10 Reasons Why Solid Surfaces Are a Popular Choice Across All Major Industries
Solid surfaces have quietly become one of the most versatile, stylish, and functional materials in design and architecture today. Whether you’re working in healthcare, retail, hospitality, or commercial office spaces, these surfaces offer a combination of aesthetics, hygiene, and durability that few other materials can match.
From sleek reception desks with illuminated logos to robust countertops in hospitals, the possibilities are almost endless. But what exactly makes them such a popular choice for so many industries? Let’s explore.
1. Versatility in Design
Solid surfaces are a designer’s dream material. Made primarily from 100% acrylic, they can be thermoformed into almost any shape or size. This means they’re not restricted to flat countertops, they can be curved, bent, moulded, or even shaped into three-dimensional structures using a fabricator’s oven.
From elegant bathroom basins and seamless shower trays to curved retail counters and intricate signage, the only real limit is the designer’s imagination. Because there are no visible joins once installed, the result is a clean, smooth surface that feels like a single piece.
2. A Material That Works Hard
Beyond aesthetics, solid surfaces are incredibly functional. They’re non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic, high-use areas. This is especially important in commercial applications such as:
- Reception desks with backlit logos
- Pay points in retail environments
- Restaurant countertops
- Airport lounge furniture
- Fast food service areas
Thanks to their durability, they can endure constant use, resisting scratches, burns, and general wear and tear.
3. A Top Choice for Healthcare and Labs
Solid surfaces truly shine in industries where hygiene and sanitation are non-negotiable.
In hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, the non-porous nature of these surfaces means bacteria and viruses cannot penetrate the surface area or multiply. The material is also resistant to most chemicals used in cleaning and sterilisation processes, making it perfect for:
- Hospital countertops
- Wall cladding in surgical theatres
- Nurse stations
- Pathology labs
- Bumper rails in hallways
Their ability to be installed with seamless joins also reduces the accumulation of grime or moisture, an essential feature in environments where cleanliness is critical.
4. Excellent for Hospitality Environments
Hotels, restaurants, and guest lodges also rely heavily on solid surfaces for both their beauty and performance. You’ll find solid surfaces commonly used in:
- Bathroom vanities and basins
- Shower trays and wall panels
- Buffet counters and service bars
- Decorative feature walls
Because the material is water-resistant and easy to maintain, it’s especially suited for wet areas such as bathrooms and spa facilities. Certain colours and finishes can even be used outdoors, for poolside counters, outdoor furniture, and signage.
5. Ideal for Signage and Branding
One of the most creative uses for solid surfaces is in signage. Logos and text can be laser-cut into the surface and then filled with a contrasting colour resin. Once dried and polished, the letters appear engraved into the product, offering a clean and professional finish that’s both durable and weather-resistant.
This process allows for permanent, stylish branding on reception desks, corporate lobbies, hotels, and commercial buildings.
6. A Popular Choice for Kitchens
In Europe, solid surfaces have become a top choice for kitchen designers, thanks to their seamless aesthetic, hygienic qualities, and wide range of colour options. Modern ranges include marble-look surfaces with realistic veining and movement, making them a cost-effective alternative to natural stone.
Best of all, because the joins are invisible, large countertops can be installed as one cohesive surface, something that’s difficult to achieve with natural materials like granite or marble.
7. Not All Solid Surfaces Are Equal
It’s important to understand that not all of these surfaces are made the same. Full acrylic surfaces—like Staron—are made from 100% acrylic resin, which allows for thermoforming, seamless joins, and long-lasting durability.
However, there are also modified solid surfaces, which include polyester blends. While more affordable, these cannot be thermoformed and may show visible joins or stress marks when curved. They are best suited for straight applications and flat countertops.
When comparing pricing between brands, always ensure you’re comparing similar materials. A cheaper solid surface might simply be a modified blend with fewer capabilities.
8. Installation Requires Expertise
Because of the technical skills involved, these surfaces should only be installed by trained and experienced professionals. Improper installation can lead to visible joins, surface damage, and even void the product warranty.
Most full acrylic brands offer a 10-year product warranty, provided the material is installed by certified fabricators. At Salvocorp, we offer product training for installers and fabricators who want to learn how to work with solid surfaces correctly and safely.
9. Why Choose STARON?
At Salvocorp, we proudly present Staron Solid Surfaces—a full acrylic brand manufactured in South Korea. Staron has earned an international reputation for quality, consistency, and design innovation. With over 100 colour options, the range includes:
- Natural stone finishes
- Bold solid colours
- Translucent options for backlit applications
- Marble-effect patterns
- Perfect for high-traffic areas
- Hygienic and chemical-resistant qualities
Our specification team is available to assist architects and designers with tailored solutions and can even help you write your specifications.
10. Trusted in South Africa for Over 15 Years
Salvocorp has been representing solid surfaces in the South African market for over 15 years. We’ve worked closely with architects, designers, and developers on projects ranging from medical clinics to luxury hotels.
Whether you’re specifying for a new build or refurbishing an existing space, our team is ready to support you with product samples, technical advice, and installation training.
Get in Touch
If you’d like more information about solid surfaces or want to arrange a training session for your team, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help with specifications, product comparisons, and practical design solutions.
Specify with Salvocorp
Although Salvocorp always carries core colour ranges, kindly remember to always confirm stock levels and the lead times with a Salvocorp representative. It is also important to let representatives know when products are specified so that the councils can start to communicate with the fabricators and installers as soon as possible to ensure availability and to assist with any technical data and questions.
