What's New in Solid-Surfacing

Solid-surfacing is showing up in more and more homes, where it is being used not just for countertops, but for window stools, flooring, and shower surrounds (see Figure 1, next page). Solid-surfacing sales are increasing, and the industry is changing rapidly. In recent years, many more manufacturers have entered the market, creating more competition for DuPont's Corian. New solid-surface products have been introduced, including preformed tops that don't require fabrication. Fabrication methods have also changed as the larger fabrication shops, seeking ways to speed up countertop assembly, have moved toward factory-style production techniques. Even artisan fabricators working in shops that have chosen to stay small have adopted new tools and techniques to improve efficiency. Natural Stone