Quick answer: solid surface is a material made of acrylic resin and mineral fillers that forms continuous surfaces with no pores or visible joints. That is why it is so common in clinics and hospitals: there are no corners where dirt can build up, it is easy to disinfect and, if damaged, it can be repaired by sanding.
What it is
Solid sheets of acrylic resin with mineral fillers, the same colour all the way through. They are sold under brands such as Corian, Krion, HI-MACS or Staron, each with its own range of colours and finishes.
Why in a healthcare setting
- No visible joints: pieces are joined with an adhesive of the same material and sanded until the joint disappears.
- Non-porous: the surface does not absorb liquids, which makes cleaning and disinfection easier.
- Integrated basins and upstands: the basin can be part of the worktop, with no gaps between them.
- Repairable: scratches and small knocks are removed by sanding and polishing on site.
How it is worked
It is cut and machined with woodworking tools. With heat it can be bent (thermoformed) to make rounded counters or wraparound edges, and light passes through the paler shades, so it can be backlit. Joints and basin insets are done in the workshop whenever possible, so that on site only the sections need joining and polishing.
Care and limits
It stands up well to the usual cleaning and disinfection products, although for the harshest chemicals it is best to follow the material manufacturer’s guidance. Very hot objects should not be placed directly on it. In very heavy-use areas, a matt or satin finish hides wear better than a gloss one.
See an example in healthcare furniture.
Frequently asked questions
Is solid surface the same as Corian?
Corian is a brand of solid surface. Krion, HI-MACS and Staron are other brands of the same type of material.
Can a curved counter be made in one piece?
Yes. The material is thermoformed with heat and the joints between sections are invisible.
What happens if it gets scratched?
It is sanded and polished in the clinic itself, without replacing the piece.
By the technical office of Eban Premium, bespoke furniture manufacturer in Silla (Valencia, Spain).