A solidification matrix includes sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, a water charge, an anhydrous metasilicate, a polycarboxylic acid polymer or salt or derivative thereof, and additional functional ingredients. The sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, a water charge, an anhydrous metasilicate, a polycarboxylic acid polymer, and additional functional ingredients interact to form a hydrate solid. The solidification matrix may be used, for example, in a solid detergent composition. Methods of making solid detergent compositions are disclosed.