A successful kitchen renovation is about planning and knowing your options. One option if your budget it a little tight is the solid surface countertop. It costs less than other countertop materials such as marble, granite, other natural stones or ceramic/porcelain at a very reasonable price. Basically, a solid surface is made from resin/acrylic that’s custom made to fit your desired countertop. It may include the sink, depending on your specifications.
Cost of Solid Surface Countertop
Solid surface countertops are molded slabs of acrylic/resin. They may include sinks or not, depending on customer specifications. They are pretty solid as the name applies – scratch and stain resistant as well as from chipping. Corian is the first innovator that sold the material and the name stuck.
They also carry more colors and patterns in their product line which made them the popular brand for kitchen counters as well as for bathrooms. The regular price range can run from $40 to $80 per square foot. It still depends on the brand, style, finish texture and color.
Because they are custom made to fit the home, professional installation is included in the cost. For a 30 square feet of countertop, the cost can be from $1,500 to $3,000. They a fabricated, cut and shaped to fit doors and tight spaces in the house.
The solid surface countertop is not a Do-It-Yourself option because special cutters and grinders are needed for cutting and shaping. Before fabrication, manufacturer or fabricator will measure, prepare the counters – leveling and shimming. After the prefab preparation, installation, clean up and final inspection follows.
In addition to countertops and vanity, solid surface made from acrylic or resin can also be used as a backsplash, also sold by square foot. The price range is the same as those of the countertops. The advantage of having solid surface as backsplash is it fits perfectly with the counter. Keep in mind that they will be extra installation cost from $12 to $17 for edge shaping.
Solid Surface Countertop Vs. Marble
Solid surface countertop is very cheap compared to marble. Marble is a very luxurious and elegant material. But aside from the price range of $75 to $250, it is also high maintenance that includes daily cleaning and care. It is not used for heavy utility or areas for children. It is easily stains and prone to chipping.
If you are on a tight budget and want an efficient kitchen with fewer worries on maintaining a pristine look, solid surface countertop is your choice. Natural stones such as marble and granite may look good, but maintaining them as well as utility can be limited for the worry of chipping and staining.
Solid surface countertop is cost effective as well as can last longer in terms of look and strength.