So, you've decided on a solid surface for your upcoming kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity, or commercial project. It's a fantastic choice, known for its seamless beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance. But when you start researching, you quickly find there are two main types: Acrylic and Polyester.

While they may look similar at a glance, their core differences significantly impact performance, cost, and suitability for your project. Understanding these key distinctions is crucial for making an investment you'll be happy with for years to come.

Let's break down the essential differences between acrylic and polyester solid surfaces to help you make an informed choice.

At a Glance: The Comparison Table

A Deeper Dive into Acrylic Solid Surface

Brands like Corian and Hi-Macs are prime examples of acrylic-based surfaces.

• The Key Advantage: Flexibility and Seamlessness
  Acrylic is a thermoplastic. This means it becomes pliable when heated, giving it a unique "memory" effect. This characteristic is the source of its biggest benefits:

  
  

• Superior Impact Resistance: It has more "give," making it less prone to cracking from a heavy knock or dropped object.

• Truly Invisible Seams: Using a process called thermal welding, installers can fuse two pieces of acrylic solid surface together. The resulting seam is not only incredibly strong but also virtually undetectable, which is critical for both aesthetics and hygiene.

• Repairability: Minor scratches, scuffs, and even minor burns can be sanded away with standard sandpaper, restoring the surface to its original condition. Its non-porous nature also makes it highly stain-resistant and bacteriostatic.

Choose Acrylic if: Your top priorities are a seamless look, superior repairability, and long-term durability against impacts. It's ideal for busy kitchens, healthcare settings, and curved or integrated sink designs.

A Deeper Dive into Polyester Solid Surface

This is a very common and cost-effective type of solid surface.

• The Key Advantage: Cost and Hardness
  Polyester resin is a thermoset plastic. Once it cures, it becomes very hard and rigid. This leads to its main selling points:

• Excellent Hardness & Heat Resistance: It typically feels harder to the touch and can better withstand brief contact with a hot pan without damage.

• Vibrant Visuals: The chemistry of polyester resin allows for very deep, vivid colors and complex patterns that can more dramatically mimic the look of exotic marbles and granites.

• Budget-Friendly: The lower cost of raw materials makes it an attractive option for those who want the solid surface look without the acrylic price tag.

Choose Polyester if: Budget is a primary concern, and you are drawn to more dramatic, high-contrast patterns. It's an excellent choice for standard, straight-run countertops and vanities where the highest level of impact resistance is not the main concern.

The Bottom Line: Which One is Right for You?

• For Unbeatable Performance & Integration: Go with Acrylic. Its resilience, repairability, and ability to form invisible seams make it the premium, long-term choice for a truly custom and durable installation.

• For Budget & Bold Aesthetics: Go with Polyester. It delivers the non-porous, easy-to-clean benefits of a solid surface with stunning visuals at a more accessible price point.

We always recommend getting physical samples of both types. Feel the difference, place them in your lighting, and imagine them in your space. Your perfect countertop is out there!

We hope this guide has been helpful. Have more questions? Leave a comment below or contact us directly for samples and a personalized quote!

Koris Solid Surface 

 Acrylic Solid Surface 

Polyester Solid Surface