Solid Surfacing Countertops

Use this CSI 3 part SimpleSpecs™ master specification for Architects to specify solid surfacing countertops, splashes, and aprons.

Solid surfacing is composed of acrylic or polyester resins, aggregates, and coloring agents formed into solid sheets. The sheeting is fabricated using tools and procedures similar to natural stone.

Some panels also contain recycled glass, porcelain, or tile, improving hardness, resistance to heat and chemicals, and flammability.

Solid surfaces are usually prefabricated at the installer’s shop and then assembled on site. Glue is used to bond the material, then sanding it to leave almost no visible trace of the joint. The edge treatment for solid-surface countertops can be very elaborate.

The material itself is usually  12 mm (1/2 inch) thick, so an edge is generally created by stacking up two or three layers of the material. The built-up edge can then be shaped to a rounded edge or an ogee. Fancier edge treatments are more expensive.

To learn more about solid surfaces, visit Wikipedia.

Related SimpleSpecs™ master specifications: 

Natural stone countertops –  12 36 40 – Stone Countertops.

Simulated stone countertops – 12 36 61 – Cultured Marble Countertops.

Solid surfacing countertops – 06 61 16 – Solid Surfacing Fabrications.