Solid surface vs Quartz? Which is better?

To understand the right surface for your space provided, it’s important to recognise that both materials bring their own strengths and limitations to the table. In this article, we’ll compare acrylic solid surface and quartz worktops across key areas which will help to steer your final decision in choosing which material suits you best.

In a rapidly expanding industry of worksurfaces, it’s good to breakdown the effectiveness of some of the most popular materials in the market (solid surface and quartz). Quartz is generally loved for its strength and natural stone appearance, making it a reliable choice for busy kitchens, however, solid surface offers additional design flexibility through seamless joins, integrated features and repairable surfaces. Both materials have their advantages, but solid surface tends to win people over with its sleek finish, inconspicuous joints and impressive versatility - not to mention the fact that minor scratches can often be easily repaired. If you’re torn between the two, don’t worry - we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each to help you find the right fit for your next upcoming project!

Solid surface worktops offer a completely seamless appearance, allowing decors to flow continuously throughout the installation without visible joins interrupting the design. This can be seen across leading brands such as Staron solid surface and Blackheath’s own Mirostone collection, both offering extensive ranges of contemporary decors alongside the ability to incorporate integrated sinks, upstands and curved features for a sleek, modern finish. The seamless and non-porous nature of solid surface also helps minimise the build-up of bacteria and moisture, making it a practical solution for both residential and commercial environments where hygiene and easy maintenance are important considerations. Quartz worktops can also create a premium appearance when professionally installed, however due to their slab-based manufacturing process, visible joins are often unavoidable, particularly within larger kitchen layouts or corner installations.

Another important consideration is material composition. Unlike quartz surfaces, which contain crystalline silica, both Staron and Mirostone solid surface collections are silica-free, offering an alternative solution for projects where material safety and fabrication considerations are becoming increasingly important within the industry.

When it comes to everyday wear and usage of these materials, both solid surface and quartz worktops are built to handle busy traffic environments and situations – however, they differ quite a significant amount when it comes to repair! Regardless of the fact that quartz worktops having a high durability rate for large impacts and scratches, if the surface becomes chipped or damaged, it can become very difficult to mend and may become noticeable to the naked eye. Whereas solid surface delivers a more effective approach to repairing its surfaces as it is able to be sanded away with ease – helping the space look fresh and brand-new without the need for a full replacement. For retailers or fabricators looking for a highly reliable surface which won’t prove difficult to repair, the repairability of solid surface is a major selling point.

A project won’t last if the material doesn’t keep up with the environment - so, which is better? Well, while quartz is often recognised for its hardness, solid surface offers greater resilience in environments exposed to constant wear, temperature changes and heavy daily use. This is due to their composition of minerals allowing them to withstand moisture, stains and impacts without weakening over time - making them particularly suitable for busy kitchens and commercial spaces. Unlike quartz, which can be vulnerable to edge chipping and cracking under significant pressure, solid surface worktops deliver a more flexible and reliable performance in demanding conditions. Their non-porous structure is also a major factor linking to its lasting durability which prevents water absorption and bacterial growth, helping the surface maintain both its strength and appearance for a longer period than quartz.

Overall, both materials have a strong performance and offer a modern, visual appeal, but ultimately for us, solid surfaces perform in a more versatile and practical way for customers at a lower price point. When searching for a reliable product for an upcoming project, solid surface generally delivers a more adaptable and user-friendly approach as well as an excellent all-round choice with extensive decors available in the marketplace through leading brands such as Staron and Mirostone solid surfaces.

Find out more about Staron and Mirostone solid surface here