Durat Recycled Solid Surface - Commonly Asked Questions

Material Composition & Sustainability

1. What is Durat solid surface made of?

Durat is a solid surface material composed of up to 28% recycled pre-consumer hard plastics blended with polyester-based resins and pigments. This unique composition creates a vibrant, non-porous surface perfect for durable countertops and furniture.

2. Are Durat countertops crystalline silica-free?

Yes, Durat solid surface materials are completely crystalline silica-free. This makes them a safe, sustainable, and healthy alternative to traditional engineered quartz or natural stone countertops for both fabricators and end-users.

3. What percentage of recycled plastic is used in Durat solid surfaces?

Durat solid surfaces incorporate up to 28% recycled pre-consumer hard plastics that have been diverted from the waste stream, offering a highly sustainable and colorful building material solution.

4. Is Durat a 100% recyclable countertop material?

Yes, Durat is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Unlike many traditional building materials, it can be fully repurposed through Durat’s dedicated take-back program, creating a closed-loop product lifecycle.

5. How does the Durat take-back recycling program work?

Durat’s take-back program ensures their solid surfaces are 100% recyclable. At the end of their useful life, the materials can be collected, returned, and re-processed into new Durat solid surfaces, completely diverting them from landfills.

6. Does Durat have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) or Declare Label?

Yes, Durat offers a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and a Health Product Declaration (HPD), alongside a Declare Label, making it an excellent choice for green building and LEED-certified projects.

7. Is Durat compliant with BABAA (Build America, Buy America Act) standards?

Yes, Durat materials have a BABAA Compliance Letter available, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for the Build America, Buy America Act for federally funded projects.

Applications & Design Flexibility

8. Where can Durat recycled solid surfaces be installed?

Durat is highly versatile and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, public spaces, schools, and hospitals. Its seamless installation makes it perfect for durable countertops, custom commercial furniture, retail displays, and vanities.

9. Does Durat offer seamlessly integrated solid surface sinks?

Yes, integral sinks are available to pair with Durat countertops, creating a beautiful, 100% seamless design. This eliminates joints where dirt or moisture can accumulate, ensuring a highly hygienic and easy-to-clean surface.

10. Can Durat be used to create custom commercial furniture and retail displays?

Absolutely. Because Durat solid surface can be seamlessly joined and thermoformed, it is a highly popular material for designing custom, vibrant commercial furniture, reception desks, and striking retail displays.

11. How many colors are available in the Durat solid surface collection?

The Durat collection is available in over 100 vibrant standard colors, ranging from classic bright whites and deep blacks to bold reds, mustard yellows, and multi-colored speckled Murumuru patterns.

12. Can I order custom-colored solid surfaces to match my brand or project?

Yes, Durat offers custom color matching. If you cannot find the perfect shade among their 70+ standard vibrant colors, you can request custom colors and sizes tailored precisely to your brand or specific project design.

13. What is the standard sheet size for Durat solid surface material? 

The standard sheet size for Durat solid surface material is 114.17” x 31.5” with a thickness of .47”. Custom sizes are also available upon request.

Durability, Care & Maintenance

14. Is Durat solid surface non-porous and stain-resistant?

Yes, Durat is completely non-porous and seamless. This makes it incredibly easy to clean, highly hygienic, and naturally resistant to stains, mold, and bacteria—ideal for both kitchens and healthcare settings.

15. How do you clean and maintain recycled plastic solid surfaces?

Maintaining Durat is incredibly simple. Because it is non-porous and seamless, routine cleaning only requires mild soap and water. It does not require any sealing or specialized chemical cleaners to maintain its appearance.

16. Can scratched Durat countertops be repaired or refinished?

Yes, Durat solid surfaces offer high durability and simple refinishing. Minor scratches and surface wear can easily be sanded and buffed out by a professional, restoring the material to its original pristine condition.

17. Are dark-colored solid surface countertops recommended for high-traffic commercial areas?

Darker colored solid surfaces are not recommended for high-traffic installations as they may show scratches and dust more easily. We recommend reaching out to CaraGreen for a test piece if considering dark colors for heavy-use applications.

18. Does Durat require special adhesive for seamless installation?

To achieve its signature seamless look, Durat uses a specialized, color-matched adhesive that is available upon request. This ensures invisible joints for countertops, integral sinks, and custom furniture installations.

19. Is Durat durable enough for schools and hospital environments?

Yes, Durat is extremely durable, non-porous, and completely crystalline silica-free, making it a safe and highly hygienic choice for demanding environments like schools, hospitals, and public bathrooms.

20. How does Durat compare to traditional stone or quartz countertops in terms of maintenance?

Unlike natural stone, Durat never needs to be sealed. And unlike traditional quartz, it is completely crystalline silica-free and can be easily refinished if scratched. Its seamless, non-porous nature makes it significantly easier to maintain over time.