Top 20 Questions about Durat Solid Surface (and How It Compares to Corian and Other Traditional Brands)
Discover Durat
Thinking about installing Durat for your next countertop, vanity, backsplash, or wall cladding? You’re not alone! With its eco-friendly design, vibrant colors, and seamless versatility, Durat stands out as the recycled, colorful solid surface alternative to traditional brands like Corian. Whether you’re designing a kitchen, bathroom, or commercial space, Durat offers a stylish and sustainable solution for eco-friendly countertops.
Common Questions About Durat Solid Surfaces
- What is Durat made of?
Durat is a polyester-based resin infused with up to 28% recycled post-industrial plastic waste. The recycled content comes in the form of acrylic granules, which give Durat its distinctive texture and speckled appearance. - How sustainable is Durat?
What certifications does Durat hold?
Durat solid surfaces are certified as environmentally sustainable. They’re ideal for LEED projects and other green building certifications, making them a fantastic choice for eco-conscious designs. - What certifications does Durat hold?
Durat solid surfaces are certified as environmentally sustainable. They’re ideal for LEED projects and other green building certifications, making them a fantastic choice for eco-conscious designs. - Where is Durat manufactured?
Durat is produced in Finland, the United States (Georgia), and China. Some sheets are made using renewable energy at the Finnish facility. - What are the standard sizes and thicknesses for Durat sheets?
Durat sheets are 114” x 31.5” and range in thickness from ¼” to 1 ¼”, depending on the collection and application. Custom sizes up to 36” x 144” are also available. - Can I customize Durat’s colors and designs?
Absolutely! Durat offers an expansive range of colors, including custom options. Designers can choose from various granule patterns and aggregate styles for a truly unique look. Custom aggregates and finishes make it possible to tailor Durat for any project. - How does Durat compare to quartz, Corian, or natural stone?
Durat offers vibrant colors, seamless installation, and recycled content, making it a greener and more customizable alternative. Unlike quartz, it’s free from crystalline silica, a hazard linked to silicosis. While Corian focuses on traditional tones and textures, Durat’s modern color palette sets it apart as a colorful solid surface option.
- Is Durat heat resistant?
Durat can withstand temperatures up to 250°F, but prolonged exposure to high heat may leave markings. Use trivets or heat pads for hot cookware, and run cold water when pouring hot liquids into Durat sinks to avoid thermal shock. - What makes Durat great for biophilic design?
Durat’s vibrant color palette helps bring the outdoors inside, promoting a sense of connection to nature. Whether it’s lush greens, calming blues, or earthy neutrals, Durat supports biophilic design principles by creating spaces that inspire and rejuvenate. - How does the use of color in Durat enhance a space?
Color plays a key role in shaping moods and creating atmospheres. Durat’s bold and bright options allow for expressive designs that can energize a room, while its softer tones create calming environments. Its versatility is perfect for residential, commercial, and healthcare spaces.
Additional Questions About Countertop Surfaces
- Can Durat be thermoformed?
Yes! Durat is thermoformable but at lower temperatures than most solid surfaces. This makes it ideal for creating custom curves, arcs, and unique shapes. The minimum radius for a full sheet is 98,” but narrower strips can be bent into tighter curves for intricate designs. Please reach out to your rep for thermoforming guidelines or test material before attempting to thermoform Durat. Ability to thermoform can vary by color, SKU and thickness. - Can Durat be used outdoors?
Yes, but with limitations. Durat can withstand direct sunlight, although lighter colors may discolor over time. If discoloration occurs, sanding the surface can restore its appearance. - Can Durat be repaired if scratched or chipped?
Yes! Scratches can be buffed out with fine sandpaper, and chips can be filled with adhesive mixed with matching granules for a seamless repair. - Are Durat surfaces non-porous?
Absolutely. Durat’s non-porous surface resists stains and bacteria, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and healthcare settings. - How do you clean Durat surfaces?
A gentle cleaner and soft cloth will do the trick. For tough stains, use a Magic Eraser or buff with a fine grit sandpaper, followed by furniture oil for a polished finish. - Can Durat be used in shower walls?
Yes, with the correct substrate and installation. Its seamless nature and non-porous surface make it a great option for wet areas. - How does Durat compare to Corian?
Durat has brighter colors, thanks to its superior pigment retention. It also includes recycled content, while Corian’s acrylic composition makes it slightly better for thermoforming. Both are durable and long-lasting but appeal to different design sensibilities. - How does Durat hold up in commercial spaces?
Durat’s durability, vibrant colors, and seamless installation make it a popular choice for bars, offices, and retail spaces. - What tools are needed to fabricate Durat?
Durat can be fabricated using standard woodworking tools like saws and routers. Tungsten carbide blades and proper dust removal systems are recommended. - Is there a warranty for Durat surfaces?
Yes, Durat comes with a warranty. For details, check with your supplier or visit Durat’s website.
Whether you’re designing a residential kitchen, commercial space, or a biophilic haven, Durat solid surfaces offer unmatched versatility, sustainability, and style. As an eco-friendly countertop option with a vibrant color palette, Durat is a surface that makes a statement while being kind to the planet.
Which room in your space will feature Durat? Let us know in the comments below!
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