What Are Solid Surface Products? A Practical Guide for Builders, Designers, and Property Owners

  • May 15, 2025
  • Okahumpka
  • Solid Surface Products

If you’ve ever walked into a hospital, luxury hotel, or modern home and noticed smooth, seamless surfaces that looked almost like stone — but didn’t feel cold, crack easily, or show grout lines — you were likely looking at solid surface products.

Originally developed in the 1960s as a durable alternative to natural stone countertops, solid surface has evolved into one of the most versatile and high-performance materials in construction and interior design. And while countertops are still a common use, today’s solid surface products go far beyond the kitchen.

At Okahumpka Sill Company, we specialize in taking solid surface beyond the ordinary — transforming it into high-functioning components like window sills, wall caps, thresholds, shower seats, and curb caps. If you’re a builder, architect, or designer working in residential or commercial spaces across the Southeast, it’s time to take a closer look at what solid surface products can do.

What Is Solid Surface?

Solid surface is a man-made material typically composed of acrylic or polyester resins combined with natural mineral fillers. The result is a non-porous, seamless, and highly durable surface that can be cut, bonded, shaped, and finished in ways traditional stone or wood cannot.

What makes it especially appealing in modern construction is that it mimics the appearance of stone but offers significant advantages in moisture resistance, repairability, and hygiene. It can be joined together with no visible seams, thermoformed into curves or angles, and customized to precise architectural specifications.

Why Builders Are Choosing Solid Surface Over Traditional Materials

Compared to granite, marble, wood, or tile, solid surface products offer distinct advantages in performance and long-term value — especially in high-humidity climates like Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Because solid surface is non-porous, it resists mold, mildew, staining, and water intrusion — which means no warping, no swelling, and no crumbling edges. It’s also easy to clean, with no grout lines to trap debris or bacteria, and it can be resurfaced or repaired if damaged — extending its life well beyond that of many traditional materials.

More Than Just Countertops: Where Solid Surface Is Used Today

At Okahumpka Sill Company, we’ve expanded the role of solid surface well beyond its countertop roots. Here are some of the most in-demand applications:

  • Solid Surface Window Sills – Unlike wood or MDF sills, solid surface won’t rot, warp, or need repainting. It holds up in moisture-prone areas and blends cleanly with modern window and wall finishes.

  • Wall Caps – Whether for pony walls, stair ledges, or partitions, wall caps made from solid surface offer a sleek, hygienic finish that outlasts wood or tile options.

  • Thresholds & Transition Strips – These trim pieces are essential for smooth floor transitions, especially between bathrooms, showers, or different flooring types. Solid surface keeps them strong, safe, and slip-resistant.

  • Shower Seats – For aging-in-place designs or accessible bathrooms, solid surface shower benches provide sturdy, comfortable support that’s spa-worthy and ADA-conscious.

  • Curb Caps – Sitting atop shower curbs, these caps direct water where it should go — and resist staining, cracking, or mildew far better than tile.

Each of these product categories plays a functional role in both residential and commercial construction — and using solid surface helps ensure those roles are fulfilled without premature wear or unexpected maintenance.

Safety, Sanitation, and Trust

Beyond performance and appearance, solid surface carries serious credentials. It’s NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) Class 51 certified, making it safe for use in food preparation and healthcare environments. That’s why our products are not only popular in homes — they’re also endorsed by the healthcare sector and even the U.S. Military.

For builders and designers who prioritize hygiene, durability, and code compliance, that certification adds peace of mind — and marketability.

Who Should Be Using Solid Surface Products?

Solid surface is ideal for:

  • Builders who want to reduce callbacks and increase the longevity of interior trim

  • Architects and designers who need aesthetic flexibility without compromising performance

  • Facility managers and developers looking for low-maintenance solutions in multifamily, hospitality, healthcare, or senior living projects

  • Homeowners looking for clean, modern, easy-to-maintain upgrades

In the Southeast — where climate, humidity, and durability all matter — solid surface is more than just a good option. It’s often the best one.

Ready to Explore Solid Surface?

At Okahumpka Sill Company, we help clients across the Southeast integrate solid surface into smarter, cleaner, longer-lasting construction solutions. Whether you’re specifying products for a high-volume build or designing a one-of-a-kind bathroom, we’re here to help you find the right product — from window sills to shower accessories and everything in between.

Contact us today