1 Scope

NOTE This standard covers the specification, fabrication, and field installation of solid surface and engineered quartz countertops for commercial and institutional construction. (1.1)

NOTE Both material families addressed here are non-porous, fabricated horizontal work surfaces used in non-residential service. (1.2)

NOTE Solid surface is a homogeneous cast sheet of acrylic and/or polyester resin filled with alumina trihydrate; it is repairable and refinishable in the field, and it accepts thermoformed shapes and seamless integral sinks. (1.2.1)

NOTE Engineered quartz is roughly 90 percent crushed natural quartz aggregate bound in a polymer resin under vacuum and vibrocompaction; it is harder and more scratch- and stain-resistant than solid surface but is not field-refinishable and cannot be seamlessly thermoformed. (1.2.2)

NOTE The material family is the governing decision of this standard. (1.3)

NOTE Solid surface and engineered quartz have different thermal expansion behavior, different repairability, different seam techniques, and different overhang capacities. (1.3.1)

NOTE Specify exactly one material family per countertop type; do not leave the choice open for the fabricator to resolve after award. (1.3.2)

1.4 Applications

NOTE This standard applies to countertops in restrooms, breakrooms, kitchenettes, laboratories and prep areas, reception and transaction desks, nurse stations, casework tops, locker-room vanities, and similar non-residential horizontal surfaces. (1.4.1)

NOTE It includes integral, undermount, and self-rimming sink configurations; backsplashes and end splashes; edge profiles; the substrate beneath laminated buildups; and the anchorage of the countertop to base cabinets or structural supports. (1.4.2)

1.5 Exclusions

NOTE Natural stone countertops (granite, marble, soapstone) are excluded; no SynC standard currently owns natural stone, and it is specified under Division 09 stone fabrications. (1.5.1)

NOTE Plastic-laminate (high-pressure decorative laminate) countertop surfaces are excluded and are covered by Wood And Laminate CaseworkWood and Laminate CaseworkResolves to the current edition.sync/wood-and-laminate-casework. (1.5.2)

NOTE Epoxy-resin acid-resistant laboratory benches and fume-hood work surfaces are excluded and are specified under a dedicated laboratory furniture standard. (1.5.3)

NOTE Plumbing rough-in, supply, and drain connections for integral and undermount sinks are excluded and are covered by Plumbing FixturesPlumbing FixturesResolves to the current edition.sync/plumbing-fixtures. (1.5.4)

NOTE Toilet-room accessories mounted above the countertop (soap dispensers, grab bars, mirrors) are excluded and are covered by Toilet AccessoriesToilet and Bath AccessoriesResolves to the current edition.sync/toilet-accessories. (1.5.5)

NOTE Ceramic and porcelain tile countertop surfaces are excluded and are covered by Ceramic TileCeramic TileResolves to the current edition.sync/ceramic-tile. (1.5.6)

NOTE Base cabinet carcasses and the casework that supports the countertop are excluded and are covered by Wood And Laminate CaseworkWood and Laminate CaseworkResolves to the current edition.sync/wood-and-laminate-casework. (1.5.7)

1.6 Material Family Selection

Countertop material familyradio

● Solid surface (cast acrylic/polyester sheet)

○ Engineered quartz (quartz aggregate, polymer binder)

1.6.1 The selected material family shall be a single, locked selection for each countertop type and shall not be substituted after contract award without resubmittal of shop drawings and product data.

2 Referenced Standards

2.1 Materials, fabrication, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.

2.2 Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.

Standard	Title
ANSI/AWI 1236-2022	Countertops
ANSI Z124.3	Plastic Lavatories
ANSI Z124.6	Plastic Sinks
NSF/ANSI 51	Food Equipment Materials
ASTM D638	Tensile Properties of Plastics
ASTM D790	Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics
ASTM D570	Water Absorption of Plastics
ASTM D696	Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion of Plastics
ASTM E84	Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
ASTM C920	Elastomeric Joint Sealants
ASTM C834	Latex Sealants
UL 2818 (GREENGUARD Gold)	Chemical Emissions for Building Products, Furnishings, and Finish Systems

3 Submittals

3.1 Action Submittals

3.1.1 The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review and approval before fabrication:

Product data for each countertop material, including material family, nominal thickness, finish, and color/pattern designation
Samples of each specified material, finish, and color, minimum 6 in. x 6 in., including the actual edge profile
Shop drawings showing plan layout, dimensions, seam locations, cutout locations and sizes, edge profiles, backsplash configuration, and support framing
Color-lot certification for continuous engineered quartz runs, identifying the production lot of each slab
Sink and fixture coordination data confirming cutout reveal dimensions taken from the approved plumbing fixture submittals

Action submittalscheckbox

☑ Product data (material, thickness, finish, color)

☑ Material/finish/color samples (min 6 in. x 6 in. with edge profile)

☑ Shop drawings (layout, seams, cutouts, edges, supports)

☐ Color-lot certification (continuous quartz runs)

☑ Sink/fixture cutout coordination data

3.1.2 Shop drawings shall locate every seam and shall be approved before any material is cut.

3.1.3 Samples shall represent the full range of color and pattern variation expected in the delivered material.

3.2 Informational Submittals

3.2.1 The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:

Test reports demonstrating compliance with the physical property requirements of this standard
NSF/ANSI 51 certification for any countertop in a food-contact or food-splash zone
ASTM E84 surface burning characteristics report for the specified material
GREENGUARD Gold (UL 2818) or equivalent low-emission certification where required by the project
Manufacturer's published fabrication and installation instructions
Silica-dust control plan for field cutting of engineered quartz, per 29 CFR 1926.1153

Informational submittalscheckbox

☑ Physical property test reports

☐ NSF/ANSI 51 certification (food zones)

☑ ASTM E84 surface burning report

☐ GREENGUARD Gold / low-emission certification

☑ Manufacturer fabrication and installation instructions

☐ Silica-dust control plan (field quartz cutting)

3.3 Closeout Submittals

3.3.1 The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals:

Care and maintenance instructions for the installed material and finish
Written warranty documentation as required by this standard
Attic stock of each material, finish, and color as specified for spare parts

Closeout submittalscheckbox

☑ Care and maintenance instructions

☑ Written warranty documentation

☐ Attic stock (material/finish/color)

4 Quality Assurance

4.1 Fabricator Qualifications

4.1.1 The fabricator shall be certified or licensed by the material manufacturer to fabricate and install the specified product line.

4.1.2 The fabricator shall have completed at least three commercial projects of comparable scope and material within the preceding five years.

4.1.3 The fabricator shall maintain the manufacturer's required dust-control and fabrication equipment for the specified material family.

4.2 Source and Single-Source Responsibility

4.2.1 Each countertop material family shall be furnished by a single manufacturer for the entire project to ensure color, pattern, and physical-property consistency.

4.2.2 For continuous runs of engineered quartz, all slabs in a single visually continuous run shall be drawn from the same production lot.

NOTE Engineered quartz color and pattern can vary measurably between manufacturing batches; lot mismatch in a continuous run is visible under normal lighting and is a common rejection cause. (4.2.3)

4.3 Mockups

4.3.1 Where required by the project, the Contractor shall provide a full-size mockup of a representative countertop section including one seam, one edge profile, one backsplash condition, and one sink cutout.

4.3.2 The approved mockup shall establish the standard of quality for seam flatness, edge finish, and color match for the remaining work.

5 Physical Properties

NOTE Property requirements depend on the selected material family; the values below are minimum acceptance criteria. (5.1)

5.2 Solid Surface Properties

5.2.1 Solid surface sheet shall be homogeneous and non-porous throughout its full thickness, with color and pattern continuous through the sheet.

NOTE Solid surface tensile strength shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D638. (5.2.2)

NOTE Solid surface flexural strength and modulus shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D790. (5.2.3)

NOTE Solid surface water absorption shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D570 and shall not exceed the manufacturer's published maximum for the product. (5.2.4)

5.2.5 Solid surface at plumbing fixture locations shall meet the physical and performance minimums of ANSI Z124.3 for lavatories and ANSI Z124.6 for sinks.

Solid surface nominal sheet thicknessradio

● 1/2 in. (12 mm)

○ 3/4 in. (20 mm)

Solid surface minimum flexural strength (ASTM D790)range

psi

500010000

Default: 6000 psi

5.3 Engineered Quartz Properties

5.3.1 Engineered quartz shall be a vibrocompacted, vacuum-processed composite of natural quartz aggregate and polymer resin, non-porous on its finished surface.

NOTE Engineered quartz flexural strength shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D790 and shall exceed 4,500 psi. (5.3.2)

NOTE Engineered quartz water absorption shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D570 and shall not exceed 0.05 percent. (5.3.3)

NOTE The low water absorption of engineered quartz is what gives it its stain resistance; a value above 0.05 percent indicates a porous or under-cured slab. (5.3.4)

5.3.5 The engineered quartz nominal slab thickness shall be specified for the countertop application.

Engineered quartz nominal slab thicknessradio

○ 2 cm (3/4 in.)

● 3 cm (1-1/4 in.)

5.3.6 The minimum flexural strength of the engineered quartz per ASTM D790 shall be specified for the countertop application.

Engineered quartz minimum flexural strength (ASTM D790)range

psi

45008000

Default: 4500 psi

5.3.7 The maximum water absorption of the engineered quartz per ASTM D570 shall be specified, limited low enough to avoid the staining associated with a porous or under-cured slab.

Engineered quartz maximum water absorption (ASTM D570)range

%

0.010.05

Default: 0.05 %

5.4 Fire Performance

NOTE The countertop material shall be tested for surface burning characteristics in accordance with ASTM E84. (5.4.1)

5.4.2 Where a Class A (Class I) interior finish is required by the occupancy, the material shall have a flame-spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less.

Required surface burning class (ASTM E84)radio

● Class A (FSI ≤ 25, SDI ≤ 450)

○ Class B (FSI ≤ 75, SDI ≤ 450)

○ Class C (FSI ≤ 200, SDI ≤ 450)

5.5 Low-Emission and Food-Zone Certification

NOTE Where required by the project, the material shall be certified to GREENGUARD Gold (UL 2818) or an equivalent low chemical-emission standard. (5.5.1)

NOTE Healthcare and education projects increasingly require low-emission certification for interior finishes affecting indoor air quality. (5.5.2)

NOTE Countertops located in food-contact or food-splash zones shall be certified to NSF/ANSI 51 for the applicable food-type and temperature range. (5.5.3)

NOTE Health-department inspections reject non-certified materials on breakroom, cafeteria, and food-prep countertops regardless of appearance; the certification is a code condition, not a preference. (5.5.4)

5.5.5 Whether the countertop is in a food-contact or food-splash zone requiring NSF/ANSI 51 certification shall be specified, since the certification is a code condition rather than a preference.

NSF/ANSI 51 food-zone designation requiredradio

○ Yes - food-contact or food-splash zone

● No - non-food application

5.5.6 Whether low-emission certification under GREENGUARD Gold or UL 2818 is required for the countertop shall be specified.

Low-emission certification (GREENGUARD Gold / UL 2818)radio

○ Required

● Not required

6 Finishes and Edge Profiles

6.1 Surface Finish

6.1.1 The exposed surface finish shall be uniform across each countertop and shall match the approved sample.

6.1.2 Polished quartz shows micro-scratches and wear readily in high-traffic and laboratory settings; a honed or matte finish is more appropriate there and shall be specified explicitly when those conditions apply.

Surface finishradio

○ Polished / gloss

○ Honed / satin

● Matte

○ Textured

NOTE Solid surface finish is renewable in the field by abrasion to the specified sheen; this is one of its principal lifecycle advantages over quartz. (6.1.3)

6.2 Edge Profiles

6.2.1 The edge profile shall be fabricated to the approved shop drawing and sample for every exposed edge.

NOTE Eased and straight edges are recommended for healthcare and food-service environments because they are easiest to clean and have no crevice to trap soil. (6.2.2)

6.2.3 Laminated buildup edges, formed by bonding strips beneath the deck to increase apparent thickness, increase fabrication lead time and shall use the same material family as the deck.

Edge profileradio

● Eased / straight

○ Beveled

○ Bullnose

○ Ogee

○ Laminated buildup

Apparent edge thickness (laminated buildup)radio

○ 1 in.

○ 1-1/4 in.

● 1-1/2 in.

7 Sinks and Plumbing Coordination

7.1 Sink Configuration

NOTE Integral sinks, formed seamlessly into a solid surface deck, are available only in the solid surface family and eliminate the joint at the sink perimeter. (7.1.1)

NOTE Undermount sinks in engineered quartz require a silicone-sealed joint at the sink rim that must be maintained over the life of the installation. (7.1.2)

7.1.3 The sink configuration shall be coordinated with the plumbing fixtures specified under Plumbing FixturesPlumbing FixturesResolves to the current edition.sync/plumbing-fixtures; this standard governs the countertop and integral sink, not the supply or drain.

Sink configurationradio

○ Integral (solid surface only)

● Undermount

○ Self-rimming / drop-in

7.1.4 Integral sinks shall be specified only where the deck material family is solid surface.

7.2 Cutout Coordination

7.2.1 The cutout size for an undermount or drop-in sink shall be taken from the approved plumbing fixture submittal before any slab is cut.

7.2.2 Cutout corners shall be radiused, not square, to relieve stress concentration that initiates cracking.

7.2.3 Sink and faucet cutout locations shall be coordinated with the plumbing rough-in shown on the drawings. fixture rough-in plan

Sink cutout corner inside radiusrange

in.

0.1250.5

Default: 0.25 in.

8 Substrate and Support

8.1 Substrate Under Laminated Buildups

8.1.1 Where a continuous substrate is used beneath the countertop or within a laminated buildup, it shall be moisture-resistant MDF or exterior-grade plywood.

8.1.2 Particleboard shall not be used as substrate at sink cutouts or other wet locations.

Substrate material at wet locationsradio

● Moisture-resistant MDF

○ Exterior-grade plywood

NOTE ANSI/AWI 1236-2022 disqualifies particleboard at wet locations because its 24-hour swell exceeds 5.5 percent, which fails the joint and the bond at the sink. (8.1.3)

8.2 Overhangs and Reinforcement

8.2.1 Unsupported overhangs shall be sized to the material family and slab thickness and shall not rely on the deck alone where live load is expected.

8.2.2 A 2 cm engineered quartz slab shall not be used for an unsupported overhang greater than 8 in. without a buildup apron or steel-rod reinforcement; 2 cm slabs crack under live load at long overhangs.

Maximum unsupported overhang (2 cm quartz, unreinforced)range

in.

48

Default: 8 in.

Overhang reinforcement (overhang > maximum unsupported)radio

○ Laminated buildup apron

● Concealed steel-rod reinforcement

○ Continuous support bracket / corbel

NOTE Thicker slabs reduce the need for buildup strips and increase overhang capacity. (8.2.3)

NOTE Countertop support framing, cleats, and corbels shall be provided by the casework specified under Wood And Laminate CaseworkWood and Laminate CaseworkResolves to the current edition.sync/wood-and-laminate-casework and shall be in place before countertop installation. (8.2.4)

9 Seams and Joints

9.1 Seam Layout

9.1.1 Seam locations shall be shown on the approved shop drawings and shall be approved before fabrication.

9.1.2 A seam shall not be located at a cutout corner or within a cantilevered overhang; locating a seam in these high-stress zones is a leading cause of field cracking claims.

9.1.3 Seams shall align with support framing so the joint is fully backed.

9.1.4 Solid surface seams shall be chemically bonded with the manufacturer's joint adhesive, sanded flush, and finished to be inconspicuous.

9.1.5 Engineered quartz seams shall be set with color-matched epoxy and finished flush.

Maximum seam width after finishingrange

in.

00.0625

Default: 0.015625 in.

9.2 Backsplash Configuration

9.2.1 The backsplash height and return shall be selected for the application and shown on the shop drawings.

NOTE A coved backsplash base, integral to the deck, eliminates the grout or caulk line at the wall and is required in many healthcare and food-service health codes because a square-caulked joint at the wall collects bacteria and fails inspection. (9.2.2)

9.2.3 A square-set backsplash shall be sealed to the wall with a movement-capable sealant per the sealant requirements of this standard.

Backsplash configurationradio

● 4 in. square-set splash

○ Full-height to upper cabinet

○ Coved integral base

9.3 Sealants

NOTE Sealant at the wall, backsplash, and expansion joints shall be an elastomeric joint sealant complying with ASTM C920, Type S, Grade NS. (9.3.1)

NOTE A siliconized acrylic latex sealant complying with ASTM C834 may be used only at non-movement, decorative joints. (9.3.2)

9.3.3 Sealant color shall match the adjacent countertop or wall finish as directed.

Perimeter and movement-joint sealantradio

● ASTM C920 Type S, Grade NS (silicone)

○ ASTM C834 siliconized acrylic latex (non-movement only)

10 Fabrication and Installation Tolerances

NOTE Fabrication shall conform to the tolerances of ANSI/AWI 1236-2022 except where this standard is more stringent. (10.1)

10.1.1 The finished top surface shall be flat within the specified tolerance measured across any seam and across the full run.

10.1.2 Exposed edges shall be straight and square within the specified tolerance.

10.1.3 The installed countertop shall be level within the specified tolerance and shall not rock on its supports.

Maximum surface flatness deviation across a seamrange

in.

00.03125

Default: 0.0078125 in.

Maximum installed level deviation over 10 ftrange

in.

00.25

Default: 0.125 in.

11 Installation

11.1 Field Conditions

11.1.1 Installation shall not begin until the space is enclosed, weathertight, and at a stable temperature, and until base cabinets and support framing are installed and level.

11.1.2 Dry-cutting of engineered quartz on site is prohibited; field cutting shall be performed wet with local exhaust ventilation in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.1153.

NOTE Engineered quartz contains crystalline silica, and cutting or grinding it generates respirable silica dust regulated by OSHA; wet methods with local exhaust are the required engineering control. (11.1.3)

11.2 Expansion Clearance

11.2.1 A minimum expansion clearance shall be provided between the countertop and any fixed wall or rigid restraint.

Minimum expansion clearance at fixed walls and restraintsrange

in.

0.06250.25

Default: 0.0625 in.

NOTE Both material families expand and contract with temperature; without a clearance at fixed restraints, the slab cracks or buckles. (11.2.2)

NOTE The expansion clearance shall be sized using the material's coefficient of linear thermal expansion determined per ASTM D696 and the expected service temperature range. (11.2.3)

11.3 Anchorage

11.3.1 The countertop shall be mechanically fastened or adhered to the base cabinets or support framing in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

11.3.2 Fasteners shall not be over-driven into the underside of the deck in a manner that telegraphs through the surface.

11.3.3 Anchorage clips and adhesives shall allow the deck to move with thermal expansion without restraint at fixed points.

11.4 Protection

11.4.1 The installed countertop shall be protected from impact, abrasion, staining, and heat damage until Substantial Completion.

11.4.2 Hot items shall not be placed directly on engineered quartz, because thermal shock can craze the resin binder.

12 Delivery, Storage, and Handling

12.1 Material shall be delivered in the manufacturer's protective packaging with material family, color, and lot identification intact.

12.2 Slabs and fabricated sections shall be stored and transported on edge in A-frames or vertical racks, never stacked flat.

NOTE Stacking slabs flat induces a bending stress that can crack them under their own weight; vertical storage is mandatory for both families. (12.3)

12.4 Material shall be acclimated to the interior service temperature before fabrication and installation.

13 Warranty

13.1 The manufacturer shall provide a written warranty against defects in material and against failure of the finished surface under normal use.

13.1.1 The warranty period shall begin at Substantial Completion.

13.1.2 Field repairability of solid surface shall not void the warranty when the repair is performed by a certified fabricator using the manufacturer's methods.

Minimum manufacturer warranty periodradio

● 10 years

○ 15 years

○ Lifetime (residential-equivalent, limited)

14 Spare Parts

14.1 The Contractor shall furnish attic stock of each installed material, finish, and color for future repair and replacement.

Attic stock quantity per material/finish/colorrange

sq ft

050

Default: 10 sq ft

NOTE Attic stock shall be from the same production lot as the installed work where lot consistency matters, and shall be labeled with material family, color, lot, and the location it serves. (14.1.1)