There are more than a dozen manufacturers of solid surface countertops that are considered to be good to outstanding. Of these, a few stand out from the crowd. This comparison of solid surface countertop brands includes those companies that have the top-rated products as well as a great range of styles, colors and accessories.
Here’s an overview of the best solid surface countertops. It’s followed by choosing the top brands in essential categories.
DuPont Corian Solid Surface Countertops
The first brand name many consumers came across when learning about solid surface countertops was Corian. It’s been available for decades as one of the first products of its kind.
Corian is a solid material that produces a nonporous countertop resistant to water and staining. Made from a proprietary blend of natural minerals bonded with quality acrylic, the result is a durable surface that is easy to clean. Corian is available in a wide array of colors and styles, so you’ll find one to fit your design scheme. DuPont Corian meets standards for food preparation surfaces for homes and schools.
Wilsonart Solid Surface Countertops
This leading manufacturer of laminate countertops has been making solid surface countertops for over a decade. Wilsonart solid surface countertops are crafted from 100% acrylic and polyester resins blended with fire retardants and pigments. Wilsonart is nonporous and resists staining, heat, mildew and scratches. The surface can be buffed to get rid of minor scratches and stubborn stains.
Wilsonart is popular in homes, schools and commercial settings. It has a Children and Schools certification and has received the prestigious Greenguard Indoor Air Quality award because it does not contain chemicals that can emit noxious fumes.
Samsung Staron Solid Surface Countertops
These 100% acrylic surfaces are ideal for countertops, sinks, backsplashes, drain boards and more. Staron comes in more than 70 colors and designs to meet the demands of any decorating scheme. New from Samsung Staron is the Tempest line of semi-translucent solid surfaces with metallic particulates that produce depth and richness through the countertops.
You may also like to know that the Samsung Staron Recycled Content Series uses a significant amount of recycled material, diverting it from the waste stream and landfills. The line comes in a variety of attractive hues and colors, and every one of them is very green!
Swanstone Solid Surface Countertops
Swanstone is produced form a homogenous blend of modified acrylic containing natural minerals. The result is a surface that is nonporous, easy to clean and resistant to heat. Solid and aggregate surfaces are produced with matching sinks and sink bowls for most of the colors and styles. The pigment is found throughout the material, so it won’t wear off and hides minor scratches very well. Swanstone is one of the toughest solid surface countertops on the market.
Formica Solid Surface Countertops
Formica has made durable materials for the kitchen for decades. The brand’s solid surface products are outstanding, a fully-densified composite material that is produced by blending acrylic resin with mineral fillers. Formica solid surfaces work well for countertops, sinks, tabletops, backsplashes and more.
The Best Solid Surface Brands in Essential Categories
Range of Styles – Wilsonart and Samsung Staron: While all of these brands offer a diverse array of colors, textures and tones, Wilsonart leads this category. It offers dozens of solid colors and aggregate blend that mimic solid wood, quartz, marble, granite and sandstone. With more than 70 color and style options, Staron is a very good choice for any kitchen design including traditional, country, transitional, contemporary and more.
Durability – DuPont Corian: When it comes to toughness, DuPont is difficult to beat. Corian is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry. It holds up very well to heat, heavy use, cleaning products, juice and wine and heavy objects. All of these hard surface countertop brands will provide you with 12-20 years of durable service, or more, when cared for properly.
Ease of Cleaning — Tie: All of these hard surface brands are nonporous, so they resist dirt buildup, staining or harboring bacteria. For food preparation and cleanliness, any solid surface countertop will be superior to wood, natural stone, tile or concrete.
Accessories – Corian: Most of these brands produce sinks, backsplashes and other accessories, but DuPont Corian has the best selection. The brand makes it easy to choose a kitchen sink or sink bowl that can be seamlessly integrated with the kitchen or bathroom countertops. Made from the same tough Corian material, these accessories are durable and attractive with all the qualities you’ll enjoy from Corian solid surface countertops.
Price – Swanstone: While DuPont Corian tends to be the most expensive, Swanstone offers the best value. It doesn’t come in as many styles as Wilsonart or Staron, but you’ll find sinks, soap dishes and handy accessories for the kitchen and bathroom, all with some of the most affordable pricing in the industry.
While these are the leading solid surface countertop brands, there are a few others worth noting. They include Cerata, Avonite, Meganite, Sage Surfaces and Hanex. The key when shopping for solid surface countertops is to find a product that is built with quality materials and gives you the look you want for your kitchen or bathroom.