Sinks are directly seamed into the countertop. There are no messy caulks to contend with and the joints are invisible to the naked eye.
Solid Surface countertops play a huge part in the world of Green. Longer lasting products mean less energy spent manufacturing, transporting and replacing them and therefore less overall waste.
Countertops
Clean Safe Functional
By Harris Newman
Once the kitchen was simply a place to prepare meals; now it multi-tasks as an entertainment area, homework station, home office, and just plain old hangout. With such a wide scope of usage, countertop surfaces now have to perform better than ever. The growing demand is for versatile materials to meet homeowner needs, while creating a unique new look.
Being aware of these concerns, the fabrication industry offers Quartz and Solid Surface countertops which suit the demand for more functionality in countertop surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bath areas. Only three other natural minerals—diamond, sapphire and topaz—are harder than Quartz. Quartz takes on all the daily tasks of kitchen living without staining or scratching, and it never needs to be sealed.
Silestone USA, made by Cosentino, a global natural stone giant, offers an exclusive product line of pure natural quartz. Silestone’s unique crystalline depth of color and strength translates into superior physical properties. Its versatility allows indoor surface application including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, tub and shower surrounds, backsplashes, floors, tabletops, walls, wet bars, desktops, and fireplace surrounds. Silestone offers more color-consistency than any other natural stone, and is available in more than fifty hues. Silestone USA feels Quartz surfaces are gaining momentum in the surfacing industry because of their natural beauty, durability and low maintenance.
Along with the demand for versatile materials, consumers have concerns about the environment. “Green” is the industry’s new buzzword. Manufacturers are using recycled materials and seeking certification in creating product lines which provide consumers with the eco-friendly materials they are looking for. Architects, designers and fabricators alike are educating clients on green products and their benefits. Silestone Quartz has been awarded Greenguard indoor air quality certification because it emits low-to-no-emissions (off-gassing) of toxic chemicals such as radon, ozone, chlorine or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, cooking particles and nitrogen oxides into the indoor environment. These harmful compounds can contribute to sick building syndrome, a condition characterized by dizziness, nausea and related illnesses. Silestone Quartz is the only countertop with built-in Microban antimicrobial protection. Microban safely deters the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew for cleaner countertops. Microban can only be integrated into the product during the manufacturing process and is not designed to replace good old hygienic practices.
Solid Surface is another material which combines the qualities of good looks and easy maintenance. Solid Surface materials such as DuPont’s Corian or Staron Surfaces by Samsung are an emerging trend in this category. Solid Surface can be crafted and shaped in ways that are impossible to do with stone. For the individual who is seeking something other than the traditional countertop, Solid Surface is a perfect choice, because of its hygienic properties and design versatility. A Solid Surface countertop offers another great value on durability; it can be periodically renewed to its original condition through a minimally invasive sanding and buffing process. The age of the material has no affect on its ability to be renewed. If Solid Surface becomes damaged it can be repaired by a qualified professional, an important factor for homes or condos in an area such as Steamboats Springs where we have many rentals for seasonal use. Solid Surface countertops play a huge part in the world of Green. Longer lasting products mean less energy spent manufacturing, transporting and replacing them and therefore less overall waste. Solid Surface’s ability to be renewed minimizes the need to replace or dispose of the countertop which can be cut and reinstalled into a new design and the surface material reworked into a new product.
Solid Surface material is made up of the following three components: acrylic based (75%), polyester based (15%) and blends (10%).A unique feature only Solid Surface material can offer is molded, seamed-in sinks. These sinks are directly seamed into the countertop. There are no messy caulks to contend with and the joins are invisible to the naked eye. The pieces or slabs can be seamlessly shaped and sanded into virtually any shape or configuration.
With Greenguard certification, Corian and Staron contribute to healthier indoor air quality. The Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments and buildings. The GEI advisory board consists of independent volunteers who are renowned experts in the areas of indoor air quality. They also have expertise in public and environmental health, building design/construction and public policy, providing guidance and leadership to GEI. To date more than one hundred manufacturers across various industries offer Greenguard indoor air quality certified products.
The use and application of Quartz materials and solid surfaces does not end in the kitchen or bathroom, but continues into the food service areas, hotels, retail shops, healthcare facilities and other public spaces. With such a demand on manufacturers by consumers for specific surfaces that can stand up to all kinds of tasks and still look beautiful doing so, the evolution of these surfaces is continuing to expand to encompass consumer needs now and in the future. Today’s countertops are all about lifestyle and hygienic, easy-care surfaces. 
Features
Yampa Valley Footprints
Kitchen Design
“Where do I start?”
Garage for the Mountain Lifestyle
Steamboat Real Estate - A Better Approach for First-Timers
Departments
The Green Scene
Everyday Sustainable Living Practices
Burn a Tree and Help the Planet
Clean Water Act Down the Drain
Builder Perspectives
Countertops: Clean, Safe, & Functional
Decor & Style
Real Estate
Looking Around for Great Value
Artist Profile
Archive
Winter 2007