When you think of solid surface materials, your mind might go straight to desks and countertops. But that's just the beginning.

First off, what exactly is a solid surface material? It's strong, stone-like, and made up of various components. Each solid surface manufacturer has its own proprietary formula, but a common ingredient is an acrylic or polyester resin. One of the reasons solid surface is so versatile is its ability to be thermoformed. This is the process of using extreme heat to shape the material into the desired shape.

Traditional materials such as quartz and granite are not able to be manipulated in this way. That makes solid surfaces a great choice when you want the freedom to create three-dimensional and rounded shapes without compromising on strength and durability.

Thermoforming technology can make this material bend, curve, and take on just about any shape you can think of, so there is next to no limit to what this can do for your project.

Here are seven creative applications of solid surface material to encourage you to think outside the box and embrace the versatility of solid surfaces.

Compound Curved Walls

Organic shapes are increasingly common with the rising popularity of biophilia. Walls don't have to be made up of straight lines anymore, and solid surface materials are making it easier than ever to embrace the curve.

Creative Seating 

You can really get your creative juices flowing with mixed-use seating design. Whether you are looking for a built-in unit or separate chairs, the opportunities for different shapes, sizes, and colours are endless.

Decor Elements

Thermoformable decor can easily add a wow factor to your interior design.  Solid surface materials come in an abundant variety of colours and patterns, which makes them an excellent choice for decor elements.

Unique Staircases

Another way that thermoforming technology breaks the mould is in its ability to design extraordinary staircases. You can make stairs that completely blend in - or stand out if you prefer a hint of whimsy - with your designs. 

Slides

Speaking of whimsical stairs, you can add more fun to a home or workplace with a staircase and slide combo. What better way to create a joyful and wellness-focused space?

Monolithic Swirling Desk

We mentioned at the start of this article that you need to think beyond desks and countertops. But when your project does call for a desk, it doesn't have to be a boring one. You can create fluid, freeform lines and seamless, swirling forms that make a big statement. 

Meeting Pods

Staying within the office theme, we wanted to show you one more ingenious design: the meeting pod. When you're looking for a way to provide meeting rooms in an office, this solution can be custom-made to fit the space perfectly. 

Durasein Solid Surface

These project examples are all from Durasein. A Durasein solid surface has many features that cater to various industry needs. It's scratch-resistant and durable and will perform well in high-traffic public places. It is food-safe, non-toxic, non-porous, anti-bacterial, low VOC, as well as mould and mildew resistant, which makes it perfect for hospitality and healthcare projects. It even boasts a low thermal conductivity. 

Durasein has a proprietary robotic colour dispensing tech that allows you to choose unique colour blends and mesmerizing visual textures. Combine that with a variety of sheet thickness and length and width options, and you can truly customize this material to suit any project.

Swatchbox is a premier sample fulfillment service for building product manufacturers. With proprietary software designed by insiders of the design community, Swatchbox helps manufacturers improve product sales and brand affinity by delivering material samples to the design community with speed, intelligence, and style. Learn more and join Swatchbox at www.swatchbox.com.