Replies

1. 
   Mickus | Jan 21, 2004 11:47am | #1

   I think you need certification from the manufacture to work with solid surface. In my area you can't buy the stuff without certs from the companies.

1. 
   Sphere | Jan 21, 2004 05:22pm | #2

   Certifications are a 'yes'...DuPont's "school" was informative, worth it even if ya do not do "corian" (their trademark name) all of the time.

2. 
   ckeli | Jan 21, 2004 05:33pm | #3

   I was a shop manager in "top shop" that specialized in solid surface.  If you have never worked with the stuff before, I would highly recommend that you hire the work to be done by others.  In most shops I know, the builder/designer can by at a reduced "wholesale" price and add any markup he wants to the customer.  And as stated, unless you have an account or certification from the manufacturer, most suppliers will not even sell you the stuff.  I've repaired too many jobs by guys that thought they'd do it on their own and didn't know the subtle things that make or break the warranty and/or finished product (not to call your professionalism into question).   Each manufacturer has its quirks and different fabrication specs they like to see in order to make the final product legit.

3. 
   Mark40 | Jan 21, 2004 05:40pm | #4

   Check out the website for a company that sells to the public without any training (Good..bad...otherwise?).  I read an article in another magazine, I don't know if it was Handyman or Family Handyman, but if it is recommended for homeowners, how hard can if be?  Just kidding of course.  Fits cost about $25-35 a squarefoot.  Check it out and read the magazine in the grocery or big box store.

   Regards

   Mark

    

   http://www.solid-surface-kits.com/

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 21, 2004 06:31pm | #5

   Looking at their site I don't realy trust the company.

   They may use good materials and they might be great at doing the fabrication.

   But buying a custom fitted countertop, specially remotely, requires LOTS OF GOOD COMMICATIONS. And there web site is sorely lacking in communicating to the protential customer.

   Edited 1/21/2004 10:35:43 AM ET by Bill Hartmann