Solid Surface Countertop Cross Section
Solid Surface materials are fabricated from ½” sheets, measuring 30″ x 144″
Limited colors are available in 36
Engineered Stone/Quartz are available in various thicknesses ranging from ¼” to 3cm.
Quartz materials are now available in jumbo slabs measuring 65″ x 132″
Natural Stone is available primarily in 2cm and 3cm and slab sizes vary according to the type of material.
Different surface finishes, like a leather finish, are also available with natural stone, where it is not recommended to alter the finish of the manufactured sealant of an engineered stone.
Solid Surface materials like Corian and Hi Macs can also have various surface qualities, by polishing to either a semi or hi gloss finish.
Process Questions
What is your ordering process?
1. The client picks a stone (brand, finish and edging).
2. We give the client an estimate based on their project.
3. An order for a template is placed.
4. Our Field Measure Tech will create a digital template.
5. The order is processed and the slab is made.
6. The finished piece is installed.
What are your lead times?
Our process usually takes about 3-4 weeks (depending on materials and work load).
Where do you operate?
ASSI serves the Metro DC area, as well as Virginia, Maryland and parts of Delaware and Southern Pennsylvania.
What is a template?
A pattern used to produce your countertop to your specifications.
Do I need a special surface under my stone countertops?
No, our slabs will lay directly on your cabinets
Can I install my own countertops?
While we do not recommend it, it is possible to install your own laminate countertops. However, all of our specialty stone countertops require professional installation
Do I need to seal my countertop?
Granite must be sealed at least once per year.
Avonite, Cambria, Corian, Formica and Staron do not need to be sealed.
Quartz or Engineered Stone is sealed during production.
How do I clean my countertops?
Avonite can be cleaned with a sponge, soap and water for most stains.
Cambria can be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth and warm water (use a mild soap if desired).
Corian can be cleaned with an all purpose cleaner or warm water. For stains or heavy dirt, try a scotch bright light abrasive pad.
Granite can be cleaned with a special stone cleaner, or, for more regular cleaning, warm water and a light colored dish soap (avoid using any abrasive cleaners that will break down your seal).
Icestone recommends that you use Tile Lab’s Grout & Tile Cleaner or Tilelab’s OneStep Cleaner & Resealer.
Silestone can be cleaned wth anything from an all purpose cleaner to soap and water.
Staron can be cleaned with soap and water. The use of ammonia based cleaners like glass cleaner are also a perfect way to give the worktop a great shine.
Laminate can be cleaned using any all purpose cleaner.
How do I remove stains from my granite countertop?
Combine 1 cup of baking soda with Clorox bleach to form a paste and spread it over the stain. Cover and let rest overnight. Remove paste from the counter.
Product Questions
What is Avonite?
Avonite is a special blend of polyester or acrylic resins and mineral fillers, being non-porous and patented.
What are the advantages of Avonite?
Avonite is a solid surface product that offers many benefits over laminate, tile and granite. First, solid surface seams are inconspicuous, hygienic, and non-porous, which means it will not support the growth of bacteria. Second, Avonite’s pattern allows for complete design flexibility. Finally, Avonite Surfaces creates a depth of color and clarity found in no other solid surface product.
What is Cambria?
Cambria is a natural, maintenance-free quartz surfacing product that has the natural look and feel of granite, but with superior strength and durability. It is nonporous and will not absorb food and liquids like granite does.
What are the advantages of Cambria?
Cambria gives you the timeless beauty of natural stone with a harder and more durable surface that won’t stain, and never needs sealing or reconditioning.
What is Corian?
Corian is the brand name for a solid surfacing material created by DuPont thatbrings design versatility, long-term performance and value to any environment and can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted, bent, or worked like a fine wood.
What are the advantages of Corian?
Corian is easy to clean and is certified kosher. Because Corian is nonporous, stains do not penetrate the surface. With proper cleaning, Corian also resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Corian is also heat and scratch resistant.
What is Formica?
Formica is a hard durable plastic laminate made of composite materials.
What are the advantages of Formica?
Formica is very tough wearing, extremely easy to clean, and tends to be tougher and more resilient than natural materials. Formica can be made to emulate the look of natural stone, textured so that it looks and feels like it actually is laid in slabs just like the natural stone materials, but at only a fraction of the cost.
What is Icestone?
IceStone is the world’s safest and most sustainable durable surface, healthy for you and for the environment. Each slab is made of three ingredients: 100% recycled glass, Portland cement, and pigments.
What are the advantages of Icestone?
IceStone surfaces will not fade from direct sun exposure and are the ideal choice if you are searching for safe, healthy, eco-friendly, green countertops.
What is Silestone?
Silestone is the world’s leading naturally beautiful, durable quartz.
What are the advantages of Silestone?
Silestone is a dense, non-porous stone that delivers unsurpassed reliability and performance – scratch-resistance and stain-resistance with no sealing required in a large variety of naturally beautiful colors.
What is LG Hi Macs?
Staron by Samsung is a 100% acrylic solid surface material.
What are the advantages of LG Hi Macs?
Staron is durable, stain-resistant, hygienic, repairable, easy-to-clean and one of the few surfaces certified as safe for direct contact with food.