Solid Surfaces – Design Details

Solid Surface Worktops

Our solid surface worktops look sophisticated and elegant, and because they are so versatile can suit a variety of different designs whether that be traditional or a more contemporary style. The worktops are produced through a very special process, which means that they can be shaped, joined and formed into a variety of different shapes and designs, for numerous uses. The material can also be engraved, and amazing effects can be created from translucent colours. This means that you can create a highly personalised appearance for your worktop.

Here are some of the most popular design choices

Edge Details

>80mm

All internal profile edges must have a radius of at least 80mm. Thermoforming to achieve a smaller radius can result in “bleaching” of the colour and a visible laminating process is required.

Return Ends

Square & Coved Upstands

Square

Coved

Square upstands are fixed on site, with special glue or silicone. Coved upstands are manufactured and fixed in the factory.

Upstands are manufactured in a straight line and any imperfections and large variations in the wall profile will leave gaps that need to be filled with decorators caulk. Plastering or tiling should therefore be completed after the worktops have been installed.

Cutouts & Drainer Grooves

Belfast Sink

Sink or Hob

Drainer Recessed

Drainer Type A

Drainer Type B

Drainer Type C

Drainer Type D

Drainer Type E

Hobs are installed according to a patented high-strength cutout method, integrating the hobs and worktops according to specified guidelines.

Splash backs or wall cladding are installed with a minimum 50mm gap behind an electric hob and a minimum 100mm gap behind a gas hob. There must also be a minimum 50mm gap from the cutout to the front of the worktop. To accommodate these requirements, it is sometimes necessary to widen the worktop to what is called a “breakfront.”

  • Sink cutouts are placed a minimum 50mm from the worktop front edge
  • A minimum of 120mm is required between two hob cutouts
  • A minimum of 100mm is required between hob and sink cutouts
  • A minimum of 70mm is required between two sink cutouts
  • If a waste disposal unit is fitted to an undermounted sink after installation, additional support will be required, otherwise your warranty may be invalidated
Repairable

Surfaces are renewable and inherently environmentally friendly. Heavy stains and scratches can be erased without a trace simply by rubbing with household cleaner

Durable
Proven to be remarkably durable, a versatile material that is easy to live with in both domestic and commercial environments
Non-Porous

Bacteria and mould have nowhere to take root. When it looks clean, it really is clean

Seamless
Inconspicuous seams result in a smooth surface that enables you to create large designs fashioned from a single element
Easy to Clean
With a non-porous surface that prevents dirt and stains from penetrating the material. Marks and stains stay on the surface and can easily be removed.

Technical Information

Bluestone offers a choice of four top grade solid surface worktops, Corian®, Diore Solid Surface®, Hanex , and Hi-MACS.

These solid surface worktops are superior to natural stone worktops because they are more flexible, more hygienic and easier to maintain, yet present the same natural beauty and luxurious feel. There is also greater consistency of appearance, because all natural flaws have been eliminated.

Solid surface worktops also offer a greater variety of colours and price bands.

Solid surface worktop are non-porous material which do not easily stain or scratch, are naturally resistant to mould, bacteria and mildew. They are manufactured to the highest standards, meeting the international standards of DIN EN ISO 846. They are fabricated through a special process from at least 66% of the highest quality natural stone, enhanced with polymer resins to provide greater strength and flexibility.

They are perfect for a great variety of applications in the kitchen, and bathroom, surgeries, hospitals, laboratories, restaurants, showrooms, and many more. They can be shaped, joined, formed and engraved for numerous domestic and commercial uses on worktops, walls, showers and more.

Tolerance in solid surface worktops is ±2mm.

By a special process, the worktops can be shaped and joined to give a seamless appearance, with the joints highly inconspicuous.

Solid surface worktops can expand up to 1mm per metre and therefore a gap of at least 3mm should be left between the worktop and any walls. These gaps are filled with decorators caulk for a neat finish.

When solid surface worktops are joined to other materials (such as glass, steel or wood) an elastic type of adhesive, for example polyurethane, is required for expansion.

Solid Surface Worktops must be supported every 600mm.

Maximum recommended overhang is 300mm. Greater than 300mm requires steel support.

Solid underside wrapping is recommended on overhangs or end panels when MDF substrate is visible beneath.

Due to the weight of solid surface worktops, it is essential that your units are level and securely fixed.

Because solid surface worktops are fabricated to give a seamless appearance, it is also possible to install sinks and bowls from the same materials for a smooth and elegant finish.

A minimum of 70mm is required between sink cut-outs.

If a waste disposal unit is fitted to an undermounted sink after installation, additional support will be required, otherwise your warranty may be invalidated.

Splash backs or wall cladding are installed with a minimum 50mm gap behind an electric hob and a minimum 100mm gap behind a gas hob. There must also be a minimum 50mm gap from the cutout to the front of the worktop. To accommodate these requirements, it is sometimes necessary to widen the worktop to what is called a “breakfront.”

  • Sink cutouts are placed a minimum 50mm from the worktop front edge
  • A minimum of 120mm is required between two hob cutouts
  • A minimum of 100mm is required between hob and sink cutouts
  • A minimum of 70mm is required between two sink cutouts
  • If a waste disposal unit is fitted to an undermounted sink after installation, additional support will be required, otherwise your warranty may be invalidated

Electric Hob – allow 50mm

Gas Hob – allow 100mm

Domino Hobs – for structural strength allow 50mm for the splashback and 120mm between the hobs

Flush Fit Hob – allow a 2mm expansion gap

Care and Maintenance

Bluestone offer a Care and Maintenance Kit which has been developed to offer the customer everything they need to keep their worktops looking good for years to come.

Scratches

Solid surface worktops are highly scratch resistant but not scratch proof and the surface must be protected by chopping or cutting boards. Dark, heavily pigmented colours will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily than lighter, textured forms.

Bluestone offer a Care and Maintenance Kit which has been developed to offer the customer everything they need to keep their worktops looking good for years to come.

Staining

Solid Surface worktops are resistant but care must be taken to clean the worktops down. Solid surface worktops are non-porous and will not absorb liquids, but it is still possible that grease, wine, coffee, nicotine, fruit juices and other strongly coloured substances can stain the surface if not properly protected or if the spills are not cleaned up immediately.

Care and Maintenance kits are available from Bluestone, call 0844 870 8351 for more info.

Repairable

Solid Surfaces can be repaired if damaged or scratched. This service can be ordered from Bluestone

Hygienic

Solid Surface worktops is naturally hygienic as it is non-porous and the seamless joints do not harbour germs

Handling

For installation of worktops weighing above 120kg, you will need to supply additional labour at no cost to Bluestone. Every additional 75kg requires an extra person to assist with lifting.

Repairable

Solid surface worktops can be repaired. For minor scratches and marks, using an ordinary abrasive cleaner and a scouring pad the surface may be fully restored to its original appearance. For more extensive damage, Bluestone provides a special kit and beyond that, our specialist team can do repairs.