What Are Solid Surface Countertops?
Solid surface countertops are created of a liquid material poured into a mold and hardened. In other words, the material is solid all the way down. There is no change from the surface to the bottom, and it is completely non-porous.
Solid surface countertops contain a blend of minerals and resins. The resins are acrylic, polyester, or a blend. Because the material is soft and malleable, seams 1 in the countertop can be fused on-site to create one sleek expanse of counter space. Sinks can also be fused into the countertop so that there are no seams. Different pigments and manufacturing styles result in several colors and styles for this material.
Solid surface countertops have a fairly wide range of costs per square foot. Costs depend on the manufacturer, color, style, and finish. Average costs range from $70 to $130 a square foot for most solid surface countertops. Adding integral sinks, integral backsplashes 2, or a decorative edge increases the cost.
| Countertop Size | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|
| 10 sq.ft. | $700 - $1,300 |
| 20 sq.ft. | $1,400 - $2,600 |
| 30 sq.ft. | $2,100 - $3,900 |
| 40 sq.ft. | $2,800 - $5,200 |
Solid Surface Countertop Cost by Location
Solid surface countertops can be used in many areas. They work well in the bathroom and can be used for kitchens indoors and outside. The project’s cost in each location is largely influenced by the size. Below are the average costs for solid surface countertop installations based on the average sizes for countertops in these locations.
| Location | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Bathroom | $420 - $1,560 |
| Outdoor Kitchen | $840 - $2,600 |
| Kitchen | $2,100 - $5,200 |
Solid Surface Bathroom Countertops
The cost of a solid surface countertop for the bathroom ranges from $420 to $1,560. Most bathrooms have countertops ranging from 6 to 12 sq.ft. However, you can have a bathroom that requires more or less square feet. Your costs could be different in either case. Solid surface material is unique because it can be used nearly anywhere in the bathroom to great effect. Solid surface can create shower walls, tub decks, benches, shelves, and other bathroom sections. Because it is non-porous, this material does well in wet areas.
Solid Surface Outdoor Kitchen
The cost of a solid surface countertop for an outdoor kitchen averages $840 to $2,600. Most outdoor kitchens need between 12 and 20 sq.ft. Your costs could differ if your kitchen requires more or less square footage. Solid surface countertops are not affected by rain, snow, or freeze/thaw cycles. This makes them a good choice for use in some outdoor kitchens. The material can soften in the sun, however. It should be used only in covered areas and not in direct sunlight.
Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops
The cost of a solid surface countertop for the kitchen is $2,100 to $5,200. Most kitchens need around 30 sq.ft. of countertop. Some larger kitchens may need up to 40 sq.ft. However, some small galley kitchens need less and larger kitchens with islands 3 and peninsulas 4 need more. In either case, your costs could be different. Solid surface countertops can be used in most kitchens. The material scratches, stains, and burns, so care must be taken in busy kitchens not to damage the surface.
Solid Surface Countertop Price by Type
Solid surface countertops can be made of acrylic or polyester. Acrylic is considered the stronger material, which most solid surface countertops are made from. Polyester is available in a wider range of colors but is not as durable. Costs vary by type, color, and manufacturer, so there is little-to-no cost difference between them - both have a large range of costs. Polyester is difficult to work with, meaning most manufacturers have stopped making it or plan to phase it out. It is still available in a few colors because it is easier to get a gloss surface than acrylic.
| Type | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Polyester | $15 - $50 |
| Acrylic | $15 - $50 |
Polyester Solid Surface
Polyester solid surface countertops cost between $15 and $50 a square foot. Polyester is the less common material for solid surface countertops. It is available in brighter colors, and it can be glossy or translucent - two difficult things to achieve with acrylic. It is more brittle than acrylic, meaning it is more likely to crack or be damaged by impact. It performs similarly to acrylic. This means it may stain, scratch, or burn as acrylic does.
Acrylic Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of acrylic solid surface countertops is $15 to $50 a square foot. The vast majority of solid surface countertops are made from acrylic. It is stronger, more durable, and more flexible than polyester. It is also less likely to crack and easier to work with. Its colors may not be as vivid as polyester nor as glossy. It stains, scratches, and burns, so care must be taken.
Solid Surface Countertops Price by Finish
Solid surface countertops can be finished in different ways. Most are available with a matte or flat finish, and some may have a slight sheen to them. You may also find some with a glossy finish or a semi-gloss finish, depending on the color, style, and manufacturer. Polyester is easier to achieve a high gloss, but many manufacturers are phasing it out. This could make getting a high gloss finish more difficult than other finishes.
The cost of your countertop is not overly influenced by the finish. Finish is inherent in the color and type of solid surface - you cannot change the finish. Therefore, the countertop’s costs are determined by the material, layout, style, and edge.
| Finish | Averga Cost per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Matte | $15 - $50 |
| Semi-Gloss | $15 - $50 |
| Glossy | $15 - $50 |
Matte Solid Surface Countertops
The material cost for a matte solid surface countertop is $15 to $50 a square foot. This is the most common finish for these countertops. Every manufacturer offers a matte finish in a wide range of colors and styles. The finish is not completely flat but often has a slight sheen. It reflects some light but is not considered glossy or highly reflective. You can find this finish in nearly every color or pattern available, from bold tones to subtle neutrals. It is also available in a select range of translucent colors that can be backlit.
Semi-Gloss Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of the material for semi-gloss solid surface countertops ranges from $15 to $50 a square foot. This is a less common finish for solid surface countertops. It is slightly more reflective than the matte finish. This material scratches easily. To remove the scratches, you need to remove the finish. This makes semi-gloss less attractive to most homeowners than a matte finish because any scratches and repaired areas are visible dull spots. It is more common to use this finish in bathrooms, where scratches are less common.
Glossy Solid Surface Countertops
The material cost for glossy solid surface countertops averages $15 to $50 a square foot. This is an uncommon finish for solid surface countertops. It is very reflective and has a high shine. This material shows scratches and marks more clearly than other finishes. It can be hard to repair without creating more marks. It is also more difficult to find as more manufacturers phase out the polyester material. It is more widely available in smaller vanity-size slabs for bathrooms.
Solid Surface Countertops Cost by Manufacturer
Many brands and manufacturers sell solid surface countertops. Each company has its own formula for how they create the material. They also have their own colors, styles, and finishes. Keep in mind the manufacturer produces this material in large sheets. It is cut and fabricated to fit your cabinets by a third party, who you purchase it from. Therefore, costs change based on the fabricator and how easy or difficult the material is to work with.
| Brand | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| LivingStone | $19 - $23 |
| Wilsonart | $24 - $30 |
| Corian | $26 - $50 |
| Formica | $30 - $35 |
| Avonite | $30 - $48 |
| Durat | $30 - $50 |
LivingStone Solid Surface
The cost of LivingStone solid surface countertops is $19 to $23 a square foot. LivingStone solid surface countertops are available in a range of colors and styles. This includes solid colors, some speckled colors, and a few unique styles. They have many colors with a wider quartz-like appearance. This can make the countertop seem as though it is made of natural stone rather than plastics. Their materials are affordable and readily available.
Wilsonart Solid Surface Pricing
The cost of Wilsonart solid surface countertops averages $24 to $30 a square foot. Wilsonart offers many colors and styles. These include a full range of solid colors and some small patterned styles. They also have a range of styles that can accurately capture the look of stone. These styles come in a range of colors and may have larger “aggregate” pieces, or they may have veins and swirls. Their countertops are very readily available.
Corian Countertops Price
Corian countertops range from $26 to $50 a square foot for the material. Corian is made by DuPont, which was the first company to discover and use this material. Therefore, Corian is the oldest brand of solid surface countertops and comes in the most colors and styles. This includes countertops that mimic various stones, including marble and travertine. They also have a range of translucent countertops and solid colors.
Formica 5 countertops cost between $30 and $35 a square foot for the material. Formica makes many colors and styles of solid surface countertop. They make acrylic and polyester but are beginning to phase out polyester, meaning it is more difficult to find. Formica makes a range of different colors and styles, including solids and some stone-look countertops. They also make a range of colors with speckles and sparkling additives.
Avonite Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of Avonite solid surface countertops averages $30 to $48 a square foot. Avonite makes a very wide range of designer colors and styles. They have several solid colors, including shades of white and bold hues. They also make a range of materials that look like quartz, travertine, and marble. Some have incredibly detailed veining and other interesting looks. Most colors are readily available and easy to order.
Durat Countertops Cost
Durat countertops cost between $30 and $50 a square foot for the material. Durat is made by IceStone - a manufacturer of recycled glass countertops. Durat is made of polyester and contains roughly 30% post-consumer recycled material. The countertop is also fully recyclable and one of the only solid surface countertops that counts toward LEED credits. Durat comes in many bright, bold hues. These include solid colors and several patterned styles.
Average Cost of Solid Surface Countertops by Color
Solid surface countertops come in every color. They can be solid colors, speckled blends of color, or mimic stone, concrete, and wood. While every company has proprietary patterns and colors, they all make whites, tans, beiges, blues, greens, and other shades similar enough to shop for. You may have more trouble comparing once you get into the designer colors and patterns.
Because these materials are all man-made, there is little cost difference by the color - it depends on the color and manufacturer.
| Color | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| White | $17 - $44 |
| Black | $21 - $57 |
| Gray | $24 - $34 |
| Green | $24 - $57 |
| Blue | $26 - $57 |
White Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of white solid surface countertops is $17 to $44 a square foot for the material. White solid surface countertops come in many styles. You can get a pure white countertop with no veining or flecks. You can also get a white countertop with a marbled effect in various shades, including white on white. There are also several white countertops with flecks of different shades, including white on white or gray on white. Some white countertops can also be classified as white while being technically off-white or beige.
Black Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of black solid surface countertops is between $21 and $57 a square foot for the material. Black solid surface countertops are also available in a wide range of styles, including solid black countertops. There are also black countertops with varying amounts of veining or speckles. These can be in various colors, from white to gray or gold. Some black solid surface countertops can even have a sparkling fleck of color within them for a more contemporary look.
Gray Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of gray solid surface countertops averages $24 to $34 a square foot for the material. Gray solid surface countertops do not have as many options like black or white. They come in solid gray in a few different hues. They can also come with the look of concrete, travertine, or other stones. These have varying amounts of shade and movement. Some gray countertops may also have flecks of other colors on a gray background for more depth.
Green Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of green solid surface countertops ranges from $24 to $57 a square foot for the material. Green solid surface countertops come in several shades and translucencies. Green countertops can be solid green in several hues. They can also be flecked with other colors like white or tan. A few companies make shades of green that resemble seaglass. This is a translucent countertop with varying shades of color that make a stunning addition to many rooms.
Blue Solid Surface Countertops
The cost of blue solid surface countertops is between $26 and $57 a square foot for the material. Blue is not offered in as many hues and shades as some other colors. What is available is very vibrant with designer hues. This can include a blue with white and black flecks and a few solid blues. This color is also available as a translucent slab. Like the green, it can be done in a seaglass translucency that gives it depth with varying shades. It can be backlit for more interest.
Solid Surface Edging
Solid surface countertops are fabricated like stone or recycled glass countertops. This means the material is formed as a large sheet cut and finished to fit your countertops. It can have all the same edging types that other slab materials can have. Most come with a square or eased edge at no additional cost. However, you have additional costs if you desire a different edge.
| Edge | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|
| Square | No additional cost |
| Eased | No additional cost |
| Half Bullnose | $10 - $12 |
| Full Bullnose | $10 - $12 |
| Bevel | $10 - $12 |
| Ogee | $20 - $25 |
| Dupont | $20 - $25 |
| Mitre | $20 - $25 |
| Quirk | $20 - $25 |
| French Cove | $30 - $35 |
Cost to Install Solid Surface Countertops
The cost to install solid surface countertops ranges from $50 to $80 a square foot. This cost includes templating your existing countertops, fabricating or shaping the material, finishing, and final installation. This installation includes melting the seams of each piece to create a seamless appearance and drilling holes for a sink. Most companies also include the cost to remove and dispose of your old countertop.
Most solid surface countertops include an integral sink. This has an additional cost, depending on the sink size and shape. It could range from $100 to $300 for most sinks, but a few oversized sinks have higher costs.
Solid Surface Countertops Pros and Cons
Solid surface material is available in many colors and styles. It is completely non-porous, meaning it does not harbor bacteria growth, and does not require sealing. It has no apparent seams, and you can have a sink made of the same material.
Solid surface countertops scratch and stain. The lighter colors stain more than darker shades. Most sinks made of solid surface are white, regardless of the countertop’s color. Normal use in this sink stains it. Bleach or a scrubbing pad 6 is required to remove the stains.
If the material scratches, the scratches can be buffed away with a scrubbing pad, but the buffs show if the surface is not matte.
Finally, solid surface material is reactive to heat. It melts if a curling iron or hot pot rests against it. You cannot undermount a cooktop beneath it for this reason. If you put a hot pot directly on a seam, it pops open. This can happen even if you only rest the pot down for a minute.
Solid Surface Countertop Add-Ons
One of the benefits of this material is the ability to form it in so many ways. This means it can be used anywhere, from countertops to bathroom walls. When using it as a countertop, you can mold it into an integral backsplash or attach an integral sink. These additions can help make the finished countertop look more appealing.
| Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|
| Integral Backsplash | $3 - $5/linear foot |
| Integral Sink | $100 - $300 |
| Island Countertop | $1,400 - $2,600 |
Solid Surface Backsplash
The cost of an integral solid surface backsplash 2 is between $3 and $5 a linear foot. A solid surface backsplash is roughly 4 inches in height. It is designed to curve off of the back of the countertop. Because the material can be melted together, it has no seams. This can be particularly attractive for bathroom vanity tops, where water may frequently reach the wall. It is often less desirable in kitchens because many people use a decorative backsplash.
Solid Surface Countertops with Integral Sinks
The cost of adding an integral sink to a solid surface countertop averages $100 to $300. Many sink styles are available for solid surface countertops. This includes round, oval, and rectangular bowls for bathrooms. For kitchens, it can be a D-bowl, single or double bowl, or a bowl with a drainboard attachment. For the most part, these sinks are white. You can request the same color and material for the sink, but this increases the cost.
Solid Surface Island
The cost of having a solid surface countertop made for an island 3 ranges from $1,400 to $2,600. Most kitchen islands need about 20 sq.ft. of countertop space. However, you may need more or less material. In either case, your costs are different. You cannot undermount a cooktop in this material, so choose a different material if you are planning an island cooktop. Otherwise, you can use solid surface countertops in the entire kitchen or mix and match.
Solid Surface Countertop Maintenance
Solid surface countertops are often billed as low maintenance because they do not require sealing or special cleaners. However, they scratch, burn, and stain easily. Always use a cutting board to avoid scratches. Never drag items across the countertop or rest hot objects on it. Wipe spills as soon as they are seen. Bleach can remove surface stains. A green scouring or scrubbing pad can remove scratches and surface stains. Rub it vigorously in small circles over the affected area until it is removed, and then rinse with clean water.
Solid Surface Countertops vs Quartz
Solid surface and quartz countertops are man-made materials that can be used in various places. Solid surface countertops are made primarily of plastic - acrylic or polyester - with some mineral content. Quartz countertops are made of roughly 93% quartz stone with resins and pigments. Both come in a wide range of colors and styles.
Solid surface countertops stain, scratch, and melt with heat, while quartz resists all these. This makes quartz lower in maintenance than solid surface countertops. Quartz is slightly less expensive, but there is some overlap.
| Material | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
|---|
| Quartz | $40 - $100 |
| Solid Surface | $70 - $130 |
Solid Surface Countertops vs Granite
Granite countertops are a natural material that comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Some types of solid surface countertops are designed to look like granite with similar coloration. Granite is made of natural rock and impervious to scratching and heat but may stain. It needs to be sealed to impede staining. Solid surface countertops do not require sealing, but light colors can stain. It may also scratch and burn or melt on contact with heat. This makes it slightly higher in maintenance than granite, but both require some degree of regular maintenance. Granite has a wider cost range than solid surface, with lower and higher costs.
| Material | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
|---|
| Granite | $40 - $200 |
| Solid Surface | $70 - $130 |
Solid Surface Countertops vs Laminate
Solid surface and laminate countertops are man-made materials. Some companies like Wilsonart and Formica make both materials. They come in several colors and styles. Both have similar issues with staining, scratching, and burning. However, solid surface countertops are much easier to remove stains and scratches from. This means that while it is more work in general, you can keep it looking good longer than laminate. Solid surface countertops have color going all the way through the slab. Laminate is a surface-only material that wraps over a wood or particle-board base. This means solid surface materials can have more options for shapes, sinks, and edges than laminate. Laminate is the less expensive option.
| Material | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
|---|
| Laminate | $20 - $60 |
| Solid Surface | $70 - $130 |
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Old Countertop Removal
If you replace your countertops with new solid surface countertops, you need to have the old ones removed. Most companies include this in the project cost, but some charge a fee. This ranges from $50 to $200, depending on your current countertops.
Cabinetry Installation
New countertops are often part of a larger kitchen remodel. You may wish to update your cabinets with your countertops for a completely new look. The average cost of installing new cabinets is $6,450.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- DIY. While you may want to install your new countertops DIY, solid surface is not good for this task. You need to have professional installation to make sure it is done properly.
- Special shapes. Solid surface material is easy to carve and shape. This makes it a good choice for unique curves and shapes on tables or islands.
- Recycled materials. Durat solid surface countertops contain up to 30% recycled material and can be recycled. This is the only solid surface material that currently uses recycled material in every product.
- Integral sinks. To create the integral sink, a piece of the countertop must be cut away. You can request this piece of leftover material be sanded 7 on the edges to create a cutting board that matches your countertop.
FAQs
- Is solid surface cheaper than granite?
Yes and no. Some granites are less expensive than solid surface, but others are more expensive. In general, a mid-range material from each is less money for the solid surface than granite.
- What is the most affordable solid surface countertop?
The least expensive is generally found from a company like LivingStone, whose slabs start at around $19 a square foot. You can also find smaller manufacturers with more limited colors, but costs start at $15 a square foot.
- Does Corian scratch easily?
If you cut directly on the surface, yes, it scratches. Likewise, it scratches if you drag something across the surface. These can be buffed out with a green scrubbing pad.
- Are Corian countertops still popular?
Solid surface countertops like Corian have supporters. They are non-porous and do not harbor bacteria. They make fantastic accessible showers and other easy-to-clean surfaces for bathrooms. They are less popular in kitchens.
- What are Corian countertops made of?
Corian is made from a blend of minerals and acrylic resins with pigments to give it color.
- Can you put a hot pan on Corian?
No, putting a hot pan on any solid surface countertop could cause it to burn, melt, or pop a seam if you set the pan close enough to one.
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