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Corian worktops - Are Solid Surfaces A Good Choice For My Kitchen Worktop?
When it comes to making your choice for a surface in the kitchen Solid Surface worktops may be something you are considering.
What makes them the right choice for your kitchen worktop?
Well in presenting the facts I hope I can make it easier for you to make the correct decision.
There are a number of similar surfaces that in truth are little different in their make up and properties to Corian but as the pioneer of Solid Surfaces, Corian is the standard bearer and that does count for a lot in the eyes of the consumer..
This isn't to say that other surfaces aren't as good as Corian and to determine this there's no better proof than the opinions of fabricators who work regularly on Solid Surface Materials. LG Hi-Macs like Corian, is an acrylic surface that offers a 15 year manufacturers warranty and in a consensus of opinions I've read on fabricators discussion forums over the years, there is nothing to choose between the two.
As with Corian, LG Hi-Macs worktops are available in a wide variety of colours and, like Corian Worktops, LG Hi-Macs surface warranties are only available through a network of quality installers and fabricators giving the client a greater assurance of a quality project being undertaken and some peace of mind thereafter.
To examine warranties for all surfaces is an important factor and one that is often confusing to the consumer. The warranties available are limited and apply only to faults that can be determined as being a manufacturing defect or as a result of a substandard installations only when carried out by approved quality fabricators and installers.
For Hi-Macs, at the time of writing this article the warranty shall not apply to damage caused by:
- Failure to follow procedures recommended in the Fabrication Guide Book for transportation, storage, handling, fabrication, or maintenance;
- Physical abuse, accidents or misuse;
- Exposure to excessive heat;
- Faulty or improper installation, including seams.
For all Solid Surfaces it's important to consider the potential damage that could occur outside of the warranty conditions and to incorporate your new surfaces into an existing household insurance policy is good advice.
As for choice, it's worth mentioning that a number of relatively new "Solid Surfaces" are of thin core and cannot be compared to the 13mm guage of Corian and Hi-Macs. Personally, I have resisted any attempts to sell these surfaces after having witnessed a number of issues with cracking and delaminating, so again, if you do consider thin core surfaces, check the warranty and ensure it offers you sufficient cover for the price you are paying. Interestingly enough a price exercise I once carried out saw Corian coming in more affordable than a thin core surface less than a quarter of its thickness.
In the kitchen Corian worktops and Hi-Macs Worktops offer their owners seamless joints and seamless sinks with endless design possibilities seeing more distinctive projects being offered by creative designers. Downturn end panels are becoming increasingly popular as are deeper profiles such as 60mm or 100mm finishes.
So there you have it, there are a number of Solid surface worktops in the UK yet it's important to determine the differences before making your decision.
They remain a firm favourite for UK Kitchen Buyers but my advice is to undertake some thorough research on your choices before making a decision on what's best for your kitchen or bathroom project.
 Duck 442030 Cushioned Surface Non-Adhesive Solid Easy Shelf Liner, 20-Inch Wide by 4-Feet Long, White List Price: Sale Price: $11.58 You save: $3.41 (23%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description"HENKEL" DUCK SOLID CUSHION SHELF LINERSize: 20"x4' Color: White Premium cushion grip, crumbs won't fall through, non-slip and non-adhesive, Patented technology Shelf liner, multi purpose uses Features
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 Duck 442031 Cushioned Surface Non-Adhesive Solid Easy Shelf Liner, 12-Inch Wide by 7-Feet Long, White Sale Price: $11.58 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description"HENKEL" DUCK SOLID CUSHION SHELF LINERSize: 12"x7' Color: White Premium cushion grip, crumbs won't fall through, non-slip and non-adhesive, Patented technology Shelf liner, multi purpose uses Features
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 Solid Surface Countertop Scratch Remover Kit Sale Price: $19.50 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSolid Surface Countertop Scratch Remover Kit will remove damage caused by wear and tear, scuffs and burn marks from utensils, pots, pans, steel wool and non-woven cleaners. Your countertop will have a renewed and revitalized finish. Specifically for solid surface countertops such as Corian, Gibraltar, and others.High tech aluminum oxide refurbishing pads and liquid come with easy to use instructions.The kit restores matte, satin or gloss surfaces, as well as damaged areas, and beautifies your home's best investment and extends the life of your countertop.NOT for use on natural stone such as granite or marble, or on Formica or laminated or wood surfaces.(Caution: This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions- only the gloves are latex). Features
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 Frigidaire : 154477201 Sidemount Kit for Mounting Under Solid Surface Countertops Sale Price: $18.12 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFrigidaire Dishwasher Side Mount Kit 154477201 Features
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 Stone Care International Solid Surface Care Kit, 8-Ounce Bottles List Price: Sale Price: $28.86 You save: $11.13 (28%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionA complete stone care kit for marble, granite, natural stone, solid surfaces and tile. Kit consists of one each 8 oz bottle of Clean EnCounters Counter Top Cleaner and International Stone Polish. Clean EnCounters Countertop Spray Cleaner is designed to clean natural stone surfaces such as granite, marble and limestone, solid surfaces such as Corian, Gibraltar, Avonite, Fountainhead, Surrell, Topstone, Staron and Swanstone. Also cleans laminate surfaces such as Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar and Pionite. Simply spray and wipe. Never leaves a residue. Degreases and cleans without streaking. Ready to use formula. The International Stone Polish is a protective countertop coating that will polish, protect and enhance the brilliant colors of natural stone. Not for floor use, the polish will protect and enhance the natural gloss of stone countertops, vanities, walls and columns. Simply apply it to the surface by hand and polish with a soft cloth. Also helps prevent staining and etching on the surface by providing a durable protective barrier. Safe for food handling surfaces. Features
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 Solid Surfaces Counter Care Kit List Price: Sale Price: $19.99 You save: $5.00 (20%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features
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 Honeywell RPW301A1009/A Wired Surface Mount Push Button List Price: Sale Price: $15.21 You save: $3.78 (20%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe RPW301A is a wired, surface mounted, satin nickel, non-lighted push button from Honeywell crafted from solid brass material for unmatched quality and the longest lasting durable finish and performance available. Create the perfect first impression by matching your door chime push button to your door hardware with this quality crafted solid brass push button from Honeywell. Features
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 Electrol Solid Element Cleaner,WB64X81 Sale Price: $5.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionElectrol ® helps maintain the original matte black appearance of solid elements. When used regularly it helps protect the surface from rusting and spotting. Features
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 Silgranit Solid Surface 50/50 Luxury Kitchen Sink EK11 List Price: Sale Price: $179.00 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSleek, integrated kitchen solid surface sinks are a pleasure to live with. They're permanently seamed into your countertop, with no sink lips to trap dirt, mold and mildew. So they're a breeze to clean. They're nonporous, so germs and odors can't penetrate. Because they're solid surface, they naturally resist chips, dents, impacts and stains. And because we limit our offering to only the most popular styles, every one is a surprising value. Features
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 PawGanics Natural Toy & Solid Surface Cleaning Wipes Sale Price: $7.43 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPawGanics Natural Toy & Solid Surface Cleaning WipesPawGanics Natural Toy & Solid Surface Cleaning Wipes hunt down grease, drool, dirt and grime where they live, leaving surfaces remarkably clean. Our non-toxic, sustainable wipes clean toys without leaving a harsh chemical residue behind (your four-legged family members will sure appreciate this). Works great on hard surfaces too - you'll want to use them everywhere. And, our Cleaning Wipes are packaged with 100% wind energy. Pet safe, baby safe and earth safe! Features
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