pale neutrals were the standard, Avonite blazed a trail of vibrant colors and bold designs. Their two flagship lines, Acrylic Solid Surface and the Studio Collection, showcase their vision wonderfully.
• Zodiaq – Zodiaq is DuPont’s quartz solid surface countertop. It features an amazing depth that is in demand among designers and homeowners alike.
• Silestone – Silestone offers a wide array of colors and features such as modern, classic, and European styling. They even offer countertops with built-in sinks for a truly solid look. Nebula Code is their showcase offering for quartz solid surface.
• CaesarStone – Caesarstone continues to create stunning and imaginative countertops. The very popular Frosty Carrina is still much sought after.
• Cambria – Cambria’s quartz solid surface countertops favor large, bold veins in a variety of natural colors. They’ve recently introduced four new styles: Oakmoor, Roxwell, Brittanicca, and Ella.

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Pros and Cons of Solid Surface Countertops

Pros

• Consistent – Installed correctly, they are seamless, making the countertop look like one piece.
• Durable - They resist damage from impacts very well.
• Non-porous – There is no place for hidden moisture to build up and allow mold to form.
• Easy to clean – Soap, water, and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser are all that’s needed to keep it looking its best.
• Easy to repair minor damage – Minor scratches and other such damage can usually just be sanded out.
• Options – There are hundreds of options available for color, pattern, and shape. With looks like wood and natural stone, it can also be made into many different shapes as well.

Cons

• High heat and deep scratches – They are susceptible to scorching from high heat, such as a hot pan, and can suffer from deep scratching if used as a cutting surface.
• Strong chemicals – Harsh cleansers, nail polish, acidic foods, paint thinners, and other such chemicals can permanently damage the surface if not washed off immediately.
• Expensive – In order to be sure that your countertop is installed properly, professional installation is recommended. Installation costs can range from $50.00 to $200.00 per square foot.

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Shopping for a Countertop

Solid surface countertops come in so many styles, patterns, and other options that you’re going to have to do a bit of research on to get just what you want. Your countertop is going to be in your kitchen for a while, so it pays to take your time.

First, consider what look you want. Do you want a light-colored countertop to keep your kitchen looking bright and sunny? Maybe you want a dark countertop to contrast the light and to add an air of sophistication. Do you want a solid color or a natural pattern like stone or wood? Browsing the galleries on the manufacturer’s sites is a good way to see what’s available on the market and to see what’s trending.

Backsplashes are another thing to think about. They are considered an extra and should not be assumed to be included. Backsplashes usually cost the same per square foot as the countertop. Some people dispense with the backsplash and complement their countertop with tile for a backsplash, but this creates a visible seam where moisture can build up if not sealed properly.

Many manufacturers and hardware stores provide samples. Samples are a good idea because the images on websites are crafted to portray the product in perfect lighting and conditions. By taking samples home, you can see how the patterns and colors look in the actual conditions it will be installed in.

Once you’ve decided on a pattern, color, and style, your big box home improvement store is one of the places you might shop at. Most carry a wide line of countertops of the most popular brands. However, your local kitchen and bath specialty store will also carry popular brands and may even be able to get you not-so-easy-to-find patterns for a unique look. Some manufacturers will allow you to buy directly from their websites. If you shop at a home improvement store or kitchen/bath specialty store, call and schedule a consultation to get all of the information you need and to see what’s available for your choice.

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Other Considerations

There are a few more things to think about when selecting solid surface countertops. These include the material itself, how much it weighs, and how easy it is to clean.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Solid surface countertops are acrylic-based. This leads many people to think that they are not environmentally friendly. However, there are options that contain up to 15% or more post-consumer content. DuPont offers its Terra Collection as a sustainably manufactured product with its Zodiaq Terra receiving the Green Approved Product Seal for National Green Building Certification from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center.

Weight

Solid surface countertops are generally about a half inch thick. This gives them a weight of around 4.4 pounds per square foot. A 30-foot countertop weighs about 132 pounds, so be sure that the cabinets underneath can support the weight. While the weight is about half that of a concrete countertop, it is still considered heavy and may need an extra pair of hands or two to safely get it into place for installation.

Maintenance

Each manufacturer will have specific instructions for the care and maintenance of its products, but there are some general instructions that apply to any solid surface countertop.

• Cleaning – Soap and water is usually enough for most stains. Stubborn stains should be removed with a soap like Soft Scrub and a blue Scotch-Brite pad. Scrub in a circular motion and then buff with a very soft sanding pad. Finish with polish.
• Avoid Heat – Avoid setting hot objects, like pots and pans, directly on the surface. Heat-generating appliances such as slow-cookers and waffle irons should have a heat resistant pad placed under them.
• Avoid Strong Chemicals – Chemicals such as paint-stripper, oven cleaners, etc., should be washed off immediately with water. Nail polish should be removed with a non-acetone nail polish remover and then washed down with water.
• Do Not Cut – Don’t use your surface as a cutting board. The acrylic can gouge deeply. If you do accidentally gouge it, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sanding and buffing it out.
• Boiling Water – If your countertop includes an integrated sink, run cold water while pouring boiling water down the sink. This will help avoid damage from the extreme temperature.

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In Conclusion

Solid surface countertops offer a unique and uniform look to your whole kitchen. With designs and patterns limited only by your imagination, it’s a good, solid option to look at!

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