Countertop means the horizontal work surface in kitchens or workrooms. Acrylic is a hard synthetic material with natural fillers, usually used for horizontal countertops or vertical wall applications. The flexibility in design, color and texture alternatives and performance characteristics are resulting in many people to choose Acrylic Countertops. The products are available in matte or polish finishes. A standard countertop has typically a solid color, is 24" deep, has a 4" set-on backsplash, an 2" edge and a top mount sink or cook top cut.

Characteristics of Acrylic countertops

It is the easiest countertop to clean and maintain. It is absolutely non-porous and approved by the National Sanitation Foundation. To uphold the quality of the product and keep the warranty intact, only and licensed installers are allowed to install these products. Acrylic countertops can be repaired. Stains are not allowed to infiltrate this material. A scotch brite pad can remove some superficial staining like coffee easily. These countertops are available in various colors. Due to its synthetic nature, they can last for an entire lifetime. Another advantage is that this material does not allow bacteria to grow. Heat can damage the surface. So, it is advocated to use a hot pad or trivet. The major advantage of Acrylic over natural stone is in aspects of quality, design, care, maintenance and cost. Acrylic countertops are a very popular choice of countertops due to their simple and stylish look, smooth feel and low maintenance. Some of them are made of 100% Acrylic while some contain some amount of polyester. A 100% Acrylic countertop is recommended as it is very resistant than polyester. The main advantage is its firmness. Color patterns and shades are very bright, sharp and visible throughout the surface. In spite of their firmness, they can be easily moulded. Scratches on the surface can be rubbed, cigarette burns can be removed and food stains can be wiped off easily.

Disadvantages of Acrylic countertops

But Acrylic countertops are very costly. These countertops can absorb any type of impact like heavy chopping or falling down of pots and pans. Also they are vulnerable to very low temperatures. Below five degrees Celsius can cause cracks.