Corian Worktops, HiMacs Worktops, Apollo Worktops - Are Solid Surfaces a Good Choice For My Kitchen?

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 on one range in particular, 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.

A newcomer to the Solid Surface family is Apollo Slab worktops and these particular surfaces give greater meaning to the title of Solid Surface given that they are 30mm thick. That's twice the thickness of Corian and Hi-Macs. As a result they are also much heavier but again they offer seamless finishes in a variety of colours.

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.

Should your choice be for any of our Solid Surfaces including Corian and Apollo Slab or for Silestone, Prestige Quartz or Apollo Quartz worktops, then why not request a quote here and let us offer you an affordable price. Tim Foley is founder of http://www.kitchensfitted.co.uk an established research and information resource for the kitchen buyer. T Foley Interiors specialise in the provision of Corian and Quartz surfaces to both Commercial and Residential clients in the UK and Ireland. His TV credits include Project Consultant with Granada ITV on programmes such as Better Homes; 60 Minute Makeover (series 1&2) Tonight with Trevor McDonald.