How are maia^® worktops made?

A maia^® worktop is a hard synthetic material acrylic with natural fillers, primarily used for horizontal worktops and vertical wall applications, such as kitchens, bathrooms, service counters, tub and shower walls, etc. A 3mm layer of acrylic surface is specially bonded to a particleboard substrate.

How long does a maia^® worktop usually last?

Our worktops are manufactured using the very latest techniques and carry a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing defects, however, they can quite easily last a lifetime.

I need an unusual worktop for my kitchen design – is maia^® suitable?

Usually, your chosen design can be created by using a combination of standard maia^® worktops and modules that your fitter will simply join together on-site. However, if you are looking for something that may not be as straightforward as that, we can offer a special ‘works service’ through some of our retailers. Our solid surface specialists can produce special items such as large island units or breakfast bars with sinks in. Please note that this is not available in all outlets.

Can I put a hot pot on a maia^® worktop?

The surface of our worktops is not totally ‘heat resistant’. To prevent heat damage, always use a hot pad to protect your solid surface. Hot pans, as well as some heat-generating appliances like frying pans, can damage the surface.

Are maia^® worktops heat resistant?

Not totally, while very high and direct heat will damage most solid surface products, solid surface materials do not burn or combust. In most cases, the worktop can be repaired. It’s much better to take precautions from the outset, use mats etc to ensure your worktop retains its pristine finish.

What is the best way to clean a maia^® worktop?

Just use regular soapy water for day-to-day cleaning. The use of a mild abrasive such as Cif Cream has a positive effect on the surface and will remove most minor marks that cannot be removed by soapy water.

What about my choice of colour, will some colours last longer than others?

Light colours do show less wear than a darker colour shade. It really does boil down to personal preference though.

Can a maia^® worktop really be repaired?

Yes, it’s true, a maia^® worktop can be repaired. We would always advise our customers to maintain their worktops as recommended though.

Is this a Corian worktop?

No – Corian is a different product that is usually manufactured on a bespoke basis specifically for your installation. Therefore the cost will tend to be significantly higher than maia^®. maia^® worktops are sold in pre-fabricated blanks of various lengths and widths.

Is the surface the same as Corian?

The maia^® surface material is an acrylic sheet very much the same as Corian and a number of other sheet materials such as LG Hi-Macs and Staron. All have very similar qualities in use and can be refurbished and repaired.

Do maia^® produce a Corian worktop?

maia^® manufactures a highly competitive range of worktops that offer all the benefits of a Corian worktop without the increased costs. A maia^® work surface is designed to be appealing to the eye and offers total durability. As the construction of maia worktops uses a thinner layer of sheet material, maia^® is more affordable.

How does maia^® compare to marble or granite worktops?

Marble and granite are often products that people aspire to have in their kitchens. Whilst being an impressive and hard wearing material there are some drawbacks;

• They can be quite porous and some liquids can stain the worksurface permanently.
• If damaged or scratched the surface can be difficult or even impossible to repair satisfactorily.
• The joints used in natural stone worktops are typically very visible and can be dirt traps.
• Being natural materials it is not possible to guarantee the consistency of pattern or veining.

The maia^® option is a refreshing alternative – Low cost and high manufacturing standards coupled with a vast array of colour options. Non-porous, repairable and with the possibility to achieve virtually inconspicuous joints.

Is a laminate worktop my best option?

Laminate worktops are probably the most affordable worktops available today. A wide range of decors, finishes and thicknesses generally offer something to suit most kitchen designs on a budget.

All surfaces will scratch to some degree and laminate is no different. If scratched or burnt there is no means of repairing them unlike maia.

What is a solid wood worktop?

Solid wood worktops are usually made from strips (staves) of solid wood (many retailers sell beech worktops, oak worktops, bamboo worktops, wenge worktops, acacia worktops etc). Most have to be oiled before installation and regularly through the life of the product. They are repairable to a degree.