Size limitations / Seams in solid surface countertops

As such, there are no size limitations on solid surface countertops, and since they are usually installed as a single integrated piece, they usually do not have seams. Instead, here is an introduction to solid surfacing, and why size and seams are not an issue when it comes to this surfacing material.

Sizing on solid surface countertops

Solid surface countertops are a mix of mineral compounds and resin, making them a synthetic material. Because they are processed, they give homeowners control over color, shape, and of course, size. Covering the entire interior of a home with solid surfacing is possible, though probably very expensive.

The only real limitation to the size of a solid surface piece is the cost. Solid surfacing is usually priced by the square foot, and comes as a single prefabricated piece. Solid surfacing ranges from $12 to as much as $40 per square foot. Therefore, a typical 16-square foot kitchen island ought to cost between $192 and more than $600. However, most builders will offer specialized floor pricing on fabrication.

What is floor pricing?

Floor pricing refers to a special pricing plan that makes expensive products more attractive to consumers. For example, if a selected contractor offers a floor price of $250 on the fabrication and installation of a solid surface countertop, each square foot of material over $250 will receive a discount. If the discount after the floor price is set at 50 percent, and a homeowner chooses a 16 square feet of customized material costing $40 per square foot, that will make the cost of the project $640. However, the contractor will only charge $445 for the piece.

How it works

The math on floor pricing is relatively simple. 16 square feet of material costing $40 per square foot results in a product of $640. However, only 6.25 square feet of material is needed to meet the contractor’s floor price of $250. Therefore, the remaining 9.75 square feet of material is subject to a 50 percent discount. This makes 6.25 square feet of material multiplied by $40, plus 9.75 square feet of material multiplied by $20, resulting in a product of $445. This saves the customer almost $200 on the project, and makes expensive solid surfacing more appealing to potential customers.

In contrast, if the customer had selected a solid surface costing $12 per square foot for a 16 square foot project, the amount would not have met the floor price. Therefore, the customer would not have received a discount. Floor pricing allows customers to get the surface that they want, and actually encourages them to spend more on their solid surface countertop. Selecting a more expensive surface will actually result in customers spending $253 more than if they selected a cheaper design.