I'm familiar with Corian®, but what other products are available?
Corian® is just one of many solid surface materials available. While Corian® is the premier brand, Hanex®, Fountainhead®, are also good quality products. 

What are the main differences between the various solid surface products?
The most obvious difference is product selection. Each solid surface manufacturer offers it's own line of colors and integral sink bowls. As the market leader, Hanex  tends to be priced slightly higher than the other products, but offers a more comprehensive warranty. 
Fabrication and installation costs for the various products are identical and the range of possible product applications is very similar. 

Are solid surface products heat resistant?
Yes. To a point. While very high and direct heat will damage most solid surface products, solid surface materials do not burn or combust. If your counter is damaged by excessive heat, in most cases it can be repaired. 
To prevent heat damage, always use a hot pad or trivet with rubber feet. Hot pots, as well as some heat-generating appliances like frying pans and crockpots, can damage the surface if some protective means is not used. 

What finishes are available for solid surface products?
All products are a available in a matte or polished finish. While some colors and textures look better polished and others in matte, call or visit our showroom to discuss which finish is most appropriate for your specific application. Please note, a polished finish costs slightly more due to a labor intensive finishing process during fabrication. 

Is solid surface better than granite?
Solid surface and granite are both mid to high-end countertop materials. Typically, individuals interested in a specific "look" that is only available in a natural stone will not necessarily be happy with a compromise. However, solid surface materials offer numerous advantages to natural stone in terms of quality, design, care and maintenance, and cost. 

How does the price of granite and solid surface compare?
A standard counter typically costs substantially less in solid surface material. However, with numerous upgrades, a well-crafted solid surface counter costs about the same as a well-crafted granite counter.

FAQ

1. What is Hanex®?
Hanex® 100% Acrylic Solid Surface is an ideal material for residential and commercial applications because of its beauty, durability, aesthetics, design flexibility, the color choices available, and more. Hanex® products are non-porous materials and NSF 51 Certified for Food Preparation areas. They can be applied in many locations where sanitation is of the utmost importance, such as kitchen countertops, hospitals, playrooms, schools, and many others.

2. What is Hanex® made of?
Hanex® 100% Acrylic Solid Surface is made of a composition of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) and Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) resin filled with Alumina-trihydrate and other specialized formulae to impart it with timeless beauty and quality. We are one of only two companies to have successfully developed the DBCU (Double Belt Casting Unit) process to produce superior products.

3. Where can I see display's of Hanex®?
Please contact your nearest Distributor to find your local retail design center and/or fabricator.

4. Where can I purchase a Hanex® 100% Acrylic Solid Surface?
Hanex® can be purchased through your local kitchen and bath dealers and from fabricators, contractors, and builders. To locate nearby vendors, please contact your local distributor for more info.

5. Can I receive some Hanex® samples?
Hanex® samples are provided returnable basis to help our customers make the right selection from a vast array of colors and designs

6. Is Hanex® Repairable?
Unlike other surfacing materials, Hanex® can be repaired to its original condition. Hanex® is non-porous and solid throughout. These features make Hanex virtually maintenance free and completely repairable. Please visit our care & maintenance section for more details..

7. How do I clean and take care of my Hanex® countertop?
Unlike other surfacing materials which are produced by laminating or coating, Hanex® is non-porous and solid throughout its entirety. These features make Hanex® virtually maintenance free and repairable. To ensure long lasting beauty, follow the guidelines to prevent damage and to care for your investment. Please visit our care & maintenance section for more details

8. What is NSF51?
According to the NSF website, “no other independent testing programs require companies to comply with the strict standards imposed by NSF and its product certification programs. From extensive product testing and material analyses to unannounced plant inspections, NSF is the only third-party testing organization to undertake a complete evaluation of every aspect of a product's development before it can earn our certification.”
NSF 51 is one of the certification programs specifically designed for food preparation areas. NSF imposes the strictest standards to ensure consumer health and safety. The Hanex® 100% Acrylic Solid Surface has been tested by NSF, certified, and is currently listed as NSF 51 certified.

9. Can I Fabricate and Install Hanex® myself?
To ensure proper fabrication and installation and to be eligible for warranty coverage, Hanex® is only available to certified fabricators..

10. Who can Fabricate and Install my Hanex® countertop?
To ensure proper fabrication, installation, and warranty coverage, Hanex® is only available to certified fabricators. To become Certified Hanex® fabricator, please contact your local distributor for more information.

11. Who can repair or refinish my Hanex® countertop?
Minor scratches and damage can be easily repaired. Please visit our Care & Maintenance section for more details. However, for deep scratches and/or other damage which may require expert repair, please contact your authorized Hanex® repair agent or certified fabricator.

12. Does Hanex® have different finishes?
Your Hanex® can be finished with a matte, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. Remember, some colors may require more maintenance if they receive a different finish. Please consult with your fabricator, distributor, or sales representative for to receive a recommendation that best suits your needs.

13.I am still confused about the heat-resistant properties of Hanex®?
The innate features of Hanex® give it excellent heat resistant properties compared to other surfacing materials on the market. However, to prevent it from being damaged by heat, never place hot items directly on Hanex® and always use trivets with rubber feet when placing hot items on the countertop. Remember, placing hot pans or heat-generating appliances directly on Hanex® may cause damage to your countertop. Avoid the application of direct or indirect heat of temperatures over 80o C (170o F). Although in most cases the damage can be repaired, to protect your Hanex® countertop you should always use a trivet when placing hot items or heat-generating appliances on it.

14. What are the advantages of Hanex® over Granite Countertops?
The beauty of granite is accompanied by many limitations. If granite is not properly sealed regularly, it can be easily stained and can harbor bacteria, molds, viruses, and other germs that can be unhealthy. Depending on the size of your countertop, granite countertops will have visible seams and other imperfections that may cause problems. There are many other benefits of Hanex® over granite, but most importantly is the fact that your Hanex® is fully repairable and renewable. Additionally, unlike granite, Hanex® comes with a 15-year limited warranty, the best in the industry.

15. What are the advantages of Hanex® over laminated Countertops?
Over time laminates will separate because of moisture. Hanex® is non-porous, solid, and homogenous. Its water absorption ratio is among the lowest in the industry. The daily use of Hanex® is not harsh enough to allow for moisture to penetrate it. There are many other benefits of Hanex® over laminates, but the most important one is that your Hanex® is fully repairable and renewable. Additionally, unlike laminates, Hanex® comes with a 15-year limited warranty, the best in the industry.

16. What are the advantages of Hanex® over Tiles Countertops?
Hanex® Solid Surfaces can be fabricated and installed for almost any application and still have inconspicuous seams, making Hanex® truly “solid” in surfacing materials. The design flexibility and usability of Hanex®, such as in integrated sinks and coved back-splashes, make it the perfect combination of beauty, design, and practicality. Unlike tiles, you don’t have any grout to clean and disinfect, and there is no need to worry about harboring bacteria, viruses, and germs. There are many other benefits of Hanex® over tiles, however the most important one is that your Hanex® is fully repairable and renewable. Additionally, unlike tiles, Hanex® comes with a 15-year limited warranty, the best in the industry.

17. What are the advantages of Hanex® over other countertop materials likes wood, concrete, and stainless steel?
Hanex® 100% Acrylic Solid Surface is an ideal hygienic material for kitchens and baths due to its resistance to heat, moisture, materials that stain, bacteria and other harmful agents. Because it has a wide selection of colors and design applications, Hanex® can transform any space into a beautiful environment. The unlimited design flexibility of Hanex® makes it a perfect material to use in commercial applications. Many commercial builders are using Solid Surfaces in hospitals, restaurants, hotels, schools, banks and other areas because of all the advantages that Solid Surface has to offer.

18. What is the Hanex® warranty?
Your Hanex® 100% Acrylic Solid Surface comes with a 15-year limited warranty, the best in the industry. Thanks to the inherent properties of Hanex® and the DBCU manufacturing process, the Hanex® name is recognized in the industry for quality. Hanex® can only be fabricated and installed by Certified Hanex® fabricators, so you have the assurance of a quality product, expert installation, and the best warranty in the industry. Additionally, your countertop is backed by nationwide network of industry experts, authorized repair agents, and customer service associates who will service you.

19. How much is Hanex®?
The cost of Solid Surface fabrication and installation will vary due to the complexity of design, application, edge details, color selection, and more. Please consult with your dealer for a quote. Remember to ask your dealer to bid your project in Hanex® 100% Acrylic Solid Surface. You will be pleasantly surprised.