Why Solid Surfaces Are the Ideal Material for Modern Airports

Airports are among the most demanding environments in the built world. High traffic, constant cleaning cycles, stringent hygiene requirements, branding consistency, and durability—all must come together seamlessly. This is why more airport designers today are shifting toward acrylic solid surfaces for check-in counters, washrooms, immigration desks, kiosks, lounges, and F&B areas.

Here’s a designer-centric look at why solid surfaces have become a preferred material in global airport design.

1. Seamless, Joint-Free Look for a Clean Aesthetic

Airports prioritize a clean, uncluttered visual language. Solid surfaces allow large counters, long fascia panels, and wraparound forms to be fabricated without visible joints.

This ensures:

• Smooth, monolithic counters

• No crevices for dirt

• Visually calm, modern spaces

For airports where branding and passenger experience matter, this seamlessness is a major advantage.

2. High Hygiene Standards

Airports deal with thousands of passengers every hour. Surfaces must withstand:

• Constant touch

• Spills

• Sanitizers

• Chemical cleaning

Solid surfaces are non-porous, meaning no absorption, no bacterial growth, and no staining. This makes them suitable for:

• Washroom vanities

• Baby care rooms

• Immigration pods

• Security check counters

• Food courts

Airports demand materials that support public hygiene effortlessly—and solid surfaces do exactly that.

3. Easy to Maintain & Repairable

Unlike natural marble or laminate, solid surfaces can be:

• Sanded

• Repaired

• Repolished

• Refinished to original condition

Given the heavy wear at airports, the ability to restore rather than replace is a huge lifecycle cost benefit. Designers and facility teams prefer materials that extend the longevity of installations.

4. Thermoforming Flexibility for Creative Shapes

Modern airport architecture uses curves, flowing forms, soft edges, and ergonomic counters.

Solid surfaces allow:

• Curved check-in counters

• Sculpted backdrops

• Rounded kiosks

• Wave-shaped fascia panels

• Seamless corner transitions

This opens creative freedom for architects without compromising durability.

5. Fire Safety Compliance

Airports must meet strict fire codes. Most acrylic solid surfaces meet global fire safety standards such as:

• Class 1

• ASTM E84 (low flame spread / low smoke)

This makes the material compliant for:

• Passenger check-in zones

• Commercial lounges

• Immigration & customs counters

• Public rest areas

• Restaurants & cafés

Fire-safe surfaces are not optional in airports—they’re mandatory.

6. Uniformity Across Large Installations

Airports often require hundreds of meters of the same colour and finish across zones.

Solid surfaces provide:

• Colour uniformity

• Batch consistency

• Ability to match replacements even after years

This solves one of the biggest issues with natural materials.

7. Withstands Heavy Daily Use

Airport surfaces face:

• Trolleys hitting edges

• Luggage dragging across counters

• Repetitive pressure points

• Cleaning machines

Solid surfaces resist:

• Impact

• Scratches

• Cracking

• Edge chipping

They maintain their appearance even under extreme footfall.

8. Custom Branding Integration

Airports often need:

• Airline-specific branding

• Illuminated signage

• Backlit elements

• Corporate colour palettes

• Unique textures

Solid surfaces support:

• CNC engraving

• Inlays

• Routered logos

• Backlighting for translucent grades

This allows designers to integrate branding directly into the material.

9. Backlit Options for Premium Touchpoints

Translucent solid surfaces allow stunning backlit effects for:

• Feature walls

• Lounge counters

• F&B storefronts

• Immigration desks

• Information kiosks

The combination of controlled lighting and the correct surface grade helps achieve a sleek, modern look ideal for airport environments.

10. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

Although the initial material cost may be higher than laminates, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower because solid surfaces:

• Last longer

• Require fewer replacements

• Are easy to restore

• Stay visually new for years

Airports value durability over replacement costs, making solid surfaces a financially sound choice.

Why Many Designers Prefer Using Evo for Airport Applications 

In recent years, architects and contractors have started looking for solid surface brands that offer predictable performance, reliable supply, and straightforward specification—without complicating the selection process. One reason Evo is frequently considered in airport projects is its focus on the colours and finishes that designers actually use. The range includes close matches to the most commonly specified Corian shades, which makes it easy to substitute material on existing drawings or BOQs without changing the overall design intent.

For airport environments—where design consistency, durability, and maintenance cycles matter—this colour compatibility becomes extremely practical. It allows project teams to meet their aesthetic requirements while controlling budgets more efficiently. Many designers see Evo as a sensible alternative to globally established names like Dupont and Krion, offering comparable visual and functional performance at a more manageable cost.

Conclusion

Solid surfaces have proven to be one of the most practical and design-friendly materials for modern airports. Their durability, cleanability, visual uniformity, and long-term performance align perfectly with the operational demands of these high-traffic environments. When a brand offers reliable quality, consistent colours that align with industry standards, and dependable supply—as Evo does—it becomes easier for design teams to specify the material with confidence. The end result is a space that looks refined, performs well, and stays true to the original design intent for years to come.

For detailed comparison between different brands, click here

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