Choosing a Durable and Stylish Surface
Choosing the right material for your surfaces is an important decision. While style is often the first consideration, durability, hygiene and ease of maintenance also play an important role. With such a wide range of products available, selecting the right surface can be challenging, but it is a decision that should never be overlooked. Sydney Kitchen + Bathroom Design’s Chloe Jaenicke spoke with Austaron co-founder and director Belinda Worden about the benefits of Staron Solid Surfaces.
Austaron’s story began in 2003 when the company became the Australian distributor of Staron Solid Surfaces. Since then, it has expanded its product portfolio to include Mario Romano Walls, Acrylic Couture, Organoid and Kaynemaile, before extending its operations into New Zealand in 2021. According to Worden, education is key to helping designers, builders and fabricators understand the full potential of each product and the broad range of applications available. One of the biggest misconceptions, Worden believes, is that Staron is simply a benchtop product. “Many end users, designers and builders initially think of Staron as only a benchtop material,” she says. “They’re often surprised when they discover the true capability of solid surfaces.” Beyond benchtops, Staron can be used for joinery cladding, drawer fronts, furniture, windowsills, skirting boards and kickboards. It is equally suited to bathrooms.
ENHANCED DURABILITY
Staron Solid Surfaces are designed for longevity, with an expected service life extending well beyond a decade.
“It is not uncommon to find Staron installations that have been in continuous use for 20 to 30 years and require little more than professional sanding to restore their original appearance,” says Worden.
With appropriate care, the material can continue performing for many decades. Unlike many alternative benchtop materials, it can be repaired and renewed rather than replaced, extending its service life and reducing waste.
“Because the colour and pattern extend through the full thickness of the material, Staron can be renewed rather than replaced,” she says. “It can also be repurposed or upcycled into new applications at the end of its original use.” As a durable, non-porous material, Staron also performs exceptionally well in wet environments, offers excellent UV stability and resists everyday wear.
Worden also addresses one of the most common concerns homeowners have about lighter-coloured surfaces. “Tea, coffee, wine and other everyday spills do not penetrate the surface. Routine cleaning is generally all that’s required to remove these marks,” she says.
SEAMLESS FINISH
One of the most practical inclusions for wet areas, according to Worden, is the use of a coved return.
“This means that a small upturn of around 10mm is seamlessly incorporated into the benchtop where it meets the back wall, eliminating the typical silicone junction,” she explains.
“This allows tiles, glass and other splashback materials to be installed in a way that makes cleaning much easier.”
Additionally, Staron can flow seamlessly from bench top to wall to create a fully integrated splashback. Individual pieces of Staron are joined using a specialised adhesive that chemically bonds the material into one continuous surface. This unique joining capability allows benchtops, splashbacks and wall cladding to flow together with virtually seamless joins.
UNIQUE DESIGN
Beyond durability, Worden believes comfort is another advantage of solid surface materials.
“Unlike natural stone, Staron has a warm, silky-smooth feel that is comfortable to touch and use every day,” she says. “Its composition also helps reduce the noise associated with food preparation, making it a quieter option for open-plan living spaces. In cooler environments, Staron doesn’t retain the cold like natural stone, making it more comfortable to sit beside, lean on and work at. It offers a practical balance of aesthetics and everyday comfort.”
The Staron collection includes traditional solid colours alongside an extensive range of terrazzo and marble inspired designs. “The Terrazzo Range, together with the marble-inspired Supreme collection, continues to be very popular,” says Worden. “Solid colours such as bright white, pearl and natural also remain favourites for their timeless appeal.” “The recently released Aria and Premiere collections have also been highly sought after.” The material is also adaptable, with selected colours capable of incorporating integrated lighting to create distinctive design features, depending on the application.
Images courtesy of Austaron Surfaces, Newgrove Benchtops, Darren James Interiors, Studio Minosa and Sublime Group