Solid Surface: A Versatile Material with Countless Benefits

Although solid surface has been around for decades, not everyone knows exactly what it is, where it can be used and what the benefits of it are, so allow us to shed some light. 

Solid surface is a versatile man-made material that is created from a unique blend of natural minerals that are combined with acrylic resin, taking its usual form in a flat sheet. Traditionally solid surface could be found in kitchens and bathrooms as an alternative for products like quartz, marble and granite.

Today solid surface is available in a vast range of colours and finishes. However when it first came on the scene the most popular finishes were those that represented natural stone as the material could be joined together seamlessly with no visible joins, a luxury that isn’t possible with stone or tile. 

Since its conception there has been a demand for solid surface for a range of different uses in an array of industries including education, commercial, industrial, healthcare, leisure and hospitality. So why is solid surface favourable over competing products? Here are our top 5 reasons.

1. Seamless in design

Solid surface has worked so well in the past because it can do what its competition can’t. A huge benefit of solid surface is that it can be joined seamlessly, meaning products may look like one whole piece, when in reality they are made from multiple components that are then secured together and polished until they are one. The seamless nature of solid surface is only reinforced by its unique thermoforming ability. 

Thermoforming occurs when the material is heated up in an oven, during this process the material becomes malleable and can be manipulated into a new, two or three-dimensional shape. The solid surface can be clamped into position or placed into a mould, then once it’s cooled it then holds the desired shape permanently. Thus, doing what its competition cannot. 

Solid surface has been a welcome material in nursey, school and college washrooms. Traditionally schools would feature individual vanity units in their washrooms, however with masses of pupils passing through every day these can prove impractical with accidental flooding often occurring. Now, the Department for Education advises that wash troughs be used for washrooms within the education sector as they are easy to clean and can cope with the demand of a busy washroom.

Our education solid surface wash troughs have been specifically designed for this setting. The robust thermoformed curve, paired with the coved internal corners and seamless ends create a strong foundation where water can drain away effortlessly without the worry of flooding. While simultaneously keeping the spread of germs to a minimum with no joins where bacteria could harbour, essential for nursery and school environments.

2. Easy to clean and hygienic

Seamless and nonporous, solid surface doesn’t demand much attention in terms of cleaning. There is no stringent set of rules to follow, but a regular clean is beneficial to keep your products looking fresh and for optimum hygiene. The smooth finish means cleaning is straight forward, there are no open joins where dirt could get lodged or for germs to thrive, so you don’t need to spend hours cleaning. Our solid surface maintenance kit features all the necessary cleaning essentials recommended by leading solid surface manufacturers.

The nonporous properties of solid surface and seamless design of our wash troughs and vanity units prevent harmful bacteria from being absorbed and spread during use. When we marry solid surface with sensor taps, soap dispensers and hand dryers, the touch points in washrooms that traditionally would be deemed unhygienic are minimised helping to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.  

3. Renewable and repairable

Renowned for being durable and hardwearing, it is no surprise that solid surface is often found in high traffic areas like commercial or industrial washrooms. Although general wear and tear naturally builds up over a duration of time, an advantage of solid surface is that it can be repolished and restored to its original satin finish which will remove any scratches that have accumulated over the years, increasing the overall longevity of the product.

Similarly, damaged solid surface has the same perks. While we always recommend a site inspection to assess the extent of the damage, typically solid surface can be repaired seamlessly with no trace of any remedial work. Therefore it’s understandable why businesses choose to invest in solid surface products in such busy areas like washrooms, because rather than selecting a disposable product that needs to be changed should it incur any damage, solid surface proves time and time again, that it stands the test of time.

4. Aesthetically pleasing

Living in the age of Instagram and Snapchat, it can be a minefield for businesses within the hospitality and leisure sectors to keep up with the ever-changing interior fads, without worrying about what trends to feature in their washrooms, aka the hub for selfies and mirror pictures. That’s where solid surface comes in.

Although traditional washroom products like stainless steel offer a clean and sterile environment, the clinical feel is not always aesthetically pleasing or suitable for the environments they feature in. Solid surface on the other hand combines hygiene with luxury in order to create an elegant, engaging environment.

Available in a wide variety of colours, solid surface vanity units and wash troughs can easily become the statement piece throughout the washrooms in bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping centres. While each environment demands a different aesthetic, solid surface easily rises to the challenge. Between the colours available and range of solid surface product offerings, the washrooms can be transformed into areas that feel safe, luxurious and even fun, but ultimately fit for purpose.

5. Customisable and bespoke offerings

Solid surface is undeniably a designer’s dream, having the freedom to create something seamlessly in both two and three dimensions, means that creative visions can fast become a reality. Although we pride ourselves on offering a strong range of solid surface products, we understand that sometimes tweaks may need to be made to ensure they comply with a specification.

Our solid surface products can be customised to incorporate options like bin chutes or tissue dispensers, or we can extend depths, heights, add splashbacks or even work to a design concept you may have in mind. Or we can throw all of the above out the window, to create a totally bespoke product.

The real beauty of solid surface is the innovative ideas that the product itself provokes. From back lit Superloo vanities for high end hotel chains, to adding intricately designed inlaid fascia panels to wash troughs or IPS units in schools to appeal to children. Creating products designed to aid people of different faiths such as Wudu Units or adding personalisation to wash troughs and vanities such as logos or company names, the list goes on and the design options are endless. There is no single sector that bespoke offerings fall into, as customisation can be applied to any of the environments we operate within.

So, now you know what solid surface is, and what some of the key benefits are… what are you waiting for? Take a look at our vast range of products and colours or send our team your enquiry.