The Best Surfacing Material: Quartz vs Solid Surface

So you’re in the market for a countertop material that looks high-quality, has a high return on resale value, is long-lasting, and resists heat. You’ll probably find yourself debating between quartz vs solid surface. While it can be a bit hard to distinguish between the two, they are actually quite different. 

What are the main differences between quartz vs solid surface? We’re answering some frequently asked questions about these two surfacing materials. 

Quartz

The H.J. Oldenkamp Company is the wholesale distributor of Corian® Quartz (formerly known as Zodiaq). What exactly is Corian® Quartz surface material? It combines the natural beauty of quartz with the advanced technology of Corian® Design. This quartz material is made up of 93% quartz, and has a variety of beautiful colors.

What Sheet Sizes and Thickness Does Corian® Quartz Come In?

2CM (¾-inch) slab is available in 63” x 120”, and the 3CM (1-⅛-inch) slab is available in 63” x 120”. Slab sizes do vary by color and some of the new Corian® Quartz colors are available in a jumbo slab size.

What Are The Available Colors of Corian® Quartz?

In the 2019 collection, there are 48 colors.

Can Quartz be Used in Food Prep Areas?

Yes, Corian® Quartz is nonporous and can be used in a kitchen. In fact, a lot of homeowners choose quartz over granite for food preparation areas. 

You can also use Corian® Quartz in other applications such as walls and vanity countertops. There are a wide range of edge treatments that can be applied to your quartz slab during fabrication. 

Is Corian® Quartz Hard to Care for?

It is very easy to maintain Corian® Quartz mainly due to its durability, nonporous, and chemical-resistant characteristics. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t require any sealants or waxes in order to maintain its luster, color, and smooth surface. 

We do recommend to routinely clean your quartz with a damp cloth or paper towel. If needed, a small amount of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleaning can be used for those tougher stains. 

Quartz is Durable, but How Well Can It Withstand Heat and Scratches?

While this surfacing material is very resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, we do encourage the use of trivets and hot pads. If you do decide to use quartz in a food prep area, make sure to use a cutting board when slicing or chopping, especially if using a serrated knife. All spills should be wiped up asap. 

Solid Surface

We also distribute Corian® Solid Surface (also known as Corian®), which is the brand name of a solid surfacing material created by DuPont. This surfacing material lends itself to creative uses and innovative solutions, and pairs with other companies such as M.R. Walls. Corian® Solid Surface can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted, and bent. 

Now with 116 colors, the ever-evolving color palette allows everyone to create their dream space. 

Is Corian® Solid Surface Heat and Stain Resistant? 

Like Corian® Quartz, Corian® Solid Surface is nonporous which means that stains can’t penetrate into the surface. It’s also very easy to clean and maintain, and also doesn’t require a sealant. 

Corian® Solid Surface can remain undamaged with temperatures up to 212°F, however, a high heat and flame will damage it. While most damage can be repaired, we don’t recommend placing a hot pot directly on the surface. A trivet with rubber feet and hot pads are Corian® Solid Surface best friends. 

Is Corian® Solid Surface Easy to Clean?

Extremely so! Soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner is all that’s needed for daily cleaning. While minor scratches and discoloration can be easy for you to repair, any major damage should be repaired by a Certified Fabricator/Installer of Corian® Solid Surface.

How is Corian® Solid Surface Installed?

The only professional who can install Corian® Solid Surface is a trained and certified fabricator or installer. Corian® Design has redefined the installation process and has a group of exclusive certified professionals who do a wonderful job of installing Corian® Solid Surface. They’ll also be happy to talk you through the entire process so you can ask any questions and will know what to expect. 

Why Does One Choose Solid Surface Over Another Surfacing Material? 

Easy to clean and kosher are two of the main reasons why Corian® Solid Surface is chosen as a surfacing material. This material is also nonporous and resits the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Lastly, Corian® Solid Surface is a material that is both heat and scratch resistant. 

Even with Key Differences Between Quartz vs Solid Surface, Can They Be Used Together?

Absolutely! For example, a Corian® Solid Surface sink can be easily installed in a Corian® Quartz countertop. You can even mix and match quartz and solid surface in a kitchen and kitchen island to create a dramatic statement. 

What’s The Best Way to Measure a Countertop for Quartz vs Solid Surface Material?

Both Corian® Solid Surface and Corian® Quartz come in large rectangular slabs, which is why the best way to measure your countertop is to “cut” it into rectangle pieces. 

You’ll see below that both kitchen countertop layouts are sectioned off into measurable rectangular pieces. 

Simply take the length of each section and multiply it by the width of each section and then add it together. For example, here is the math for the U-Shape kitchen pictured above:

Section A: 62.6 x 25 = 1562.5 inches

Section B is the same size, 1562.5 inches

Section C: 125 x 25 = 3125 inches

So 1562.5 + 1562.5 + 3125 = 6250 square inches

However, this surfacing material isn’t bought by the square inch but rather by square feet. You’ll need to convert the above number.

A square foot is equal to 144 inches (12 inches x 12 inches). You’ll need to divide 6250 by 144 to get 43.403 square feet. Rounding up is a standard practice in this industry so the above kitchen is 44 square feet. 

Why Choose® Corian Design and DuPont?

Since its inception, Corian® Design has provided the world of design and architecture the perfect medium in which to innovate. Renowned for its adaptability, its variety of patterns and color schemes, its sensorial qualities, and its durability and cleanliness, Corian® Design has ably met the challenges of modern living and ends the “debate” between quartz vs solid surface by offering both. 

Being under the DuPont umbrella with expertise spanning two centuries, Corian® Design is a major source of inspiration and is used to meet the requirements of even the most demanding clients and homeowners.

Wrap up: How To Choose Quartz vs Solid Surface

There are both different pros of quartz vs solid surface, and ultimately the decision will come down to cost, sanitation, and maintenance. If you would like more information on quartz vs solid surface, or to order samples and literature, please call our Customer Service Department today.

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