Yes. Its robust, one-piece construction allows for integrated ligature-resistant and vandal-resistant designs, making it ideal for mental health, correctional and other secure facilities.
At Galvin Engineering, we understand that specifying the right sanitaryware is critical to the success of commercial, institutional and high-risk projects. One material that continues to set the benchmark for performance, hygiene and longevity in washrooms and sanitary spaces is solid surface.
What Is Solid Surface?
Solid surface is a high-quality, engineered composite formed from mineral fillers and resins to create a dense, non-porous material. Unlike traditional ceramics, which can have porous surfaces and seams, solid surface sanitaryware is moulded in one piece — resulting in a seamless finish with superior durability and cleanability.
Key Benefits of Solid Surface Material
- Hygiene and Infection Control
Because solid surface is non-porous and seamless, it eliminates joints and crevices where water, dirt and bacteria can accumulate. This makes it more hygienic and easier to clean - a crucial advantage in healthcare, mental health, aged care and public restrooms where infection control is a priority.
- Durability and Renewability
Solid surface products are engineered to withstand heavy, high-traffic use while maintaining their appearance and performance. As a homogenous material throughout, minor scratches or scuffs can be easily refinished, restoring the surface to its original condition. This renewability extends the product’s service life and helps reduce whole-of-life costs — a significant advantage in environments subject to constant use and wear.
Rated 5 under ISO EN 19712-3-2007, solid surface offers excellent resistance to stains, surface wear and cigarette burns, ensuring long-term performance in high-traffic settings.
- Vandal and Ligature Resistance
All Galvin solid surface sanitaryware items are designed with vandal resistance and safety in mind, with some models also incorporating ligature-resistant features. The robust, one-piece construction and integrated forms help deter damage, offering peace of mind in public facilities, transport hubs, correctional environments, and mental health units.
- Fire Performance and Compliance
Solid surface is non-flammable and achieves high fire safety ratings, including BS476 Part 6 & 7 Class ‘0’ and Class ‘1’, and compliance with Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B (Class B-s3, d2). This makes it suitable for healthcare, education and other high-occupancy environments where fire safety is essential.
- Aesthetic Versatility
Beyond performance, solid surface delivers a clean, contemporary appearance that works well in both commercial and therapeutic environments. The smooth finish complements modern architectural design while maintaining wellbeing-focused functionality.
Industries That Benefit Most from Solid Surface Sanitaryware
Solid surface sanitaryware is particularly suited to environments where durability, hygiene and safety are non-negotiable:
- Healthcare and Hospitals - infection control and easy cleaning
- Mental Health and Correctional Facilities - ligature resistant, robust construction
- Aged Care and Dementia-Friendly Spaces - dignity, accessibility and comfort
- Education and Public Facilities - high traffic and vandal resistant performance
- Transport and Public Areas - elevated durability in busy environments
When and Why to Specify Solid Surface Sanitaryware
Solid surface sanitaryware is the right choice when your project demands:
- Superior Hygiene: The non-porous, seamless construction helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria, moisture and contaminants, supporting stringent cleaning and infection control requirements.
- Extended Service Life: Solid surface material can be repaired and refinished if scratched or damaged, reducing replacement costs and delivering long-term value.
- Enhanced Safety: Integrated, one-piece designs can incorporate anti-ligature and vandal-resistant features, making them suitable for secure and high-risk environments.
- Regulatory Confidence: Well suited to healthcare, aged care, education and custodial facilities where compliance with high-care and safety standards is essential.
In short, it’s the premium solution where performance, safety and cleanliness are key design outcomes.
Galvin Engineering’s Solid Surface Sanitaryware Range
Galvin Engineering’s comprehensive sanitaryware range features an extensive selection of solid surface products. These are engineered with the needs of commercial and institutional environments front of mind:
- Wallgate Solid Surface Pans
Featuring ligature-resistant designs available in a variety of sizes, with front or rear fix options. Their seamless, single-piece construction allows for easy cleaning, and multiple configurations are available to suit different project requirements.
- Wallgate Solid Surface Wash Hand Basins
Designed to be durable and secure, with a smooth, easy-to-clean finish. They are available in a range of models to suit different layouts and installation needs.
- Wallgate Solid Surface Accessories
The range also includes matching solid surface accessories to create a complete, cohesive washroom solution. This includes, shrouds, wall shelfs, toilet roll holders and mirrors.
Choosing solid surface sanitaryware isn’t just an aesthetic decision — it’s a commitment to long-term performance, hygiene, safety and sustainability. Whether you’re designing a hospital, an aged care facility, a school or a public amenity, solid surface solutions from Galvin Engineering deliver the robustness, compliance and peace of mind you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Solid surface materials achieve high fire performance classifications, including BS476 and Building Regulations Approved Document B ratings, providing confidence in projects where fire compliance is critical.
Unlike ceramic, solid surface is moulded in a seamless, non-porous form. It offers enhanced durability, renewability and design flexibility, making it better suited to high-traffic commercial and institutional environments.
Yes. Because it is a homogenous material throughout, minor scratches, scuffs or surface damage can be refinished and restored, extending the product’s service life and reducing replacement costs.
