Solid Surface Worktops - A Comparison
I've mentioned solid surfaces before but I've recently answered a few questions on different forums (fora?) about whether there are any worktops that are cheaper than granite but better quality than laminates ... mid-price worktops, if you like. So, I thought I'd have a closer look.
The answer is ... not really. The only possible alternative is to use resin "solid surface" worktops - so-called to distinguish them from the multiple resin impregnated, paper layers of the laminate worktops. Contrary to logic ... granite, solid timber and quartz composite worktops (Silestone, Caesarstone, Compaq, Pianoforte, Zodiaq, Luxore, Artestone, Arenastone, Apollo Quartz, Technistone ... and others) are not solid surface worktops.
The first solid surface worktop was DuPont's Corian, introduced into the UK in 1979. It's now available in over 100 colours but there is also competition from similar tops such as Staron, Avonite, LG Hi-Macs and Hanex. These are all 12 or 13mm thick materials which are fabricated onto structural board to give a huge range of worktop shapes. You can have integral sinks (although not necessarily in exactly the same colour as the worktop), drainer grooves, seamless joins (more visible in some colours than others), upstands and/or a waterfall edge (a little rim to stop liquids running off), aswell as curves in virtually any dimension.
The other advantages of solid surfaces are that the colours are attractive, semi-matt and translucent; the surface is smooth and warm to the touch, as well as being non-porous and very hygienic and it is easy to keep the worktops clean.
LG Hi-Macs was set up by ex-DuPont employees and they claim that their surface is slightly tougher and yet more translucent than other solid surfaces. They currently have 80 different colours and they also give a 15 year limited guarantee (10 years plus an extra 5 if you register with them), as opposed to 10 years for Corian.
These pictures are of LG Hi-Macs in kitchens by Hampton Kitchens and Living in Style, respectively. As you can see, these bespoke solid surfaces can be fabricated to any thickness of top you require.
So far ... so good ... but these worktops are actually the same price or, very often, more expensive than granite - especially if you have upstands and waterfall edges. They are supplied by specialist fabricators who visit your kitchen whilst it's being fitted to template the base units. They then go away and make the worktop as an exact copy, before coming back again to fit it ... an expensive process.
The solid surface worktops which might be considered to be mid-priced are the ones with similar but much thinner surface layers (2 to 6mm) and which are available as blanks to be cut to size and joined in situ. This saves on both material and on the expensive templating costs. Make sure your fitter knows what he's doing, though. Most manufacturers do an installation guide and many also have training courses for installers.
There are, of course, disadvantages to solid surfaces ... apart from the price of the bespoke types. All solid surfaces are prone to scratching. Enthusiasts will tell you that the scratches eventually blend in together and that you can enhance the appearance by polishing the surface with scotchbrite pads. It's also true that more serious scratches can be sanded out and even cracks can be repaired.
More importantly, perhaps, solid surfaces are not very heat resistant. Some suppliers tell you that their surface isn't suitable for use with gas hobs which have wok burners near the edge (as opposed to in the centre), many say that boiling water shouldn't be poured into their integral sinks without also running the cold tap and Hanex says to avoid any constant heat of more than 80 degrees C.
The thinner surfaces are available in fewer colours and only limited shapes and sizes. They don't have integral sinks and they're more likely to crack than the thicker ones. I haven't heard a lot of complaints about them ... but then some of the worktops haven't yet been around for many years. I wouldn't use one of the thin surface layer tops for an unsupported breakfast bar and, because of the heat sensitivity, you'd need to avoid having joins above washing machines or dishwashers and to leave a gap of 50 to 60mm between the end of the worktop and any range cooker top. Check the installation guide for each make.
Artis Smartstone and Minerelle (which are the same stuff, I think) have 2mm surface layers of polyester resin - but a 6mm thickness for the front edge. They also do modules with a 12mm thick surface, for sinks and hobs, with the option of a factory fitted, undermount steel sink and drainer grooves.
Maia and GetaCore have 3mm acrylic surface layers. GetaCore has a 12mm thick front edge and is available in 1 metre lengths, as well as longer ones. Maia do 45 or 100mm thick, decorative end support panels (good for a very modern look) and also factory fitted undermount sink modules ... but they're quite expensive. Maia is sold by MFI which is a good place to go to see some on display (note added: not any more, of course!) ... and it might also be an indication that they're not expecting a lot of future problems with it.
Apollo, Staron blanks and Axiom Solid Surface all have a 6mm thick surface layer, whereas Encore is 5mm. All are acrylic resins. The thicker surface makes the joining and polishing easier and, presumably, makes them less susceptible to damage.
Encore was only launched at the end of last year and it does seem to have some advantages. Makers Bushboard say that the the tops are "compression re-inforced" (whatever that means) which makes them much tougher than the competitors with a temperature resistance up to 240 degrees C - although they still don't recommend putting hot pans directly on the surface and say that the largest unsupported stretch of worktop should be no more than 800mm. Encore is also 44mm thick - which may be a problem if you have a dresser style unit sitting on the worktop next to a tall larder or housing unit (the heights are designed for a 38 to 40mm worktop).
This picture shows two colours of Encore, Calico and Cinnamon:
The prices of the mid-priced solid surface tops, 600 to 650mm deep, vary from around £75 to £160 per metre - with at least one long edge and sometimes all four edges finished. This compares to about £28 to £34 per metre for a 600mm deep laminate worktop ... but about £200 to £400 for an equivalent length of bespoke solid surface. So ... just possibly mid-priced, if you have a fairly simple layout ... but more expensive than many people expect ... and check the fitting price too. Although designed to be fitted in a similar way to a laminate, the joining and polishing of a solid surface worktop will take longer and cost more.
If what you'd really like is granite ... it might be worth getting a quote to compare. Granite prices have come down quite a lot recently with the machinery needed to cut and shape it being more within the reach of a smaller company, nowadays.
If your kitchen layout isn't too complicated and there aren't too many edge cut outs - and you're happy with a standard inset sink (rather than an undermounted one with polished edges to the granite) ... you might be pleasantly surprised. I wouldn't personally go for a company that doesn't template their granite, though. I don't think the outfits which cut and polish the granite on site get a very good finish.
One of the least expensive darker granites is Nero Impala (also called just Impala or Bon Accord) ... it's a fairly uniform mottled grey and black colour and you could get away without sealing it. There's also a reasonably priced brown granite called Baltic Brown. I've seen it look stunning - but it does have big "blobs" of brown colour, so looks a bit busy for some. One of my personal favourites, for a low cost granite, is Sardo Grey (or Bianco Sardo or Sardinian Grey). It's pale and would need sealing but I think it looks stunning in contrast with dark timber finishes or dark gloss colours and it would look great with brightly coloured tiles or a glass splashback.
These are the three granites:
Actually the main alternative to a cheap laminate worktop ... is a less cheap laminate ... but I'll come back to that another day.
Note Added (July 2010):
There are lots of comments below, that have been added since I wrote this blog nearly two years ago. They include mentions of Earthstone, and Apollo Slab Tech, solid surfaces ... as well as a few complaints about scratching and marking of pure white and plain black worktops. If you're going to choose a solid surface worktop, then it might be best to avoid those two extremes of colour. If you desperately want either, then do test a sample first. Personally, though (budget permitting), I'd choose a quartz surface for pure white or plain black worktops (but again look at a sample first - many of them are mottled, rather than a completely plain colour).
I've just written a blog about Silestone's pure white worktop (and their integral sink) - which could be an alternative to a solid surface ... but Silestone is going to be a similar price to Corian and the thicker solid surface tops.
Note Added (October 2010):
I've just added a blog on cleaning and repairing solid surface worktops and a demonstration (from the 2010 Grand Designs live show at the NEC) of how to remove marks from a black Maia worktop. Some of you might want to have a look at that!
Comments
Excellent. Many thanks for the lowdown.
By the way, a visual representation to allow quick comparison between the various products - graphs of strengths/weaknesses (scratch resistance, price etc) would be good too if you have a few weeks free!
We installed Maia as it looked great.
Within 8 months, there are small cracks around the hob and the strip of worktop is visibly sagging behind the sink cut-out. It also scratches extremely easily.
I can't believe that they even market this stuff as a kitchen worktop - it's clearly not up to it.
I'm very sorry to hear that ... it's the first bad feedback I've heard ... although I've never specified Maia myself.
The ease of scratching is typical of all solid surface worktops ... but the cracks and sagging shouldn't be. Have you spoken to the supplier about it - assuming it wasn't MFI? Even if it was MFI ... it might be worth getting in touch with the fitters, if you still have their details.
Maia comes with a five year warranty - as long as it's fitted in accordance with their quite precise instructions - and the fitter has to sign the warranty registration card. Did you register your worktop warranty?
The Customer Care number for Maia is 01773 521 300 and they have a web site, of course ... which includes instructions for dealing with scratches.
A Maia worksurface fitted in our kitchen in 2009 has developed multiple cracks around the hob, a massive distorted crack under a coffee machine and a large crack by the microwave where a hot dish was rested for seconds. Since complaining about the lack of any kind of heat resistance in the worksurface, Sylmar modified their website to state "resistant up to 180 degrees".
Sylmar are willing to replace the surface with exactly the same one but only if we re-buy the island surface for the hob for over £500, claiming poor sealing on the part of our fitters. Since paying for that, we have discovered that the seal our fitters made was perfectly good. Sylmar have also refused to cover the cost of disruption to kitchen tiling during the replacement exercise and insist on using their own fitters to do the job. A FIRA surveyor at the time pointed out that the worksurface was failing to meet minimum standards for use in a kitchen.
18 months later, we are still waiting for the replacement surfaces to be fitted. So now you have it from 2 unhappy Maia vict... I mean... customers.
Thanks for telling us about your problems with Maia worktops Anonymous. It's my biggest reservation about solid surface worktops ... the fact that they're not very heat resistant ... although there's no doubting that some Corian worktop owners have had their worktops for years with no problems.
The Technical Product Performance Details for Maia, say that exposure to 180 degrees C resulted in a "slight change in gloss level after 20 minutes" ... but they also give the heat resistance as being just 92 degrees C (less than the temperature of boiling water). I guess some cracking is likely to be due to heat shock - rather than temperature resistance per se (which is mentioned elsewhere in this blog).
Anyone thinking of having solid surface worktops needs to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding ... that's what the original blog (which mentions the low heat resistance) was all about.
The problem with cracking only seems to apply to the thinner, less expensive solid surface worktops. Maia usually put cracking round the hob down to poor fitting - which is why they want to use their own fitters for any replacement. I simply don't know how true that is.
I realise that these comments are of no help at all to those of you who've had solid surface tops without being aware of the low heat resistance - but I'm afraid there's nothing much I can do about that!
It's not surprising that Sylmar are only willing to replace the faulty worktops with a like for like replacement. If they did anything else it would be tantamount to admitting that Maia is not a suitable worktop. The question is, Anonymous ... now that you know that you need to be very careful with heat and use trivets for pots and trays for small appliances to sit on - and assuming that the new hob will be fine, if fitted correctly ... are you going to be happy with a Maia worktop?
As a registered fitter of Bushboard's Encore worksurfaces I can confirm that these are probably the best types of worktops that money can buy in their price bracket.
As previously mentioned it is extremely important that your fitter has been on an approved training course and that they follow the fitting instructions precisely. It is the fitting that will make the job and give you many years of service.
I always take photos of every job I do and so I'm able to show prospective customers examples of my work, any fitter worth his salt would have done a similar thing, ask to see these, if they can't show you look for another fitter. It's worth contacting the worktop manufacturer for registered fitters in your area.
Getting back to the worksurface itself they are amazing, look stunning and can be forgiving if you damage them as they can be repaired almost invisibly. You can't get that with laminate or even granite. I've done my own product tests to see how heat resistant Encore is and I can quite safely say that you can take a Sunday roast straight out of the oven and lay it directly on the worktop with no bad affects, although common sense will tell you that a surface protector of some sort would be advised, just in case. But do the same with a laminate and the surface would probably explode!!
I have seen your comments - very helpful as I am about to buy a new kitchen and thinking of Encore Calico or Cinnamon.
Do you have any photos of kitchen using these colours ? Thank you
Sorry Alison, I don't have any photos (and I don't know if Neil will notice your question). I expect you've seen the ones on the Bushboard website (and I used one of them in the original post) but I'll add them here anyway.
I've adjusted the colours a bit ... but it's very difficult to get them exactly right.
Thanks for your comment Neil ... it's good to hear some enthusiasm for a solid surface worktop.
I added the emphasis on the name ... because they're not all the same, after all.
I'm not altogether convinced about the exploding laminate. After all, good quality laminates are resistant to temperatures up to 180 degrees. Damaged ... yes. Exploding? Well maybe ... the cheaper ones!
We had a minerelle kitchen worktop fitted. Two and a half years later the joints have all blown.
The manufacturer says that this is not covered by the warranty but will sell us an expensive repair kit that is not recomended for use where water ingress has occured.
I'm sorry to hear that SK ... and slightly surprised. Minerelle is widely used in laboratories, hotels and dentist's surgeries.
I'm not surprised to hear that blown joints aren't covered by the guarantee, though ... after all, the joining process is definitely part of the fitting.
Have you tried getting in touch with your supplier/fitter to ask them to look at it?
I was contacted by a disgruntled customer today - asking for my help with a dark coloured Bushboard Encore worktop - which is showing scratches and marks very badly. He reckons it's a problem only with the very dark colours.
Nothing much I can do, I'm afraid ... apart from mention it. The original fitter and Bushboard are already involved.
If I hear any more, I'll let you know.
Hello,
I had a Bushboard Encore breakfast worktop fitted 1.5 years ago. I love its appearance and durability except for one exasperating problem.
First of all, the colour is Glacier White and it stains extremely easily. Don't even think about putting a newspaper on it - you will only be able to remove it with Cif and lots of elbow grease! I should put a warning on it: LEANING STRICTLY FORBIDDEN ... as all dark sweaters leave dirty bands around the edges.
Ideally, the worktop should be scrubbed with Cif every night and the weekly cleaning procedure (Cif application followed by thorough product removal followed by Countertop Magic application followed by polishing) is a tiresome and much hated chore. And it will only look clean for a few hours!
Bushboard Encore Glacier White worktop should carry a warning:
For decoration only!
I've still got to complain about it though due to the lack of time...
Hi Alex,
Thanks for taking the trouble to leave a comment here. It would drive me mad, having a worktop that needed that much work to keep it looking good.
To be honest I think pure white worktops are a problem to keep clean - whatever they're made from. I heard someone complaining about pure white Silestone the other day ... which is supposed to be completely non-absorbent.
Perhaps the moral from these blog comments should be:
Avoid pure white and pure black worktops of all sorts!
(Of course, you might have hoped for that warning before buying your tops!)
We have just had approx 11 metres in black Corian supplied by B&Q on their advice as "new work surfaces, harder wearing and better than granite"
--- they are terrible!!!! Severe blooms everywhere despite what I use to clean but, more importantly, it scratches so very easily, just moving a plate will cause countless marks that can only be sanded away.
Fitter was dismayed and contacted manufacturer - Sheridan - who said "very high maintainence, not really for working on!!!"
They apparently sent B&Q a 5 page doc explaining this. B&Q denied this and 2 months later still passing the buck, we now have to go down legal route to get this sorted.
Also not explained was amount of dust to expect as tops have to be sanded in situ - nightmare! Would not recommend these tops to anyone under any circumstance, and very very disappointed with B&Q.
Hi there,
Sorry to hear of your poor experience with Corian.
I have to say, I had it fitted in my kichen 10 yeas ago and have been thrilled with its looks and performance. It looks as good today as when it was first fitted. Although expensive I think it was worth every penny.
I was warned about black/dark solid worktops. Irrespective of the manufacturer, they all show scratches, marks and discolouration over time. I went for Corian that was lighter in colour with flecks of light grey. I would certainly recommend it but I guess everyone's experience can be different.
Regards, Carl
It's good to hear someone sing the praises of a solid surface Carl ... although you were given good advice about your colour choice, which Pamela wasn't!
Oh dear Pamela!
I try to be impartial about different worktop types - but I've never been a huge fan of solid surfaces - even though many people swear by them. (You might have guessed that - from the fact that I end my Solid Surface Worktop blog by suggesting you look at the least expensive granites!)
I don't see how B&Q can say they didn't advise you to have them ... given that you've got 11 metres of the stuff! I would have thought the legal argument should be between Sheridan and B&Q - as to whether Sheridan warned them about dark colours or not - and B&Q should replace your worktops for you, since they're obviously not suitable for their purpose. That's just my opinion, though.
Technically speaking, Sheridan is the fabricator ... DuPont are the manufacturers.
On the DuPont Corian UK website they say (and I quote) ...
"Dark, heavily pigmented Colours of Corian, will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily than lighter, textured colours. We recommend that these colours not be used in applications where the surface is exposed to heavy use and contact (i.e. worktops). These colours are most suitable for applications where surface contact is light and for use as inlays and accent colours."
When I did my Corian training - more than 10 years ago - they told us that the darker plainer colours, as well as some of the very pale translucent ones, weren't suitable for heavy use worktops. A properly trained kitchen designer should know that.
Interestingly enough - in view of previous comments on this thread - Corian have introduced a plain, bright "Designer White" to their colours this year - which doesn't include a warning about heavy use worktops. I wonder how easy that is to keep looking good?
Oh - and just as an afterthought - if anyone is looking for "new worksurfaces, harder wearing and better than granite" ... I suggest you look at quartz composites (but not necessarily pure white ones!).
We have recently had an Apollo black velvet slab tech worktop fitted - ordered through Wickes from Sheridan.
It scratches REALLY easily. Even putting a fruit bowl on it, or a bottle of wine, scratched the surface. It is also very mottled and does not shine and needs cleaning with 'Mr Muscle' constantly.
It seems to be for show rather than for the purpose it was sold for - kitchen worktop - which by it's nature has to endure some wear and tear. When we complained and sent a letter to Wickes our complaint was rejected because we had signed a disclaimer.
We are still pursuing this. Have others faced this problem?
Anyone who has had a similar problem is welcome to air their grievances here.
Apollo Slab Tech is different from the other solid surface materials listed above, it's a solid 30mm polyester and polyacrylate resin, rather than a thin surface of acrylic resin ... so it shouldn't have any problems with cracking, at least!
In the technical details Sheridan say that:
"Apollo® Slab Tech is scratch resistant but not scratch proof; the use of chopping boards and/or pastrymates is recommended. Dark, heavily pigmented colours will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily than lighter, textured forms."
They don't say it isn't suitable for kitchen worktops, though - like Corian do, for their black finish.
ALL solid surfaces will scratch ... the idea is that it all blends together to form a patina over the years - and you can remove severe scratches with scotchbrite pads. Are there any old hands who are fans of Corian out there ... how have you found it?
In the meantime - for anyone buying new solid surface tops - avoid black and pure white!
Hi, we are looking at having an Encore work surface in Glacier White (I know, I know, I've been warned about keeping a white surface clean by everyone I've mentioned our choice to, but our minds are made up!) and have received a really good quote for the materials from Porcelanosa....HOWEVER.....the fitting is a different matter.
How easy is it to fit these worktops yourself? My husband and his family are very good DIYers and would fit it themselves dependant upon other people's experiences. I would really appreciate some feedback from people on this matter.............cheers in anticipation...
Hi Clarey,
I hope you get some response - but it may be that nobody visits, in the next week or so, who has any experience of fitting Encore.
I presume you've looked at Encore's fitting instructions.
Large parts don't mean a huge amount to me (never fitted a kitchen in my life!) ... but they do tell you what equipment is needed - which is often what puts off an amateur fitter ... a sander with dust extraction, for instance.
I think the DIYers in your family should get a good idea of how difficult the fitting would be - from the instructions.
The problem with doing any job like that yourself - is that you're only doing it once. Ideally you need to practice on someone else's worktops first! If anyone who's tried it does visit, though ... please do comment.
And Clarey ... don't come back and say you weren't warned about keeping that worktop clean!!
(Have you read Alex's comments above?)
Hi All,
Just thought I'd update you on the Encore Glacier White work surface regards keeping it clean..........
I've got a sample of it and did a stain test overnight on it with red wine, damp coffee granules, neat ribena and tandoori paste............
I have pleasure to confirm that all came off without any problem. Alex - in view of this, it might be worth seeking some advice on your own worksurface as it may be faulty??? I can't see how newspapers and dark sweaters would leave a mark if coffee, red wine, neat ribena and tandoori paste don't. Good luck if you chose to pursue this avenue
Clarey
Hmm ... the plot thickens!
Thanks for coming back to us Clarey
I'm guessing it must be the pressure of leaning on the jumper or newspaper, that's causing them to stain. I might have to do some experiments myself!
Hi
I thought I would re visit this blog as I have a couple of updates that may be of interest to anyone looking to install Encore Glacier White.
Firstly, make sure you get a qualified fitter!! We thought we had and he confirmed he'd been on the course etc but actually he was no better than a blind man with one leg at fitting work surfaces. He completely botched the job up to the point where the Encore surfaces ended up in the skip and we had to buy new ones.
Fortunately, Bushboard were wonderful. They sent out a technical/sales guy, Jason, who took one look at them and couldn't believe his eyes. They were so bad that Bushboard negotiated with our local supplier and got a great deal on the second lot together with a great fitter! I cannot thank them enough.
Secondly, we have now lived with them for 18 months and with the new cleaner that Bushboard have introduced, we have no problems in keeping them looking as good as new. We use a general anti bacterial spray on them daily and then polish them once a week which takes 15 mins max. (2 mins to spray polish on, 10 mins waiting time, 2 or 3 mins removing polish and buffing) - we have approx 5 meters of work surface in the kitchen. We have no stains or marks on the surfaces and we have had our fair share of parties and dinner parties to test them!
I would really recommend using this product if you want white surfaces.
Happy kitchen fitting
Clarey
Hi Clarey,
Thanks for getting back to us with your experiences ... sounds like you had a real nightmare with the first fitter!
Thumbs up to Bushboard, though, both for helping you out ... and for coming up with an effective cleaner for their white surface.
It's good to hear how you've got on with your surface too. Other readers can judge for themselves whether plain white is worth the effort. It's obviously possibleto keep white Encore looking good.
Hi -
We are on the brink of buying Bushboard Encore worktops in Caramel Sparkle. They seem more expensive than granite but I love the colour. Also I keep reading loads of stuff about how smeary granite is and it seems to stain in hard water areas. Also oil and wine can stain and I am liabe to leave both out.
Reviews on encore seem pretty mixed so I wondered if anyone had any last thoughts before we go ahead? Will it stain with oil and wine too? Does it scratch too easily?
Are there any other alternatives? Quartz has great colours but seems even more expensive than encore.
Thanks
Hi Camelgirl,
Like I said to Clarey - you might not get anyone visiting who's had experience of Encore - before you need to decide.
Granite isn't like the man made surfaces - because it's a natural stone - so every colour will vary a bit in how absorbent it is, and how likely to stain.
Dark granites will show smears but are less likely to stain (and you're less likely to see any stains!). You won't notice smears so much on pale granites - but they will stain, unless they're sealed. Most granite suppliers seal their granites these days ... but, of course, the sealant will eventually wear off.
Some granites are very porous and oil will soak in and show a dark mark - whilst others won't be affected at all. The best thing to do with granite is ask for a sample, of your chosen colour, and test it out. A granite supplier once told me that lemon juice was good for testing the porosity of granite.
The cost of the different granites will also vary a lot. Encore will be more expensive than some - and cheaper than others. But I digress ... this thread is supposed to be about solid surface worktops.
I don't have any personal experience with Encore - but it does seem to be the best of the solid surfaces. It will scratch a bit - all solid surfaces do - but it shouldn't stain (although some owners of Glacier White might disagree!). You are at least thinking of a colour which doesn't have the same problems as black or white worktops do.
My personal favourite would be quartz worktops ... but you're right - they're not cheap.
Thanks for the informative page, just wish I'd read it before the kitchen was delivered! I went for the Nordic Earthstone from Wickes (Wilsonart?) as I was impressed with the look of it in the show kitchen and couldn't afford the extra for Quartz or Granite (I was at my limit as it was).
Now I'm quite concerned with the comments about sanding, joints, scratches and stains but the die has been cast! It's all being fitted next week so I'll pop back and let you know.
Hi Jonny,
Good luck with the fitting - it shouldn't be a problem, as long as your fitters are good (and there's no reason why they wouldn't be!).
Just remember to use chopping boards for cutting and a trivet for hot pans - and your worktop should be fine. Nordic is a mottled finish right? So you shouldn't have the problems with marking that a pure white surface might have.
One of the main advantages of a solid surface should be that it is stain resistant and easy to clean ... and those seamless joins do look good. The trouble with a blog like this one, is that it does tend to attract complaints. People who are happy with their solid surface worktops don't tend to look for somewhere to sing it's praises!
I visited a kitchen this week with a 20 year old Corian worktop ... and I asked it's owners how they'd found it. They had nothing but praise ... in spite of the fact that it was covered with little scratches all over - and the pattern had entirely worn off - it was a uniform creamy colour, instead of the original mottled finish. They'll probably go for quartz for the next kitchen - but that's mainly because they want a more traditional look - not because they weren't happy with the Corian.
And - yes - please do pop back and let us know how you got on.
Well so far so good! The Nordic is mottled (albeit quite subtly). The kitchen was finished today and I'm really happy with the look of it, as promised the seam is virtually invisible (you can see it but you'd have to know where it is) and I really like the matt and smooth texture.
Not cooked in there yet so I can't comment for a few months on stains/cleaning etc. My one word of caution would be for people who want an undermount sink. I asked the designer if this was possible and he said yes but the fitter hadn't seen one for this worktop in his several years in the trade.
Essentially Earthstone is 12mm of acrylic(?) over chipboard so the sink needs to be fixed directly to the acrylic after a bit of the board has been taken out. The result is that the walls of the hole are only 12mm deep rather than the full thickness of the worktop. It's fairly hard to explain without a pencil and paper! I'm pleased with the look but it's totally not what I was expecting and of course I now need to buy a draining rack, lack of planning coming back to bite me!
Additionally there was some worktop left over at the end so I got the fitter to make me a windowsill for the kitchen, very nice of him and it looks great, perhaps something to consider when designing a kitchen to tie the room together?
I'm glad everything went well Jonny!
Actually, Earthstone is only a 6mm thick layer of acrylic resin (on 28mm chipboard) ... so that'll be why the worktop edge looks thin (unless they do a 12mm thick piece just for undermounted sinks - but it's new, if they do). The upstands are 12mm thick - but not the actual surface layer.
Earthstone is one of the few thinner solid surfaces that says it can be used for undermounted sinks (that aren't factory fitted) ... and for Belfast sinks too. I'd tend to go for an ordinary inset sink in the thinner solid surfaces, though - so that you get that draining area (you can't usually put drainer grooves in a thin surface layer) - but I bet your sink looks smart.
And yes - that's a good tip about the window sill - I often suggest having matching window sills with granite worktops. They look very smart but - in that case (granite is always made to measure) - are a bit pricey. Yours was a good bonus!
Oh - and here's a picture of a sink undermounted into Encore - which has a 5mm thick surface - to show people what we're talking about (and you obviously can put drainer grooves into Encore's 5mm surface ... although I'm not sure how effective they'd be):
Sorry it's taken ages to reply to this but I wanted to use the surface for a bit to give an informed opinion. You are, of course, correct about the thickness of the surface, it is only 6mm all over. If I were to have the kitchen fitted again I think I would go for a conventional sink rather than the undermount; I spend half my life worrying about water sitting in the joins! Also it takes a lot of skill on behalf of the fitter to cut the hole to the correct shape and size so unless you have total confidence in his abilities you might end up being disappointed.
Notwithstanding the comments above, and having used the kitchen for a few months now for some fairly heavy duty cooking I can honestly say I'm very pleased with the actual worktop material and finish. It does stain if something very oily or colourful (I'm thinking curry!) gets left on for a few hours by accident/laziness. However, every time this has happened it's taken 10 seconds of very light buffing with a softer scourer to remove the stain. Due to the finish and light colour of the worktop I can't see or feel any of the scratches this inevitably leaves - so happy days!
With respect to draining grooves I really wouldn't bother. The fitter said he COULD do them (and was happy to do so for no extra fee) but they'd have had to be so shallow as to be practically useless. Also note if you are considering this that the grooves obviously have to slope down as they get towards the sink - so by that stage you're left with 1.5mm of surface left or less. It can't be good to have such a weak point and I'm sure would crack within months - my advice, don't bother!
Thanks again for the advice.
You're very welcome Jonny ... and thank YOU for coming back to tell us how you've been getting on with your worktop.
I think you're right that an inset sink is more practical - but it wouldn't look as neat as your undermounted one!
I'm really glad you're pleased with the worktop in use. I think lots of people would be happy with a solid surface top ... they just need to choose the right colour ... and be aware that it will need scouring/sanding every now and again.
I had a demonstration, recently, of how to refresh a black Maia worktop ... which I've written about (it's linked to, at the bottom of my original post).
Thanks for a really useful blog!
Having looked at the recommendations and comments, we have decided (perhaps foolishly!) to go for an engineered solid surface/wood-backed/framed work surface. Our heart is set on a black/dark colour though!!! Eeek!
We've discounted many colours from many brands, like the Encore Bushboard etc. We really like the Modustone Night Sky work surface.
We are also considering Apollo Quicktops:
Granite - African Black
Quartz - Cosmic Black
(although reading that Sheridan/Apollo solid Slab-Tech surfaces haven't faired too well, we're now not sure!)
Has anyone had these fitted and can give an unbiased opinion??!!!
Thanks in advance!
Hi Anonymous,
I hope someone with experience of these tops does come along ... but they're all relatively new, so you may be unlucky.
The only one of the three that is a true solid surface is the Modustone ... which I haven't come across before. The fact that the surface is 13mm thick should mean that it's quite tough and unlikely to crack ... but it's an acrylic material so will have all the same qualities with regards to lowish heat resistance, marking and scratching as any other solid surface ... and, of course, all the advantages (unobtrusive joins, smooth warm surface, stain resistance, repairability and being able to polish out small scratches).
I see that they do samples - so you could get a piece of "Night Sky" and test it out. They don't actually make any mention of dark surfaces being more prone to marking (but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't!).
Apollo Granite and Quartz Quicktops are different. They're not solid surfaces at all. They're 13mm layers of real granite, or quartz composite, fitted onto MDF ... with a 40mm front edge (to make it look as if the granite/quartz is actually 40mm thick).
This sort of surface is a relatively new development ... although B&Q started selling the same thing about 4 years ago (supplied by Sheridan and called "Speedstone"). They still have it listed in their Knowledge Centre: Speedstone Buying Guide ... but they no longer list it as one of their worktops (although that might be just on-line).
I really don't know how these worktops ... formed from thin layers of granite or quartz composite ... will wear over the years. I'd guess that it's the join between the horizontal surface and the 40mm front layer, that would be the weak point. What you won't get with these tops, though, is the marking problems you get with very dark coloured solid surfaces.
I don't know why B&Q have stopped selling them (if they have). I would never have recommended a B&Q Speedstone worktop because they were charging such a high price for them (fitted) that you might just as well have gone for 30mm solid quartz composite or granite. Sheridan are obviously confident in their product since they've re-launched them as "Quicktops". You do need a qualified fitter to fit the granite and quartz versions, though. The surface layer on these is much tougher than a solid surface and they will need special tools (that's why B&Q wouldn't sell them as a stand alone product but only with a kitchen they were fitting).
There is also an Apollo Solid Surface Quicktop ... which has the same sort of construction as the Modustone ... and is a true solid surface worktop. Sheridan are cagey about the dark colours with this one, though, they say:
"Please note dark, heavily pigmented colours will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily then light or textured colours and should not be used in high traffic areas."
If you're going to buy a Sheridan Apollo worktop, Anonymous, it's not the supplier name or the brand name you need to be concerned with ... it's what the actual surface of the worktop is made from.
Thank you so much for your reply! Sorry in advance for the long-post!
Yes, we already have the sample of the Modustone - Night Sky! (along with lots of others! Although they're good for comparisons!)
It's probably my favourite out of all of them if I'm honest, plus your comments about it make me think it's certainly worth consideration! The (Trade)Price seems very reasonable compared to the others I've looked at - Around £400 ex.vat for a 3000mmx650mmx60mm length!
The sample was only about a 50x50mm square, so not really that easy to test! I think we will need to visit their showroom at some point! The guy said I can order them through www.mrworktops.com, (does anyone have any experience with this firm??!) which was the only place I can see who stock Modustone at present. I guess as they're relatively new they're not easy to come by. I did see them selling some clearance worktops on ebay!
I've been searching for a worktop for about 5 years would you believe?! However, every cloud etc - Some of the worktops we are now considering didn't even exist back then!
I experienced what your comment said about the B&Q Speedstone! We bought a B&Q kitchen in 2006, wanted their work surface, but as per the comments - only B&Q would fit them, so obviously we didn't buy it! After many cowboy builders later, we have a kitchen fitted, but still no worktop!! I think we've considered everything! Granite, Quartz, Solid Surfaces, Wood, Laminate! (Incidentally, the only Laminate sample I got which I liked the look of was the relatively cheap Bushboard Omega Surf Noir! (But it's still laminate at the end of the day, and not what we really want!)
I think your blog has helped us decide on the solid-surface route - but we're far more prepared/aware now, so thank you!!! Your advice & the comments have been so invaluable - I think we're closer to making a decision now!
It's a pain that our hearts are set on a black colour with minimal variation/speckles! I guess we will have to decide what's more important ultimately! Aesthetics or practicality!
We're planning on getting our worktop (finally!) in the next few weeks....If we decide to go for the Modustone, Quicktops or any of the others - I shall definitely report back to let you know how it turns out!! Hopefully it will help others!!Thanks again!
Well, I'm glad this blog has helped to clarify your thinking, Anonymous ... and I'd be delighted if you came back to tell us how you got on. I'm not entirely sure I'd have come to the same conclusion as you, though.
Modustone may well be a good product ... but very darkly pigmented solid surfaces do have a problem with marking ... a problem that is acknowledged by some of the suppliers for some solid surfaces. The fact that Modustone don't mention it, doesn't mean that their solid surface doesn't have the same problem.
Methinks you've fallen in love with "Night Sky" and that you're possibly ignoring the potential problem!
Oh - and I must add that your search for a worktop (you probably know more about them than I do!) has got to be the longest ever ... unless anyone out there knows differently ...
Haha, Yes - I think you're right! I do like the Modustone!! I think I'm trying to convince myself that all would be ok!! :o/
I do also really like the Quicktops/Speedstone! Most of it comes down to price though. I know we'll probably end up going for the cheapest - but having read all the comments, I think it may be a false-economy!
I'll definitely let you know what I do get installed! Trust me, 5 years isn't that long - I had to wait 10 for a carpet! (Most DIY-widows probably understand!) ;o)
Not this time though - I want the professionals to do my worktop! Hopefully it'll be worth the wait!!
Thanks again!! B.
Ooh yes! Some of those worktops with very thin quartzy surface layers are lovely. They're sort of blurring the distinction between solid surface worktops and quartz composites (although most can't do small radius curves).
Best of luck with getting your worktop finished B ... and I look forward to hearing about it.
Thanks!! It WILL get finished!! If nothing else, I want to order it before the VAT increase next year!
I got the Quicktops samples through today + they are lovely! Still waiting on the Tuscan! I've seen a NZ brand called Roxx which I think may be the same/similar. It was mentioned in the Sheridan PDF July Sale doc with an extra 25% off! Oh well! I'll certainly let you know what I get!
Thanks again for an excellent blog. Just glad I've read the comments & advice before committing to something I may later regret!!
Best wishes. B.
Dear B,
If you need a bigger sample of our Modustone Night Sky worktop please contact us directly on 0208 5332127 or email me your address to: mark.howes@modustone.co.uk
I will be happy to send you FOC a 100mm x 100mm square of Night Sky so that you can test. As Majjie says Darker solid surface colours, like Night Sky, will show scratches more easily than lighter/mottled colours, so please bear this in mind when choosing.
I thought I would let you know this in advance as it is better to be honest about a product from the start.
Also, just so that you know, we can also carry out additional work such as sink cut-outs, drainage grooves, curved/radius corners for you in advance, if you require ... to help limit the amount of work done on site.
Good luck with your choice of surface.
Best wishes. Mark
Hi Majjie, I'm in the early stages of researching which worktop I should install for my new kitchen and am debating whether to go for granite or quartz, in particular the Bianco Stellar by Silestone. Quartz is generally more expensive than Granite, but would you say that it's worth it?
I've heard different views about quartz, ranging from the fact that the "elements" within the material, such as glass, have been known to "pop-out", and also that it chips quite easily. Similarly for granite, I've heard that it marks quite easily, especially from water.
I do however really prefer the look of Quartz over granite, and am finding it very heard to verify how good a material it actually is, and whether it is worth the premium in price?
I'm really hoping that you can give me some first-hand reviews on both work surfaces.
Thanks for your help!
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Sorry about the slight delay in replying to your questions - but I've been really busy - and I wanted to spend more than a couple of minutes on the answer.
I think you'll find that's "Blanco" Stellar from Silestone ... and I love it. Here's a pic of a small sample. The little, bright white patches are the sparkly mirrored pieces (they don't photograph well!) and although it's colour is basically white with greyish particles, there's also a very slight greenish tinge (which other makes don't have - and which you probably can't see from my photo!):
Quartz worktops, like most good quality and expensive products, have been copied by suppliers producing worktops of similar appearance but a lower price. It's these which tend to have problems. Silestone doesn't fall into that category - it's probably the most expensive of the quartz composites - but it's also one of the best! I know at least one worktop company who won't use anything but Silestone quartz - because it gives them the least amount of problems.
In general, if you like the appearance of quartz, then it's always going to be better than granite. It's considerably stronger because the resin, used to stick the quartz particles together, makes it very slightly more flexible and, therefore, less likely to break. Quartz worktops are also completely non-porous, so are very stain resistant, without the need for sealing ... and they're generally very scratch resistant.
Both granite and quartz have to be cut with diamond tipped saws, so you'd have to be pretty rough to scratch either - although it can be done. Granite, for instance, will scratch granite ... so small samples kept in a box together often end up scratched. Once fitted in your kitchen, though, scratches are less likely.
Some granites will indeed mark easily - but they vary enormously - because, of course, granite is a natural material. Some very porous granites will absorb water when they get wet and show dark patches ... they're probably best not used for heavy duty worktop areas ... although the patches often disappear when dry again. More of a problem is that pale granites will stain with curry sauce, coffee and the like ... and it can be very difficult to get those stains out. The way to get round it, is to seal the granite. Most suppliers seal their granite these days ... and you just have to re-seal it every now and again.
The main reason for choosing granite is just because it can look really beautiful. Granite enthusiasts think quartz looks a bit plastic-ey ... that's why I said, if you prefer the look of quartz there's no contest really ... it's by far the more practical surface for a kitchen worktop.
I really must get round to writing a blog about quartz composites since, of course, they're NOT solid surface worktops ... so, those of you who came here just to read about solid surface tops ... skip this bit!
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