Name Brand Solid Surface vs. Regional Brand
By Russ Lee
Recently I received an e-mail from a homeowner seeking advice about
which solid surface product to use in his kitchen renovation
project. “We’ve priced Brand X (a major national brand),” he wrote,
“but have been shown a competing brand which has a much better
price. The range of colors is smaller, but that’s okay. Are there
any pitfalls or problems with Brand Y?”
This homeowner had been drawn to solid surface based on the
reputation of a recognized international brand, and then had been
exposed to another locally manufactured, regional product at the
point of sale. The lower price of the home brew was tempting, yet
he was seeking reassurance that the quality of the local product
was at least comparable to that of the name brand.
His question strikes at the heart of an issue that has drawn the
attention of professionals in the solid surface industry over the
last decade one which has created confusion, not only in the minds
of end-users, but with dealers, and even fabricators.
Every day, it seems, a new solid surface brand is created
somewhere in the world. Once thought of as the exclusive province
of corporate giants flush with capital and technical expertise,
solid surface is now being produced at the local level, often by
very small companies with minimal facilities and limited technical
staff.
These regional brands are touted as being “just the same” as the
multi-national brands, and even offer the same, or similar
warranties. Lacking brand recognition, these companies usually
offer their products at somewhat reduced prices, and often stress
their ability to create custom colors in small minimum
quantities.
The issue of quality in the case of regional solid surface is
very real. There are a number of local producers whose operations
are finely tuned, and whose technology and business practices are
consistent with the high standards associated with quality solid
surface production.
But even these producers agree that there’s a darker side to
regional solid surface hole-in-the-wall operations with little or
no technical expertise, which turn out product with scant regard
for quality.
A little over a year ago, the International Solid Surface
Fabricators Association (ISSFA) released
its definition of, and standard for, the production of solid
surface, known as ISSFA1-98. This document provides a definition of
solid surface in three product classifications, and sets forth
minimum industry standards for the performance of each. Once the
standard is fully implemented, it is believed the consumer will
have a true yardstick by which to measure product quality.
In the meantime, I would like to offer the following for
consideration:
- Solid surface is non-porous. This means that air has been
evacuated from the mix before it is catalyzed in order to prevent
bubbles from occurring in the surface of the material. These show
up as tiny holes in the countertop, which quickly turn black as
they collect dirt and bacteria. They also cause the countertop to
stain easily. Does the company producing your solid surface
evacuate the air from the mix before it is hardened? Some
don’t. - All polyester and modified acrylic solid surface products must
be post-cured, usually in an oven, in order to perform optimally.
This is a ticklish point in the industry because some resin
manufacturers claim to produce an acceptable chemical post-cure
which requires no time-consuming oven post-cure. Most experts
agree, however, that polyester or modified acrylic solid surface
which has not undergone oven post-curing will experience problems
with color consistency and performance. Is the product you are
considering properly post-cured? - A solid surface warranty is only as good as the company that
backs it up. Even a reputable company can sometimes encounter
problems that will put it out of business, thereby turning a great
warranty into little more than a mental exercise. What assurances
do you have that the company offering the product you are
considering will be able to back up its warranty? - Is the product fabricated by a reputable fabricator, one that
has a proven track record for quality and service, and is
responsive to your needs? Does the company belong to a professional
trade organization such as ISSFA?
The true greatness of solid surface as a countertop material for
the kitchen and bath lies in its beauty, versatility and ease of
maintenance. Any well-made solid surface product that has been
properly fabricated and professionally installed will satisfy those
conditions and more, while providing decades of trouble-free
service to the end user.
So, the question remains: Should you consider offering a locally
made solid surface product to your customers? Without a doubt,
there are some good companies out there whose products will easily
withstand the tests I have outlined above. But to find them, you
need to do your homework.