SOLID SURFACE

Solid surface is a composite material made from minerals, acrylic polymer and natural pigments that are formed into a smooth, tactile product. Worktops are non-porous, ultrahygienic, impenetrable to mould and available in a virtually limitless range of colours, including solid hues, natural stone designs and even translucent shades that can be backlit to create a soft glow. Stain- and scratch-resistant, small marks can be polished out with an abrasive cleaner, and although heat-resistent, trivets are recommended with hot pans.

HOW TO USE

This versatile material can be formed to include curved edges, integrated sinks and splashbacks and joined to create a visually seamless expanse. It must be fitted by specialist installers and, like timber, it can also be sawn, routed, drilled, sanded and engraved, and used as wallcladding as well as on horizontal surfaces.

BRANDS TO KNOW

Corian comes in 65 colours suitable for kitchens, many available with veining and graining, while the ‘Corian Charging Surface’ has a charging unit integrated in the worktop (from £410 per sq m; corian.uk). HI-MACS is made using new-generation technology that creates denser, even more durable surfaces and is available in 111 colours and finishes (from £300 per linear m; himacs.eu).

The shell-like effect of Corian’s ‘Dune Prima’ adds a sense of nature indoors Corian’s ‘Concrete’ range, shown here in ‘Neutral’, brings a modern, industrial style to kitchens HI-MACS’ ‘Strato’ range, with its vertical or horizontal stripes, seen here in ‘Cloud’, is easy to maintain