Thinking of renovating your business/residence in the UAE and seeing ‘Solid Surface’ everywhere? This comprehensive piece of writing is for your guide regarding what a solid surface is. Its types, benefits, applications, and leading brands of solid surfaces in the UAE. Moreover, some frequently asked questions are addressed at the bottom to give you a true picture of Solid Surface.
What is a Solid Surface?
“Modern architecture and interior designs demand a material that is supposed to have the qualities of beauty, grace, durability, and practicality.”
Among many surfacing options available in the market, solid surface has proven itself as the most versatile and reliable choice in the residential and commercial arena. Solid surface serves in shaping elegant kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, along with designing attractive reception desks in business and hygienic services in the healthcare sector.
Solid Surface is a non-porous, engineered material specifically designed for countertops, wall cladding, workplaces, vanity tops, and interior decoration. It is manufactured mainly by adding acrylic, polyester resins, and natural minerals.
Solid surface is a genetically hybrid product to give a strength of stone along with a seamless appearance. Multiple small sections are joined together to produce a seam-free outcome with attraction and hygiene.
Another major advantage from the customer’s perspective is its ability to thermoform. It means like iron and gold, it can be molded and produce curved shapes upon heating. This feature helps to achieve any kind of design of the customer’s choice.
Advantages of solid surface materials:
- Seamless in appearance
- Pore-free surface
- Maintenance is easy
- Repairable finishing
- A wide range of colors and designs
- Extremely hygienic
- Custom fabrication flexibility
- Due to its 40% less weight than marble, it is used extensively in marine/boats, yachts, and ships.
Why is It Becoming Popular in the UAE?
With the advent of globalization, the UAE has become the hub of multinational companies and businesses. Property owners and designers will inevitably use a material that serves both the purposes of luxury aesthetics and durability. It is not only giving beauty, but power as well. Solid surfaces are being used in marine setups such as ships, boats, and yachts. It is lightweight, non-porous, and the first choice in the marine business. Solid surface is repairable and lightweight, so it is replacing traditional wood use in boat/yachts manufacturing. Solid surface material is suitable for the UAE because it serves the following functions:
Resistance Against Harsh Climate:
UAE has excessive humidity and heat that cause mold in marble grout, while Solid Surface is non-porous and sealed, so it is being used in water and on land.
Attractive Designs:
Solid surface presents curved reception desks, backlit walls, and seamless sinks in 100+ colors.
Easy Maintenance:
It is Easy to clean. Scratches can be sanded out that is a big deal for restaurants and hotels.
Hygienically Safe:
NSF certified, used in hospitals/clinics across the AE. It resists the spread of microorganisms due to its non-porous nature.
Suitable for High-End Businesses:
Modern developments throughout the United Arab Emirates use solid surface materials to align with cultural norms.
Types of Solid Surface Materials
Let’s break it down into 3 standards based on quality:
Pure Acrylic Solid Surface (DuPont Corian):
This type of solid surface is at the top of the hierarchy of all surfaces as it contains the highest content of acrylic resin. Acrylic solid surface is primarily manufactured by mixing Acrylic resin with natural minerals and color pigments.
Features of Acrylic Solid Surfaces:
- It has exceptional durability
- Long life surfaces
- Superior thermoforming performance
- Seamless Joining
- High resistance to cracks
- Enhanced reparability and refinishing
Uses of Acrylic Solid Surfaces:
- Airports
- Railway/Metro Stations
- Luxury Houses
- Hotels
- Premium Commercial Projects
- High-value residential interiors
- Reception Desks
- Kitchen Countertops
- Bathroom vanities
- Commercial counters
- Healthcare environments
- Laboratories
Acrylic solid surface is the most widely used option of its type because of its long lifespan and versatility.
Polyester Solid Surface:
The main ingredient in the manufacturing and binding of this solid surface is polyester.
Features of Polyester Solid Surface
- More budget-friendly and affordable
- It is available in vibrant colors.
- Polyester Solid surface produces an aesthetic look that makes it the best choice in decorative applications.
Along with these advantages, Polyester Solid Surface has certain limitations as well:
- Less flexible than acrylic
- More prone to cracks under stress
- Difficult to mold into extra curvy shapes.
Uses of Polyester solid surfaces:
- Retail displays
- Decorated wall panels
- Budget-friendly projects
Modified Acrylic Solid Surface:
In this type, we combine polyester resin and acrylic to produce an economical and durable solid surface.
Features of Modified Acrylic Solid Surfaces:
- It is a cost-effective option for commercial and residential projects.
- It has more endurance than pure polyester surfaces.
- Elegant appearance of the surface, along with more flexibility in fabrication.
Uses of Modified Acrylic Solid Surfaces:
- Residential kitchens
- Bathroom countertops
- Office interiors
- Schools/Colleges
- Universities
- Commercial projects
Most of the businesses/property owners adopt this option due to its economic nature and durability.
Benefits of Solid Surfaces for UAE Properties:
The climate and culture of the UAE demand special attention from constructors. Solid surfaces fulfill those demands that are inevitable and suitable for that geography. Solid surfaces provide the undermentioned advantages:
- Seamless in appearance
- Non-porous and Hygienic in look
- They can be easily repairable that makes it more economical
- Thermoforming is an additional advantage of this product
- A wide color selection provides uniqueness among competitors
- Low maintenance costs
“No grout lines, No Mold: Unlike tiled bathrooms, Solid Surface has zero grout/gap where mold can grow. Perfect for UAE’s climate”
Leading Solid Surface Brands Available in the UAE:
Multiple internationally renowned brands operate in the UAE by providing high-quality solid surface products. A few of them are listed below:
Corian®
Corian is the most famous name in the industry of solid surfaces. Corian offers premium and matchless services along with durability, seamless appearance, and flexibility.
Hi-Macs®
This brand is serving in the design of residential, healthcare setups, hospitality, and commercial units, due to its exclusive fabrication properties and wide color selection options.
Staron®
This brand manufactures solid surfaces with advanced Acrylic technology and provides durable and attractive surfaces best for interior applications.
Krion®
Krion is famous for providing hygienically standard surfaces along with innovative designs and sustainability features.
Avonite®
Avonite offers a broad band of colors, patterns, and designs, which make it a suitable option for luxury projects in the residential and commercial sectors.
FAQs:
How long does solid surface last?
High-quality solid surface materials can last 20 years or more if maintained properly. The repairable nature of these surfaces can extend their life significantly as compared to other materials on the market.
Is solid surface waterproof?
Yes, Solid surface materials are non-porous and resist water absorption. Due to this feature, solid surface is used in marine environments such as yachts, boats, and ships.
Can Solid Surface be used outdoors in the UAE?
Some solid surface products are suitable for outdoors, but not all types can be used for such a purpose, as prolonged UV exposure can adversely affect them. It is recommended to discuss with professionals before installation in certain locations to install the specific type.
Is solid surface heat-resistant?
Solid surfaces are good insulators of heat in normal daily use. But, it is not recommended to place the hot cooking wares directly on these surfaces. In kitchens, trivets and heat pads are recommended to protect and maintain these surfaces’ integrity.
If you are selecting a brand for business and residential usage, Surface Cure Interiors offers professional suggestions along with installation services all over the UAE.