If you are looking for kitchen countertops that possess the best look, have the best functionality, heat-resistant, and have exceptional resale value. In this case, you may have stuck between the two countertop options available such as solid surface and quartz countertops.
Sometimes, it becomes difficult for you to choose the one. Well, if you look at a distance, both of these countertop materials look the same. But, there are some slight differences between the two.
Well, in this blog, you will learn about both of these countertops and the comparison between the two:
Solid Surface Countertops
These countertops such as the solid surface countertops, contains mostly marble which is mineral dust and is mixed with a variety of pigments and plastic resins. There are various factors that make it appealing to others such as its easy to fabricate nature.
Moreover, this material can also create invisibly seamed countertops. This countertop material is quite popular among people due to the fact that it helps you improve your home look with time.
Since the solid surface is homogenous, it is unquestionably superior to laminate countertops: The top of the counter’s display is carried down the entire length of the counter. In comparison, laminate has layers. The countertop as a whole fails if the top laminate layer malfunctions.
Despite the fact that solid surface materials look like stone, nobody is likely to mistake them for solid granite upon close inspection.
For many individuals, there is simply no way to replicate the appearance of slab granite for a countertop. Well, you can also install any natural stone countertop if that suits you.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is an engineered stone, and that’s why it is a new entry in the world of kitchen countertops. This stone comprises 95% ground natural quartz, and 5% are the binding resins inside it,
Both of these countertop materials compete with each other for the kitchen countertops. These both are a bit natural and a bit manmade at the same time. Both are regarded as more expensive countertop materials than laminate, wood, and tile, yet neither is as high-end as actual stone.
Composition
Neither quartz nor solid surface material consists of single substances. Both of these materials are a combination of different substances inside them, and they are all not natural. They both are a combination of minerals and polymers.
If you want natural products, then you can go for the natural stone slabs. As they will be the best option for your home.
Now, let’s compare both of these countertops in their composition:
Solid Surface Countertops
The original solid surface counter, Corian, is composed of roughly 66 percent natural minerals and 33 percent acrylic resin (PMMA). The most prevalent mineral is aluminum trihydrate (ATH), a bauxite derivative.
However, if you’re picturing something that resembles little pieces of granite, this is not it. A fine, white powder, ATH resembles baking soda in appearance. diverse combinations of pigments and mineral dust are used to create the many diverse hues and styles.
Quartz Countertops
In general, 5- to 10 percent of the resins used to bind quartz are polymeric or cement-based. The remaining 90 to 95 percent is made up of hard, stone-like industrial waste materials like mirrors, glass, marble, and quartz.
Even now, some businesses are using vegetable oils that are not fit for human consumption as one of the resin’s ingredients.
DIY Installation
If you planning for a DIY installation for quartz and solid surface countertops, then it will be difficult to do it. This is because they are often locked down in an installation/distribution system of fabricators, retailers, and installers.
Solid Surface Countertops
When it comes to solid surface materials, the parts can be easily joined together using seaming kits and common power saws and routers. DIY individuals who are able to get the necessary supplies can succeed with solid surface materials.
Quartz Countertop Slabs
The majority of DIY individuals lack the specialized instruments needed to work with quartz, on the other hand. It would be challenging to use the sheets even if you could get your hands on them.
Incidental elements, such as ready-made, one-piece vanity unit tops, are one alternative for installation by homeowners.
Heat Resistant
Well, some countertop materials are heat-resistant, and some are not. It totally depends on the nature of the material. Let’s have a look at how these countertop materials are different in terms of heat-resistant:
Solid Surface Worktops
Keep hot objects like sizzling skillets off of your Corian if you want to uphold your end-of-the-solid surface countertop warranty.
However, in actual use, solid surface counters hardly ever succumb to heat. Solid surface materials can be sanded down and repolished to get rid of the stains in the unlikely event of burning.
Quartz Worktops
Solid surface worktops are less heat resistant than quartz countertops. Quartz countertops might theoretically catch fire if exposed to extreme heat. However, in a culinary setting, such temperatures are practically difficult to reach.
Scratch Resistant
Solid Surface Countertops
According to experts, you should not cut on the solid surface countertops, as this will result in scratches. The solid surface material is relatively soft as compared to other countertop materials.
Quartz Countertops
The quartz countertops in Boynton Beach are scratch-resistant, and when you cut on quartz stone, they will not get any scratches on it. They are scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. This means that any minor scratch on it can result in big scratches.
Solid Surface or Quartz Countertops: Which One You Should Buy?
Solid surface counters are less expensive than quartz counters, but quartz is more expensive and more solid, much like natural stone. A solid surface is more likely to scratch. It depends upon your choices of which kitchen countertops you want for your kitchen.
SK Stones USA is a leading provider of both natural and engineered countertops. We have a variety of different countertop materials available such as granite, marble, limestone, etc. Browse our collection to know more!
Read More: The Guide to Purchase Quartz Countertops from Quartz Suppliers