Solid Surface Material
Corian is a great solid surface material for many different applications. Boat Outfitters offers a variety of solid surface patterns ideal for countertops, tables, and more. » Read More
What is a Solid Surface Material?
You may be curious as to why it is specifically called solid surface material. It is any material that is man-made and created using a combination of either polyester, epoxy, acrylic, or alumina trihydrate (ATH) resins with pigments.
Advantages of Solid Surface as a Marine Material
If you are on the fence about using solid surface material in your boat construction or upgrade or are new to the subject, it may be worth considering the various advantages it offers.
Although it is often thought of as more of a residential home material, DuPont Corian and LG HI-MACS are great in boat applications too.
Lightweight
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that compared to traditional countertop materials like granite and quartz countertops, Corian and HI-MACS are incredibly lightweight. This makes them easy to work with and cut, but also means they won’t add too much extra weight to your vessel. This means they are perfect for not just yachts and boats, but also RVs too.
Non-Porous
Something that is a priority when investing in materials and solutions within a boat and the marine setting is that it is non-porous. That is exactly what the Dorian and Hi-MAC materials offer.
This means that when water does get on those surfaces, and when used on a boat this is inevitable, the water will not lay flat or penetrate the material. Instead, it will bead up and can then just be absorbed and wiped away. This makes it a low-maintenance marine material.
Durable and UV-Stabilized
Another huge advantage Corian and HI-MAC solid surface counters offer are they are incredibly durable. Even if it doesn’t cost you too much money to upgrade or build the countertops in your vessel. These heat resistance materials are designed to last a long time and survive in even the harshest marine environments.
They are also UV-stabilized, meaning a stabilizer has been added to the resin to protect against degradation caused by UV light over a long period. This high heat-resistant stabilizer essentially screens out or absorbs the UV radiation and stops it from damaging the more sensitive and delicate parts of the solid surface material.
Visually Appealing
Although not the primary concern, you will want to enjoy using your new vessel or upgraded vessel, so it still matters what everything inside and out looks like. Fortunately, wherever you plan to use a solid surface countertop on your boat, you won’t be disappointed.
Solid Surface Color and Pattern Options
At Boat Outfitters, we have a wide variety of different patterns to choose from, each of which replicates the aesthetics of traditional decorative surfaces material. Keep in mind we are always adding new color and pattern options!
Solid
Available in various vibrant colors such as Glacier White, Bisque, Bone, Cameo White, Deep Nocturne, Designer White, Silver Gray, Vanilla, and Whipped Cream.
Sand
Available in Serene Sage, Platinum, Deep Night Sky, Rain Cloud, Canvas, Doeskin, Dove, Hazelnut, Matterhorn, Silt, Silverite, and Whisper.
Small Particulate
Available in Silver Birch, Serene Sage, Antarctica, Deep Night Sky, Rain Cloud, Abalone, Arctic Ice, Canvas, Concrete, Dove, Hazelnut, Juniper, Matterhorn, Raffia, Rice Paper, Saffron, Silt, Silverite, Whisper, White Jasmine, and Witch Hazel.
Medium Particulate
Available in Silver Birch, Lava Rock, Platinum, Arrowroot, Antarctica, Sagebrush, Canvas, Clam Shell, Cocoa Brown, Concrete, Doeskin, Dove, Juniper, Rosemary, Sahara, Savannah, Sonora, and Witch Hazel.
Large Particulate
Available in Lava Rock, Platinum, Arrowroot, Sagebrush, Clam Shell, Cocoa Brown, Doeskin, Rosemary, Sahara, Savannah, and Sonora.
Marbling
Available in Arrowroot, Sagebrush, Rain Cloud, Hazelnut, Juniper, Rosemary, Saffron, Sandalwood, Sonora, and Witch Hazel.
Common Uses on a Boat
Let’s look at some of the creative ways it could be used on your vessel.
Countertops
The most obvious, but still worth repeating, the solid surface material is perfect for any solid surface countertops on your boat.
Kitchen Tables
Do you dream of having a traditional kitchen table in your boat, but don’t want the hassle, worry, or expense that comes with preparing a real wooden table? A table cut and constructed from high-quality solid surfaces is an amazing alternative. You will get that authentic look with all the advantages of Corian.
Boat Bathrooms
Similarly, if you fancy having a traditional bathroom with marbling or another hard surface finish, you could use solid surface sinks instead to give that same effect as a tranquil bathroom.
Rigging Stations
Despite its lightweight properties, it is hardwearing, making it perfect for rigging stations or tackle box tops where you are going to be working on your bait, lures, and fishing rigs.
Non-Marine Uses
Although we have focused on boating applications, solid surface material is still a great and cost-effective option in non-marine environments. Consider the following examples:
Bathroom & Kitchen Countertops
If you do not want to deal with such heavy material as the real thing or are looking to save some money, solid surface kitchen countertop materials are the next best option for solid surface countertops in your bathroom or kitchen at home.
Windowsills
Although uPVC and wood are often the go-to options if you are looking for something a bit different, solid surface material works well when used as a windowsill material.
Trade Show Displays
Outside of the box even more, if you take part in trade shows and are looking for a versatile, robust, and long-lasting option for displays and counters in a tradeshow setting, the solid surface material is a great option.
Custom Cut Solid Surface
At Boat Outfitters, as we custom cut the solid surface material we sell, there is an almost limitless number of ways it could be used beyond what we have discussed.
Whatever the surface, whatever the application, we can cut partial or full sheets to size.
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