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[Budget-Friendly] Solid Surface Countertop Options for Your Kitchen
Countertops can be a big-ticket item in any kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. The cost of replacing a countertop ranges from $100 per square foot to well over $1,000 per square foot—and in some cases, the cost of a new countertop is more than the cost of the cabinets or the sink.
Unless you’re planning to sell your house or rent your home to someone who might expect granite or wood countertops, you might be tempted to look into some of the lower-cost alternatives to traditional countertops, such as solid surface countertops. Solid surface countertops are made from a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of natural stone, ceramic tile, or wood.
Solid surface countertops are about half the price of natural stone and a third of the solid wood countertops. However, there are some significant differences between solid surface countertops and natural stone or wood countertops that you need to know about before you commit to a solid surface countertop.
What are solid surface countertops?
Solid surface countertops are crafted from various solid surface materials, including quartz, ceramic, and laminate. Because of the wide range of solid surface materials, there is a nearly endless list of solid surface countertop options.
The most common solid surface material, quartz, is a natural material, which makes it a more environmentally friendly choice than many other solid surface options. Quartz countertops are created from a carefully controlled process of heat and pressure and are composed of a particular type of quartz crystal.
We make ceramic counters from baked clay; we form them into various shapes and then glaze, stain, or paint. The glaze gives ceramic surfaces their shine, ranging from glossy to matte.
We make laminate surfaces from layers of material, which are then bound together with adhesives. The layers can vary in thickness, the type of material(s) used, and the weight of the material. Laminate surfaces are then finished with a coating to give them a smooth, polished finish.
What are the benefits of solid surface countertops?
Solid surface countertops come in a range of colors. There are countertops in white, as well as solid surface countertops that are in a range of colors. Some countertops are made in multiple colors. The colors range from paler hues to dark hues.
Just like other types of solid surface countertops, heat resistance is another benefit of these countertops. Solid surface countertops are more durable than natural stone ones, making them more heat-resistant.
The glossy finish on solid surface countertops is a benefit similar to the shine on quartz countertops but without the high maintenance. The polish is beautiful and can also help with cooking because it does not show fingerprints.
What are the drawbacks of solid surface countertops?
A solid surface countertop’s main drawback is maintaining it regularly. You should clean solid surface countertops with a nonabrasive cleaner and dry cloth the same way you clean glass or metal. Make sure to dry the surface thoroughly since even small amounts of moisture can lead to staining.
The average cost to buy solid surface countertops is about $40 to 10060 per square foot, comparable to other countertops. The installation cost is higher than other countertop materials, and the average total cost for a new solid surface countertop is about $90 to $130 per square foot.
However, because solid surface countertops are so durable, you can save money over the long term by avoiding repair or replacement costs. In general, solid surface countertops can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the grade of the product and the quality of care you give them.
How do solid surface countertops compare to other countertop materials?
Concrete countertops are popular low-cost options often created in DIY projects. They can be inexpensive, but they are heavy and hard to move into place. They are not very insulating or energy efficient.
If you love the look and feel of butcher block countertops, you can also benefit from solid surface material. We make butcher block kitchen countertops from solid surface material. The material is recycled and reclaimed, which makes it inexpensive.
Natural stone countertops are another popular option that offers the beauty and style of natural stone while also making it affordable. You can purchase pre-cut stone countertops from marble, granite, and limestone materials. But you can also buy natural stone slabs and have them cut and shaped for your countertops.
The major downside of natural stone countertops is that they are not insulating, making them uncomfortable to work on in extreme temperatures.
How much do solid surface countertops cost?
Solid surface countertops are an expensive option for your kitchen. Because you can produce solid surface countertops in almost any color, pattern, or texture, manufacturers produce them to order and custom-tailored to fit your exact specifications. And because companies make them on order, they are not subject to the same discounts as other countertop options.
The average price per square foot for solid surface countertops is $100. This average price can vary greatly, depending on the material you select. For example, black solid surface countertops are more expensive than other colors, with prices averaging $135 per square foot.
The most expensive solid surface countertops are marbled materials. Beautiful marbleized solid surface countertops can cost as much as $400/sq. ft. But even the most costly solid surface countertops are still less expensive than natural marble, costing up to $1,000/sq. ft.
How do I care for my solid surface countertops?
Solid surface countertops are prone to scratching and chipping. You should be careful with sharp knives, as these can cause damage. Even dull knives can gouge solid surface countertops, so you should also ensure you sharpen your utensils. You should also dry dishes.
Wiping up spills quickly and carefully can also help prevent damage. It’s best to clean up spills immediately, so they don’t have a chance to soak into the surface and mar it.
Solid surface countertops are more resistant to staining than natural stone countertops and you can clean them easily. But you should still resist the temptation to scrub aggressively. You can get scratches and other damage if you wash too hard.
What are some common solid surface countertop problems?
The more common problems with solid kitchen countertops include surface stains and scratches. Though you can sometimes buff out scratches, surface stains are occasionally permanent.
Solid surface countertops are prone to heat stains and sensitive to hot pans and sharp objects. Even hot knives and forks can cause surface scratches.
The more solid the surface is, the more it will be prone to scratches and surface stains. But even a textured solid surface can be prone to surface scratches.
If you are thinking about buying a solid surface countertop, you need to be prepared to be extra careful around the surface. Move hot pans carefully, use hot pads, and avoid placing heavy objects on the countertop.
Several options exist if you’re looking for a solid surface countertop that won’t break the bank. From laminate to concrete, there are a variety of materials that can give you a look you want without busting your budget. With a bit of research and careful shopping, you can find the perfect countertop for your kitchen.
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