What Are The Advantages Of An Acrylic Solid Surface Over Granite?

In case you are planning to undertake a kitchen or a bathroom makeover, one vital task is choosing the countertop material. This is crucial as the countertop not only enhances the beauty of your area but must also serve the function for everyday use.

Granite is most often the material of choice for numerous households, however of late, acrylic surfaces are becoming more and more popular due to their advantages. The question that arises is:

Why are these acrylic surfaces any better?

It is only prudent to consider what the advantages or the advantages of each option are before arriving at a decision. After all the right material is selected, it is in search of a space that matches one’s style and will stand the test of time and bear the weight of time of many years. Let’s scrutinize this together and determine if indeed acrylic solid surfaces are suitable for your house.

Granite is often considered the traditional option but it has its difficulties.

Granite can be effortlessly linked with upscale for decades. It has unique patterns and a rich color palette which Mother Nature has embedded herself that explains its popularity as it complements a majority of fans. The stereotype that granites are only for expensive kitchens has been around forever. This explains why they are often imagined integrated within a grand kitchen – kitchen granite worktop, for example.

However, despite all the beauty and uniqueness granite possesses, it also has its struggles, which seem obscure in the beginning. 

Granite Expansion Advantages:

Aesthetic Value: The beauty of every granite slab is in its natural variations that are caused by the geological processes in nature. Because granite gneiss is different from one another as a counter, the general look of the area is embellished. 

Hardness and Toughness: Being one of the hardest stones, granite does not crack nor get affected by heat and is efficient in places where it’s going to be used a lot, e.g. busy kitchens. 

Resale Value: The higher the demand for granite countertops, the more value the property owner has made upon acquisition. 

Granite Expansion Disadvantages:

• Absorption: It is important to note that such stones are natural; hence, porous granite exists. If the stone is not adequately sealed, liquids can get into those pores once they have been dirtied and stains and bacteria will occur in the pores. Spills of red wine and oil make those stains likely to be eternally inscribed onto your countertop. 
• Professionals: One of the main reasons why people shun granite as a surface is its high Maintenance. People will regularly need to refrain from using the granite unnecessarily and reseal it quite often. 
• Expense: Although granite comes in some reasonably low price ranges, budgets that need help to accommodate high prices will find those exotic options rather detrimental.
• Low Options for Design Flexibility: There is no doubt granite is a naturally beautiful stone but it does not allow for customization. In case the color or any pattern is not to your liking, you have no options.
• Acrylic Solid Surfaces: The New Contender on the Block

While the landscape of construction advocates granite, complementing the meaning of glamour, sophistication and elegance, acrylic solid surfaces are great for many design enthusiasts willing to perform and invest in a suitable functional element.

What Exactly Are Acrylic Solid Surfaces? 

Acrylic solid surfaces are a combination of a chemical substance known as acrylic resin with a raw and natural mineral base. Such materials deliver superior performance characteristics and excellent design attributes. Due to the fact that they are artificial, these surfaces meet a wide range of design and functional needs.

The Benefits of Acrylic Solid Surfaces 

• Non-Porous and Hygienic: Contrasting acrylic solid surfaces with granite, it can be stated without uncertainty that the letter has a completely non-porous space. This allows not only freed-up spills, but bacteria looking for a gap will have none. It’s a more healthy surface and requires less Maintenance to clean it. 
• Seamless Design: One of the most distinguishing characteristics of acrylic surfaces is the fact that they are seamless. No visible joints mean that the surface is smoother, sleeker and more hygienic because it is easier to clean.
• Customizable: No matter what your preference is – the colour, pattern or even the shape, acrylic solid surfaces can cater to any personalized need. Sinks and backsplashes can even be embedded seamlessly around to complete the design.
• Very Affordable: Remember the normal schedules of resealing or regular Maintenance of several cleaning procedures. Acrylic surfaces are everlasting and need very little in the way of upkeep.
• Restorative: In the event of scratches or chipping of your countertop due to impact, a simple sanding or buffing of acrylic solid surfaces will quite easily restore their former glory.

Any Cons?

Yes, there is no perfect material. The acrylic surfaces will not withstand as much heat as the granite would, and therefore, it is recommended to use trivets or heat pads when placing hot pots and pans on them. This is however, in the opinion of most homeowners, a very small inconvenience compared to the benefits.

Granite vs. Acrylic: Two’s Company – Two’s a Comparison

Conclusion: Order in LifeStyle

It is about something other than the aesthetics or cost that one considers when choosing whether to go for granite or acrylic solid surfaces. But more concerned about how the solid surface would work in your lifestyle.

Children and a constantly busy kitchen would probably see you better off with surfaces made of acrylic solid surfaces, which are cleaned with ease, are repairable, and offer stain and bacteria resistance.

If natural stones are for you because their everlasting sense of beauty and Maintenance does not bother you, then granite would be ideal.

Environmental Impact: A Consideration for the Future

Homeowners nowadays have a bigger concern about the destruction of the surrounding environment whenever they are constructing an environmentally friendly house.

• Granite: Despite being natural, quarrying and processing granite consumes a lot of energy, which is something I am certain would not be great for the environment. Furthermore, excessive mining could have negative effects on the area’s natural habitats.
• Acrylic Solid Surfaces: Several manufacturers adopt environmentally conscious measures such as utilizing waste materials and reducing pollution when producing goods. Thus, if sustainability is your main concern, acrylic surfaces may be the most suitable option.

Read More About – Acrylic Solid Surface Options for Modern Homes

Why Christone is the Best Fit

As one of the the top manufacturers of acrylic solid surfaces in India, we at Christone understand the importance of quality, resilient materials, and the need for design to be in a certain way. All our products are designed to cater to the modern day’s trend— being stylish whilst having practical elements incorporated.

Our acrylic solid surfaces offer a range of options designed to enhance the elements for clients who may be redesigning their kitchens, planning out their high-end bathrooms, or constructing client-friendly workplaces. The numerous colors and finishes, as well as customized choices, make it easy for you to achieve your desired look.

FAQs

1. What are the life-extending qualities of acrylic solid surface; how do they reduce health risks compared to granite?

This is because acrylic solid surfaces are non-porous and, therefore, do not take in fluids or reside organisms. Conversely, granite is porous and, therefore, must be sealed to be kept hygienic.

2. Are acrylic solid surfaces appropriate for areas of heavy use?

Absolutely! Acrylic solid surfaces are incredibly strong and are capable of withstanding constant abuse. In addition, most superficial damages can be easily fixed.

3. How do acrylic solid surfaces cost as compared to granite? 

The cost of acrylic solid surfaces is often comparable to mid-range granite. They, however, are more cost effective in the long run because of lesser Maintenance and repairs. 

4. Can heat be applied on acrylic solid surfaces? 

Acrylic surfaces can tolerate moderate temperatures but measures such as trivets or pads should be observed to protect acrylic from extreme temperatures. 

5. How customizable are acrylic solid surfaces? 

Acrylic solid surfaces are very customizable. There are various options of colours, finishes and shapes like integrated sinks, backsplashes etc.