About Engineered Compact surfaces

Compact surfaces are engineered from a sophisticated blend of raw materials found in glass, porcelain, and quartz. Renowned for their exceptional durability, they are ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Offering versatility in design, compact surfaces can replicate the appearance of various traditional materials while delivering outstanding performance and design features. It's worth noting that the surface pattern is not replicated through the edge profile, meaning the only edge profile edge available is a mitered edge.

A kitchen with marble counter tops and white cabinets.

Compact Surface Benefits

  • Scratch Resistance: Resistant to scratches even under regular everyday use, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
  • Bacteria Resistance: Non-porous nature prevents the harboring of bacteria, enhancing hygiene and cleanliness.
  • Stain Resistance: The non-porous surface makes it highly resistant to stains, maintaining its pristine appearance.
  • UV Resistance: Sunlight exposure does not cause color fading, making it suitable for exterior applications.
  • Exterior Application: Durable enough to withstand outdoor elements, making it a versatile choice for various settings.
  • Heatproof: Capable of withstanding high temperatures, ensuring durability and reliability in kitchen environments.
A kitchen with marble counter tops and wooden stools.

Finished Options

  • Polished: Commonly referred to as Hi-Gloss, the polished finish boasts a reflective, high-shine surface. 

  • Honed: Also known as matte, the honed finish offers a smooth surface with minimal to no shine, providing a subdued and elegant appearance.

  • Textured: Known by various names such as Leather, Brushed, Concrete, Suede, or Velvet, textured finishes feature tactile surfaces with minimal shine, adding depth and character to the countertop.

A kitchen with multiple stools and a large counter.

Corners

Per the guidelines of compact surface manufacturers, all inside corners must feature a minimum radius of 5/16". This requirement applies to various installations, including sinks, cooktops, L-shaped counters, and ledges.

A kitchen with marble counter tops and black walls.

Seams

Seams in compact surface countertops are filled with a color-matching adhesive, which may be visible and felt. Their visibility is more pronounced on materials with texture and movement. While English Marble & Granite considers all desired seam locations, the final placement is at our discretion, determined by factors such as slab size, layout, material characteristics, installation requirements, and safety concerns.

A bathroom with two mirrors and a sink

Support

The maximum unsupported overhang for a 2CM compact surface product is 12 inches, reduced to 8 inches for a 12MM product and 12 inches for a 12MM product with a mitered edge. However, these limits apply only if 2/3 of the countertop is supported by a solid affixed structure such as cabinets or walls. Additional support or brackets are necessary in other situations for safety reasons. Bracket supports should be positioned 6 inches from each end, spaced up to 30 inches apart, and extend 3 to 6 inches from the edge. For detailed information, please refer to the website of each manufacturer.

A bathroom with a glass shower door and black tile floor.

Care

A compact surface requires minimal maintenance and is resistant to heat and stains. Ammonia-based cleaners are acceptable for disinfecting countertops, and a variety of compact surface cleaning sprays are available at most home supply centers. For daily cleaning, use a soft cloth with a mild liquid soap and warm water. To remove soap scum, utilize a non-acidic soap scum remover. Promptly wiping up spills is recommended to prevent staining. Additionally, protect your surface from heat damage, scratches, and staining by using hot pads and trivets under heat-generating appliances, as well as employing cutting boards, placemats, and coasters.

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Ready to explore your options or need assistance with your project? Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and provide expert guidance every step of the way.

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A kitchen with marble counter tops and an island.