Peter_Kelly

This type of material isn't a savings over stone. The selling point is that it was a somewhat different tactile quality to it that makes it more comparable to solid-surface. Unlike traditional SS, it is generally sold as a full-thickness material which gives it a much more substantial feel and allows you to deeply rout the surface for and integral drain with an undermount sink. It is also considerably tougher and more heat resistant than material like Corian. A hot pan accidentally placed on the top won't cause it to crack.

Since products like Richlite are manufactured similarly to plywood (several thin layers compressed into one) I wouldn't recommend trying to sand out a deep gouge. Once you've blown through past that first, very thin surface layer, the appearance will change as the lower-level sheets tend to be much lighter in colour. Doesn't look very nice.