Introduction

Developments in technology have further expanded our options to create synthetic, or composite, worktop materials, which since they are man made, are usually manufactured to specifically fit each individual kitchen. This does however make them somewhat expensive!

All synthetic worktops are solid therefore sinks can be mounted beneath the level of the worktop, and detail such as drainage grooves or in-built knife slots can be cut and polished without revealing an unfinished surface.

Corian worktops

Developed and manufactured by Dupont, Corian^® is a combination of natural minerals which are fixed in a clear acrylic resin to form a solid, non-porous, semi-matt surface. This manufacturing process also means that Corian^® is available in a wide range of colours.

Dupont also manufacture adhesives with the same mineral content and colours, which are used to anneal joints in the worktop making them almost invisible.

Corian^® can also be used to make sinks, so it is possible to create a look where the transition from surface to sink appears to be continuous.

Corian^® worktops are;

• Durable
• Heat, impact, and stain-resistant
• Repairable. Any surface abrasion can be usually be repaired
• Produced to give a 'seamless' look to the worktop
• A homogenous pattern
• Provided with a 10 year Limited Installed Warranty when installed by an authorised fitter

• Expensive
• Tricky to install as base kitchen units should be fitted before measuring up the worktop

Staron worktops

Staron^® is made of the same materials as Corian^®, but is a more affordable alternative as it is manufactured in a small range of fixed dimensions. It can be fitted by a normal kitchen fitter, requiring no brand-specific training.

Staron^® makes an elegant, hygienic and easy-to-maintain surface in any kitchen. Commonly used as countertops, backsplashes, sinks, and bar tops, it's easily customized to allow a range of decorative inlays, edge treatments and other options, including heat rails and drainage channels.

Staron^® worktops are;

• Durable
• Heat, impact and stain-resistant
• Repairable. Any surface abrasion can be usually be repaired
• Produced to give a 'seamless' look
• A homogenous pattern
• Less expensive than similar alternatives
• Able to be installed by any kitchen fitter

• Potentially wasteful due to purchasing of fixed lengths

Reconstituted quartz worktops

Worktops made of natural quartz set in a polymer resin are available under the guise of several brand names including Zodiaq^®, Luxore^®, Silestone. Mirror chips may be included in the material to create a sparkling effect.

Reconstituted Quartz worktops are;

• Non-porous
• Heat-resistant
• Scratch-resistant
• A homogenous pattern

• Expensive
• Easily stained by wine, oil and acids such as vinegar
• Tricky to install as base kitchen units should be fitted before measuring
• Best installed by an authorised fitter

Other synthetic worktops

Minerelle, Getacore and Rausolid worktops are alternative types of synthetic solid worktops, having been developed as cheaper alternatives to Corian^® and quartz-based products. Minerelle, Getacore and Rausolid consist of a solid surface veneer which is bonded to a core of the same colour.

These worktops are;

• Non-porous
• Heat-resistant
• Durable
• A homogenous pattern
  
• Able to achieve 'seamless' look
• Less expensive than Corian^®
• Available with a 10 year Limited Installed Warranty when installed by an authorised fitter

• Difficult to install as base kitchen units should be fitted before measuring up
• Best installed by an authorised fitter

Further information and useful links