Author Archives: Terry Roberts

Hanex Solid Surfaces by Hyundai L&C USA: A Commitment to Eco-Friendly Manufacturing 

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In today’s design landscape, sustainability is not just a passing phase; it’s an essential factor to consider. As we aim to create spaces that are both visually appealing and environmentally conscious, Hanex Solid Surfaces by Hyundai L&C USA stands out for its dedication to eco-friendly production methods.

Optimizing Production Processes to Reduce Waste to a Minimum

Hanex places an emphasis on sustainability throughout its production process by implementing eco-friendly manufacturing methods that aim to minimize waste and optimize material usage efficiently. They ensure that all components of the materials are utilized fully to significantly reduce waste generation. Through the adoption of 100% water-based procedures, Hanex successfully limits the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in safer products for individuals and the environment.

Best Practices in Strategic Transportation

Hanex’s sustainability initiatives also focus on transportation efficiency by positioning production stages close to one another to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance transport. Their strategic logistics planning not only reduces their carbon footprint but also enhances the efficiency of their supply chain operations.

Embracing a Comprehensive Dedication to Environmental Sustainability

Hanex demonstrates its commitment to eco-friendliness through the choice of materials and production techniques employed in its operations. They consistently strive to improve their sustainability efforts to ensure that their offerings are not only visually appealing but also promote environmental conservation for future generations.

Let’s come together to support an eco-friendly approach to interior design and make decisions that not only enhance our surroundings but also support our planet’s well-being, all while keeping beautiful spaces in mind.

View the full Hanex Solid Surface collection from SolidSurface.com

To learn more about Hanex and their commitment to sustainability, visit Hanex Solid Surfaces: Where Sustainability Meets Eco-Friendliness.

Cascade Series by Hanex Solid Surfaces

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The Hanex Cascade collection, inspired by the graceful movement of cascading waterfalls, features six distinct colors: Cascade Haze, Cream, Grey, Black, Ice, and Beige. Each color in this collection displays subtle variations and delicate patterns, creating a natural and elegant look.

With its low overall color contrast, the Cascade collection easily complements a wide range of interior spaces, making it a versatile choice for designers and architects. This adaptability allows the collection to blend seamlessly with existing decor, whether in residential or commercial settings.

Developed with a focus on both practicality and aesthetic appeal, the Hanex Cascade collection offers a flexible solution for various design schemes. Its timeless beauty and commitment to quality make it an inspiring option for anyone looking to enhance their interior spaces with a touch of nature’s elegance.

View the full Hanex Solid Surface collection from SolidSurface.com

To see the full collection, visit https://hyundailncusa.com/hanex-solid-surfaces-colors.

Introducing Our All New Custom Vanity Top Configurator

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SolidSurface.com is known for carrying the top brands of solid surface sheet material. We’re expanding our game by adding an all new Custom Vanity Top Configurator tool that makes it easy for you to build and customize your own virtual design life as you move through the steps. Design your own custom Corian® Solid Surface or HI-MACS® Solid Surface vanity top and have it shipped in as little as 3–5 weeks.

For fabricators, this can be a real time-saver, especially if you have a project that requires multiple vanity tops. For the DIY’er, you can now virtually see as you create what your vanity top will look like.

Let us show you just how simple it is, as we walk you through the steps of designing and ordering your own gorgeous custom solid surface vanity top. Choose your material color from the premium lines of either Corian® or HI-MACS®, decide the length, width, number of sinks or sink holes, and edge options, and you can see exactly how it will look. You can also save your design to your account or share it to get another opinion.

Navigation from the SolidSurface.com Homepage

You can find a link to the New Vanity Configurator on the top menu bar of any of the SolidSurface.com pages. Mouse over, or click on, “Custom Vanity Tops” at the top to open the program.

Navigation through the Custom Vanity Top Designer Tool

When the program opens, an image of a bathroom with a vanity countertop with a backsplash appears. Click the “BUILD MY VANITY COUNTERTOP” button to begin navigating your way through the steps. As you make your selections and move through the program, that image will change into the vanity top you are designing. You will use the column on the right to make your selections such as size, color, sink options, and more.

Use the “Previous” and “Next” buttons to navigate through the steps, you can return to previous options without losing your progress. At the end of the steps you will get a summary of all your selections which can be edited once more before moving to checkout. Many steps include a “MORE INFO” button which will provide any additional information you might need to aid your selection process.

You can return to the first step and select “BUILD MY VANITY COUNTERTOP” at any time to begin again or click the “Save for Later.” icon in the top left. Here you can create an account, or log into your account, to save the design and come back to it at a later time.

Keep in mind, that if at any time during the design process you have questions or concerns, you can always talk with a Vanity Top Specialist by calling 888-715-3007, Option 4.

Width and Depth of Your Custom Vanity Top

Choose the width (or length) and depth of your vanity top by clicking the +/- buttons to the width and depth you need in inches. Or, you can type it in the box between the +/- buttons. The standard depth of a vanity top is 22”, measured from the front edge to the back edge. Once you are satisfied adjusting your width and depth, click “Next.”

Choosing your color and brand

Select your color from the pop-out list of options. You can use the “Filters” to search for a specific top, or filter the list by brand, color family, price or material. When you select a color, the vanity top will display a mock-up of how this will look on your cabinet. Once you’ve selected your brand and color, click “Next.”

Backsplash configuration and edge detail

In this section, you have the ability to choose the type of backsplash you want for your vanity top, as well as the left, right and front edge style.

First select whether you are looking for no backsplash, back only, back and left, back and right, or enclosed with back and both sides.

From here, you’ll select your edge detail. Choose from no lamination, front only, or front and the sides of your choosing.

From here you can select your backsplash style from loose or coved. The first is to select a 4″ Loose Backsplash. This means that the backsplash will come with your vanity top, but will need to be attached with adhesive (usually silicone) by whomever is installing it.

The second option is to select a 4” Coved Backsplash. A “coved” backsplash provides a seamless, coved (slightly curved), appearance where the top surface and the backsplash meet. Coved backsplashes are attached to the vanity top prior to shipping. There is a modest extra charge for the coved backsplash since it requires extra fabrication. The advantage of a coved backsplash is that it is easier to clean and gives a more seamless appearance between backsplash and top.

Lastly, you’ll then get the option to select your edge profile. There are many styles to choose from to match any aesthetic such as bullnose, roundover, square, and more.

Sink Options

First, choose whether you want a sink cutout at all, and then whether you’ll be providing your own sink (we’ll offer to cut the opening), or choose from one of our many available sink styles.

Countertop Edge Buildup Above Sink

Edge buildup above a sink can have a dramatic effect on how the vanity top looks. The images displayed do a great job in showing the difference. Toggle back and forth between the two selections of “No Buildup ½” thick” and “1” Thick Buildup” to see which you prefer. When satisfied with your selection, click “Next.”

Select Sink Placement from Left to Right

While it is common to have the sink centered on the vanity top, here you may want to think about where you want the sink in relation to your cabinet door openings below the sink.  Or, perhaps you want more room on one side or the other of the sink.

If your design has:

  • 1 sink and you would like it centered on your vanity top, choose the “Center On Vanity Top” option.
  • 1 sink and you would like to have more space on either side of it, or a custom placement, choose “Custom Sink Placement.”

When you choose “Custom Sink Placement,” an option will appear where you can specify the distance in inches from the left edge to the drain center. Once you are satisfied with your selection, hit “Next.”

Choose Faucet Hole Configuration

You may or may not have already chosen what type of faucet you are going to use. If you are replacing a vanity top, you may be re-using the one you already have. Or, possibly, you’ve already purchased a new one for the new vanity top. In either of those circumstances, you’ll want to take a closer look at the faucet design and take measurements to ensure you make the appropriate selections on this screen (i.e., is the center of the outer holes 4″ or 8” apart.) 

If you haven’t decided on a faucet yet, you’ll want to make note of what you select so that you can choose an appropriate faucet design that matches your configuration. Once again, if you play around with the selections, you can see how the design changes and determine which type of faucet hole design you need. Note: you will not see a difference on your screen between the 1-⅜” and the 1-½” centered holes. Click “Next” when ready for the next step.

Add to Cart

You can now add all of your selections to the cart, or feel free to browse each option and edit your selections if you feel you need to make a change.

Checkout

If you are done shopping and are ready to check out, click the “checkout” button. You will see an order summary page. You can see all your selections from the process any make changes to dimensions, surface color, etc., along with pricing for each.

Once everything look good, choose “Checkout”

Shipping Information

If you have an account, you can login here, to auto-fill your shiping information, otherwise fill in all of the required shipping information and click the checkbox agreeing to our Terms and Conditions.

Review and Payment

SolidSurface.com accepts payment by credit card, all types of credit cards are accepted. Simply fill in your credit card information and enter any discount codes or gift cards you may have and review your order. If everything looks good, click on “Next”

You will see your Order Confirmation and also receive an email with your order number. A Vanity Top Specialist will call you within 48 hours to go over your order to ensure accuracy. Your custom vanity top will be fabricated within 15 business days from the date the order is placed and then shipped to your chosen location. Tracking information will be provided once it ships.

Now that you’re ready to explore the Custom Vanity Top Configurator, go give it a try!

Australia’s Bold Ban: Reckoning with Engineered Stone’s Health Risks and the Global Shift to Safer Surfaces

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In the evolving landscape of home aesthetics, engineered stone, often referred to as quartz, countertops have emerged as a coveted choice for their durability and diverse designs. However, beneath their surface beauty lies a grave health hazard for workers involved in their manufacture, predominantly due to exposure to silica dust when fabrication takes place in a “dry” shop environment . This issue has raised significant health concerns, leading to severe conditions like silicosis, a relentless and untreatable lung disease that has been afflicting workers who handle the cutting, grinding, and polishing of these surfaces.

NPR’s investigative reports have shed light on the dire situation, highlighting the story of individuals like Jose Martinez, whose lives have been drastically altered by the development of silicosis due to prolonged exposure to silica dust in the workplace. The stark reality of these health risks has prompted a critical reevaluation of industry practices and the materials used in countertop manufacturing.

In response to the growing concerns over the health implications of silica dust exposure, Australia has taken a pioneering step by banning engineered stone, recognizing the unparalleled risks posed by the material’s high silica content. The ban originally scheduled to take effect July 1, has now been amended to be in place effective December 31, 2024 to allow for the industry to transition away from Engineered stone.  This landmark decision underscores the urgency of addressing the health hazards associated with engineered stone and the need for safer alternatives.

Amidst these developments, acrylic solid surface materials, such as those offered by brands like Corian and LX Hausys, have emerged as a viable and safer alternative. Unlike engineered stone, these materials are crafted from a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, significantly reducing the risk of silica dust exposure during their manufacturing and fabrication processes. The lower silica content in these materials presents a compelling option for both the industry and consumers, aligning aesthetic preferences with ethical manufacturing practices that prioritize worker safety.

The industry’s adaptation to these challenges, including companies like Caesarstone exploring alternative products to maintain their presence in markets like Australia, highlights the viability of safer materials in the global marketplace. This shift not only reflects a commitment to worker safety but also opens a dialogue about the role of consumers in advocating for ethical and sustainable production practices.

The narratives and investigations into the health risks associated with engineered stone countertops serve as a potent call to action for regulators, employers, and consumers. By prioritizing safety and health in the countertop manufacturing industry, there is a hopeful vision for a future where home aesthetics do not come at the cost of human lives. For a detailed exploration of this critical issue, NPR’s coverage offers comprehensive insights into the personal and industry-wide repercussions of silica exposure, emphasizing the need for immediate and concerted action to safeguard the well-being of workers in the industry.

Unveiling Nature’s Palette: The 2024 Corian® Color Collection

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Corian® Design has recently announced its 2024 North American color collection for Corian® Solid Surface, showcasing an impressive array of designs and options. This launch not only reflects the brand’s dedication to innovation but also its commitment to sustainability, with many new aesthetics incorporating recycled materials. The collection spans across five distinct themes, each inspired by elements of nature and designed to meet a variety of design needs in both commercial and residential settings.

The “Artista Collection” draws inspiration from natural tranquility, offering soothing colors that evoke the serenity of herbs and mists. It’s notable for its calming and fluid aesthetics in neutral tones, making it an ideal choice for spaces aiming to create a peaceful ambiance. Meanwhile, the “Geologic Collection” pays homage to the timeless elegance of stone, combining the iconic aesthetics of marble and Calacatta with the high performance and durability of Corian® Solid Surface.

For those seeking the warmth and classic appeal of wood without compromising on durability, the “Nuwoods Collection” presents woodgrain-inspired designs that are both beautiful and functional. This collection brings the essence of the forest into indoor spaces, providing a perfect blend of nature and performance. The “Terrazzos Collection” reimagines the beauty of Italian mosaics, offering designs that suit both classic and modern interiors while maintaining a low environmental impact thanks to its recycled content.

Lastly, the “Terrains Collection” invites exploration and inspiration, with designs that capture the awe-inspiring beauty of landscapes. From serene country paths to stones glistening in light, this collection is a testament to the breathtaking variety of nature’s palette.

Corian® Design’s 2024 color launch is not just about aesthetic innovation; it’s a statement of the brand’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable design practices. By integrating recycled materials and obtaining certifications from SCS Global Services, Corian® demonstrates its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint while continuing to offer high-quality, versatile, and beautiful solutions for interior design and architecture.

For interior designers, architects, and homeowners alike, this new collection from Corian® opens up a world of possibilities for creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also sustainable and in harmony with nature. Whether it’s through the subtle infusion of nature-inspired elements or bold statements with intricate patterns and colors, Corian® Solid Surface’s offerings provide the tools needed to transform any space into a bespoke masterpiece that reflects the beauty and essence of the natural world.

For more information about the 2024 Corian® color collection and to explore these new designs, visit the official Corian® website.

[Read the full press release here](https://www.dupont.com/news/corian-design-unveils-the-essence-of-natures-creativity-with-the-2024-color-launch-of-corian-solid-surface.html)