So you may ask, are they all the same? The problem with the answer to this question is that it’s not that black-and-white. The best answer may lie with an analogy to something we’re all familiar with, such as car brands.

Each auto manufacturer can make a car that operates satisfactorily, incorporates the necessary operational and safety features and can transport us where we want to go with reasonable reliability. The same is true about similar ‘commodities’ like solid surface countertops. The differences lie in the details and that’s where being an educated buyer proves it’s worth in sorting through all the choices.

So what makes them different? Consider the following:

Warranty
Not all manufacturers offer the same warranty though many are similar. Common warranties are 10 or 15 years though some limited lifetime warranties do exist.

Duration of the warranty speaks to the level of confidence a manufacturer has in their product. At a minimum, consideration of the warranty is one means of judging a product and may provide you with some level of security in your investment.

Colors
The quantity of colors and patterns varies among manufacturers. Each brand will have their own different color categories and while there are similarities, there are differences as well. Some specialize in very unique colors not offered by other manufacturers. If you fall in love with one particular color or style that you can’t find anywhere else you may end up choosing that brand over all the others, regardless of other considerations.

Cost
Cost will vary somewhat among manufacturers and even between color and pattern selections within a particular brand selection. One key point to keep in mind is that if you have your mind set on one particular color but think it’s too expensive you may be able to find the same or a very similar color or pattern at a lower price from a different manufacturer. There are similarities among the colors and patterns produced by the various manufacturers so it pays to shop around.

The bottom line on brand differences is that they do exist, but they’re not drastic enough to warrant complete avoidance of any particular brand. In reality, there are more similarities than differences so your choice comes down to which product provides the features and price point that works best for you.

From an installer’s viewpoint solid surface is very similar to wood with regard to its ability to be cut and joined. Seams are virtually invisible which allows large expanses of countertop space to be connected with no visible joints. This nice feature also means that a solid surface sink can be joined to the countertop for a seamless installation, with no discernible edge between the countertop and the sink.

Material – It’s Chemistry (Along With Some Practical Applications)

Solid surface is made up of two main constituents called a “filler” and a “binder”. The filler in most cases is a substance known as “ATH” or Alumina Trihydrate. ATH is a natural mineral that’s in the form of a white powder when used in the manufacture of solid surface.

This sometimes results in scratches that show up as white or light-colored lines, particularly in darker surfaces. The scratch accentuates the ATH used in the makeup of the surfacing material. ATH is also a natural fire-retardant which gives solid surface countertops good fire-resistance.
The binder that’s used to hold the ATH and any other secondary ingredients together is a resin that’s either pure acrylic or polyester or a combination of both. This is another important point because there are differences between the two materials. Each has its own characteristics that impact the look, fabrication and in some cases, the durability of the solid surface.

Acrylic
Acrylic-based material was the first type of solid surface, formulated by the DuPont® company. Acrylic enjoys several advantages over polyester in that it’s harder, more impact resistant and less brittle than polyester. It won’t fade or discolor from exposure to ultraviolet light whereas polyester has less resistance to UV light. Acrylic also has greater thermoformability – meaning it can be formed and shaped with heat more easily than polyester. This is important during the fabrication of your countertops should your design incorporate any bends or other features that require the material to be formed.

Polyester
Polyester on the other hand is more chemical resistant particularly with regard to acrylic-based chemicals such as acetone and nail polish remover. Polyester can also achieve a higher polish than acrylic and offers a greater ability for achieving a translucent effect. Some manufacturers like Avonite® use polyester specifically to obtain countertops with these qualities. Polyester costs less than acrylic so in general, polyester-based solid surface is cheaper than acrylic-based products.

Beyond these main ingredients solid surface manufacturers include numerous additives aimed at enhancing various aspects of the material. Each has their own “recipe” based on various attributes they’re trying to achieve.

When deciding on the perfect countertop there is a lot to understand about the materials available. The price, style and, more importantly, the functionality of the surface, are main considerations.

Some materials are easily scratched, scorched by hot pans, chipped, etc. So make sure the surface you choose can withstand the onslaught of the various activities you will be doing. Here’s a look at the functions a solid-surface counter can provide.

Pros

• Incredibly durable. Solid-surface can be sanded if scratched or damaged.
• Solid-surface doesn’t need a layer of plywood support. Many thinner countertop options need a layer of plywood layed down underneath the surface to provide extra support.
• A nonporous surface which resists stains and mildew.
• Can be manufactured without visible seams for a more custom look and price.
• Comes in several patterns and finishes including those that look like granite, stone and even glass.
• According to home design publisher HGTV.com this material provides a seamless look not only due to its invisible seams, but because the buyer has the option of attaching undermount sinks.

Cons

• Sharp knives will severely damage the surface.
• Hot pans can discolor the surface if left on the counter.
• Should be installed professionally to ensure the look and durability of the product.

Side Notes
According to Better Homes and Garden Magazine (www.bhg.com), when choosing solid-surface material the price starts at around $50 per running foot and peaks at $200 per square foot. The higher priced solid-surface includes the price of installation. Solid-surface countertops are heavy and expensive so although you might be able to install them yourself, the job is better left up to a professional.

Find just the right color and style to match your décor and design. Save your Favorites and Share them with friends and customers via email. Plus, get some fresh design ideas by browsing the Photo Gallery.

Remember, colors shown may vary from the actual product. For true color representation, be sure to call 1-800-906-7844 – right from the App – and order a product sample.

Download the app here…

Color Lifts Spirits

Last year, the Pantone color of the year was Turquoise due to its calming effect. This year, a more vibrant color, Honeysuckle, is king of the hill. According to Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues.” Specifically, the 2011 color of the year is PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle; it is described as a a dynamic Reddish Pink. Eiseman notes that Honeysuckle may also “bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

You can see samples at…

Cambria, the exclusive producer of quartz surfaces in the US recently introduced 21 new colors that will lead the stone countertop industry in style and design.

The new designs feature looks never seen before in quartz. Cambria has created the look of onyx, marble, and granite without comprising the performance benefits quartz – such as being stronger than granite and being easier to maintain. These trend setting looks have incredible movement and sparkle with iridescent blues, gold, and copper. The new colors will help create fresh new looks for the home while satisfying both modern and traditional tastes.

With the introduction of 21 new colors, Cambria now offers 83 colors, the largest and most exceptional selection of quartz in the world.

To see samples visit the McGrory showroom or visit the Cambria web site at http://www.cambriausa.com/collection.cfm

Cambria Features:
Non porous
Easy to maintain
Does not need to be sealed
Limited lifetime warranty
Simplified pricing
Radon free
GREENGUARD certified for Children & Schools
Class 1 fire rating
National Sanitation Foundation Code 51 compliant

Select designs of the 2010 Furniture Design Collaboration will be inventions geared for use in public spaces, food service, and public transportation.

Most recently, the SCAD team visited Philadelphia to tour the DuPont™ Corian® Design Studio and McGrory, Inc. as well as participate in several training classes.

2011: Gold medal, 800m (T53), 500m (T53), Bronze medal, 400m (T53), marathon – IPC Athletics World Championships, Christchurch, New Zealand

While Amanda’s accomplishments span the globe; many know her in the local community where she was recently honored as an inductee in the UHS Wall of Honor. This year, a soldier, an expert woodworker, a doctor, a police chief and an inspiring young athlete joined the ranks of other honored Unionville High School ”
graduates.

“The 2010 list of inductees to the Unionville High School Wall of Honor spans several decades and represent a wide variety of careers;” according to UHS director of technology and communications Rich Hug.

“We are excited to induct five deserving members of our community into the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Wall of Honor,” Hug said. “Each of them are an inspiration to our students, staff and community as a whole.”

McGrory Inc. Installers were professional in every aspect of our project. They came into our house and protected all our furniture and cabinets. They installed the countertops and left our house clean.

On behalf of the Board, Staff and volunteers at Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, thank you very much for fabricating the beautiful piece of “Zodiaq” material donated by DuPont for our new reception desk counter top. It looks wonderful! We are very fortunate to have the support of people like you as we continue to make our House a better facility to serve the many families that stay with us.

We are extremely proud of the fine reputation we have built as a Corian, Zodiaq, and Granite fabricator. We have worked hard, and will continue to work hard, to uphold our tradition.