There are so many brands of Solid Surface in the market. Are they all the same? Am I paying too much for my Solid Surface Counter Top?

Solid Surface Counter tops are divided in 2 main categories. Those made of 100% Acrylic resins and those made of Polyester resins. There are also some with a mixture of Acrylic and Polyester. In Canada 3 well known brands consisting of 100% Acrylic resins are WILSONART GIBRALTAR, CORIAN (from USA) and STARON (from Korea). 

The biggest difference between Acrylic and Polyester resins are that Acrylic resins are unaffected by ultraviolet rays present in the natural light and therefore will not turn yellow with age. Polyester is also much more brittle and should be avoided in L-shaped countertops.

Another important factor is that and solid surfaces are shipped directly from their respective factories in slabs. They are then custom cut to size in Canada. 

Most Polyester Solid Tops available in Canada are imported as raw material (powder form) and then fabricated here. The drawback here is that after fabrication the solid top might not have sufficient 'curing period' in order for it to stabilize. Many polyester resins require 'post-curing' operations which usually means a heating-cooling cycle which increases the degree of cure. VERY few companies apply the secondary curing processes. Careful curing of solid surfaces is a  critical part in the manufacturing process. The known companies like AVONITE (NOT to be confused with Avian) and FORMICA SOLID SURFACE PRODUCTS do cure the products properly. The cost difference suddenly becomes less.

As such, there is a difference between the many brands of solid surface in Canada. Therefore it is up to you to decide if Solid Surfaces that are fabricated and manufactured locally can be considered as credible. A good way to verify quality brands is to visit their respective internet web pages. Quality Solid Surface products usually have international trademarks and are easily available on the web.

Sadly, unscrupulous people are taking advantage of unsuspecting and uninformed customers. Locally fabricated polyester solid surfaces are being sold at GIBRALTAR, STARON and CORIAN prices with a meager discount. Do not be misled and pay the same purchase price for a CORIAN Solid Surface only to receive a normal polyester top.

All 3 solid surfaces (WILSONART GIBRALTAR, CORIAN AND STARON, a locally fabricated Solid Surface) are available at their respective price range.