When you are thinking about having a solid surface for the shower of your bathroom, you will be having so many options to overwhelm you. While doing the research a lot of people may be unsure as to the difference between Transolid and Swanstone.
I am sure you are no different.
There are some key differences between the two that you should take into consideration before choosing which type of stone you want to use in your bathroom or kitchen.
In this article, you will get to know about all those aspects.
So, let’s get started.
A Quick Comparison Table
Let’s see the basic difference between the Transolid and Swanstone that you must know before taking any quick decision. You will also get to know all this basic information in a quicker way as the information will be presented to you in a tabular format.
| Specifications | Transolid | Swanstone |
| Material | Transolid is made from crushed stone with a non-porous polyester/acrylic composition then it is synthesized with resin. | Swanstone is very renowned for having acrylic in the materials, also it has actual quartz crystals. |
| Reflection | It is More reflective due to the presence of acrylic, epoxide, or polyester resin. | Swanstone is known for having matte look or traditional look. |
| Abrasion Resistance | Transolid is more abrasion-resistant. | Swanstone is not as abrasion-resistant as Transolid. |
| Fire retardant | It is mostly Fire retardant. | Swanstone lacks a Fire-retardant feature. |
| Recycling material | Transolid has recycling materials and after the usage period, most of the materials of the product can be recycled. | Swanstone materials cannot be recycled. |
| Price | Transolid will cost you more. | Swanstone is less costly. |
| Durability | Transolid can last up to 15 years and after that, it needs to be replaced. | Swanstone requires quality adhesive and sealant to acquire better durability. If it is being properly used then it can last up to 30 years. |
| Scratch-resistance | Transolid is more scratch-resistant than the Swanstone. | Swanstone is less scratch-resistant. |
| Easy Cleaning | It is easier to clean as it takes time to wear off. | It is easy to clean but the process needs to be done with care. |
Now that you know all the differentiating points in a brief manner, the next section is for you to know about the mentioned points in detail.
Transolid Overview
Transolid is a solid surface material created by Cosentino, the makers of Silestone quartz countertops. Like all solid surfaces, Transolid is composed of a blend of natural minerals and acrylic resins.
It combines the look and feel of natural stone with excellent performance qualities. Transolid has an earthy, matte finish that makes it warm and inviting compared to glossy solid surfaces.
Some key qualities of Transolid include:
- Durable – Made to withstand everyday use and abuse, resistant to chips, scratches and stains
- Waterproof – Completely seamless, making it impervious to water and moisture
- Hygienic – Non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth
- Easy to Clean – Smooth, seamless finish is easy to wipe down and sanitize
- Customizable – Can be fabricated into virtually any shape and design
- Stylish – Available in 8 natural-looking colors from white sands to dark ash
- 10 Year Warranty – Backed by a 10 year limited warranty
Transolid offers a more matte, subdued look compared to glossy solid surfaces. It emulates the visual textures of materials like concrete, travertine and natural stone. This makes it a great choice for modern, transitional or rustic design styles.
The non-porous material is ideal for shower walls, floors, benches and shelves. It can be installed in residential, commercial and industrial bathrooms with high water exposure. Transolid is warmer and softer to the touch than many other solid surfaces.
Swanstone Overview
Swanstone is another leading brand of solid surface material made in the USA. It is designed and manufactured by Swan Corporation.
Like Transolid, Swanstone can be formed into custom shower pans, wall panels, shelving, trim and more. Some benefits of Swanstone include:
- Strong and Durable – Resistant to chips, cracks, stains and water damage
- Low Maintenance – Easy to clean and sanitize with no grout lines
- Stylish – Available in matte, satin or glossy finishes across 20+ colors
- Customizable – Can make curbless, zero-threshold and barrier-free showers
- Safe – Does not use silica in its manufacturing process
- Warranty – Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Swanstone is available in a wider range of gloss levels and colors compared to Transolid. It comes in matte, satin/honed and polished gloss finishes. You can choose from neutral whites and beiges to bold blues, greens and more.
This brand is designed to withstand decades of use. It resists mildew, bacteria, stains, impact and heat up to 225°F. The durable, non-porous surface makes it a practical, low-maintenance choice for shower enclosures.
The Primary Difference Between Transolid And Swanstone
After having a brief idea about the differentiation factors between Transolid and Swanstone, now you will know about those in a detailed manner.
- Material
Transolid and Swanstone are made of different materials though the look is a little alike. Here, both materials are manmade.
Transolid is made from crushed stone with a non-porous polyester/acrylic arrangement, after that, it is synthesized with resin.
On the other hand, Swanstone is very well known for having acrylic in the materials, also it has actual quartz crystals.
Read the comparison between FlexStone and Swanstone for your better understanding.
- Appearance
Transolid has a uniform matte finish that mimics natural stone textures like concrete, limestone and travertine. It comes in 8 muted, earthy colors.
Swanstone offers more gloss and color options. You can choose from over 20 colors in matte, satin or polished gloss.
- Feel
Transolid has a softer, warmer touch more akin to natural stone.
Swanstone tends to have a harder, smoother surface feel even in matte finishes.
- Customization
Transolid and Swanstone can both be fabricated into completely custom shower pans, walls, niches, curbs and benches. This allows for barrier-free, curbless designs.
- Reflective Nature
Transolid has the presence of materials like acrylic, epoxide, or polyester resin. That is why it is more reflective than its other counterpart.
But it is quite different when it comes to the Swanstone, as it comes with a matter or traditional look.
If you like to have a glossy and shiny shower then Transolid is the perfect pick for you. When you like a traditional shower then Swanstone is the one for you.
- Abrasion Resistance
Transolid is more abrasion resistant, which means it doesn’t wear off very easily. It is quite the opposite with Swanstone as it wears off very quickly at some normal friction of external matter.
That is why it is recommended to pick Transolid in the heavy traffic area or in the area that is more vulnerable to external heat and other issues.
- Fire Retardant
Transolid is a fire retardant that means this material is less likely to catch on fire when it gets exposed to it directly.
Swanstone lacks this feature. So, it will catch fire when it gets exposed to it.
- Recycling material
Some recycling materials can be often found on the Transolid. Moreover, when the lifetime of this countertop is finished, then you can recycle the whole material in most cases.
The materials in the Swanstone cannot be recycled. In that case, Transolid seems to be more sustainable environmentally than Swanstone.
- Price
If you are mostly bothered by the budget then you can pick Swanstone for your shower as it would cost you around $50 per square foot. On the other hand, Transolid will cost almost $100 per square foot on average.
- Durability
Transolid is more durable in harsh conditions as it does not wear off easily. But when Swanstone is properly used, the installation is done right and taken care of then it may last up to 30 years.
But Swanstone is not at all suitable for the heavy traffic place.
- Scratch-resistance
Where both of the solid surface materials are highly resistant to the stains. It is not the same when it comes to scratches from the outside objects.
Transolid is more scratch-resistant than the Swanstone. So, when you have children in your house it would be a wise decision for you to go for the Transolid countertop rather than the Swanstone.
- Easy cleaning
While picking up a countertop the maintenance issue is also pretty crucial as it would be a determining factor of the longevity of it.
Even during the cleaning process, you can do the job pretty easily for the Transolid.
For the Swanstone, even though the process is not difficult, you need to do it very carefully as the material gets worn off pretty easily.
So, this is the elaboration of all the mentioned differentiation factors between Transolid and Swanstone. I am sure now you must be thinking about the final verdict!
Here you go then!
Pros and Cons of Transolid
What are the biggest pros and cons of using Transolid solid surface for your bathroom?
Pros:
- Has an attractive, natural-looking matte finish
- Softer, warmer texture than many solid surfaces
- Resistant to scratches, stains and water damage
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Can be installed seamlessly with minimal grout lines
- Completely customizable for curbless, barrier-free designs
- Made by Cosentino, a leading manufacturer of quartz and solid surfaces
Cons:
- Limited to a matte finish and neutral color palette
- Higher price point than some solid surface brands
- Shorter warranty period than brands like Swanstone
- Requires professional fabrication and installation
Transolid offers an excellent combination of visual appeal, durability and easy maintenance. The main drawbacks are the smaller selection of finishes and colors and higher price.
Pros and Cons of Swanstone
Similarly, here are the major benefits and downsides of Swanstone solid surface material:
Pros:
- Wide variety of gloss and color options (over 20)
- Durable, stain, scratch and water resistant
- Smooth, seamless installation with no grout lines
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Can be fabricated into custom shower pans and walls
- Some collections are affordably priced
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons:
- Not as soft or warm to the touch as natural stone
- Requires professional fabrication and installation
- Some collections are more expensive
- limited to residential warranty of 10 years
Swanstone is loved for its extensive design options. The main complaints are that it lacks the soft, natural texture of materials like Transolid.
Which One Stands Out Between Transolid And Swanstone
Between Transolid and Swanstone, which one to pick?
From all the differentiating factors, if you have carefully read all of those, you would see Transolid remains ahead of the Swanstone in so many aspects.
You simply cannot ignore those facts during the purchase decision, be it abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, maintenance, durability, recycling feature, and so on.
The only thing that you may identify as a con is the higher pricing of the Transolid. But for a better quality asking some more price I think justifiable.
So, if budget is something that you are least bothered about, then you can clearly go for the Transolid for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Swanstone is a man-made, very hard, and non-porous material.
It is being made in Centralia, Illinois.
You need to be extra careful when it comes to Swanstone shower walls. You can do the regular cleaning job with common household liquid cleaners.
Transolid is made from crushed stone with a non-porous polyester/acrylic composition then it is synthesized with resin.
For most homeowners, solid surface materials like Transolid or Swanstone offer an ideal combination of waterproof durability, easy cleaning, and customization options. Tile is another top choice. Fiberglass is budget-friendly but less durable long-term.
Both Transolid and Swanstone are excellent, high-performing solid surface options for shower walls. Transolid offers a softer, natural stone look while Swanstone provides more finish and color choices.
Wrapping Things Up
Now that you know about all the major aspects, I am sure now you do not have any confusion about Transolid vs. Swanstone anymore.
You know a clear verdict on which one ultimately stands out between the two. By considering your budget, you can decide which one to ultimately go for.
If you are thinking about the Swanstone due to the budget constraint you can also do so, it will only need proper care around its lifetime to keep for a longer timeline.