Natural Products: Apollo Slab Tech
Apollo Slab Tech is a full bodied solid surface material, produced from a mixture of resins, dyes and natural minerals.
The Slab Tech range includes a selection of artificial finishes, and was more recently expanded by the Marmo range. These new surfaces are specially manufactured to create broad veined patterns, whilst still having a consistent colour palette and the same material properties throughout.
Here, we will explore the features and constraints of the veined surfaces within the Apollo Slab Tech range.
Properties of Veined Slab Tech Worktops
Drainer Grooves
As Slab Tech is a full bodied surface, drainer grooves and recessed drainers will each show a continuation of the same veined pattern. As the colouration is three-dimensional, recessed drainers may distort any straight-line veins.
Urban Sinks
Slab Tech worktops have the option of Urban Sinks, which use the same material to create the walls of a built-in recessed sink. The walls of this sink will be of the same colour palette as the worktop, yet will not show continuation of the same specific veining as they will be cut from a separate sheet.
Joints
Apollo Slab Tech as a material is capable of seamless joints. Veined patterns will however have a distinct discontinuation at the point where two sections meet. For L-Joints, veining will likely show a change in direction.
Slab Size Limitations
Typical slab sizes are 3050×760 for 20mm thicknesses, 2500×625 for 30mm thick worktops, and 2000×900 for breakfast bars. Designs which exceed one or more of these dimensions will require a joint in the material, which will likely be visible.
Corners & Material Cost
Designs which include non-right angled corners may incur additional material cost, due to the wastage of material. Where worktops with irregular shaping need to be produced, the cost is calculated based on the long edge.
pictured: Marmo Mare Venato, Breakfast bar with 4 joints and drainer grooves.
