Corian worktops are probably the best known of all of the solid surface in the market. When the name is mentioned, people usually picture a high-quality product with a hefty price tag.
In this post I want to explore the degree to which these assumptions are true. What do Corian worktops offer in terms of functionality and visual appeal? Do they have any negative aspects that a buyer should be aware of? Are they as expensive as people think they are and, if so, does the product have enough upside to justify the price tag?
I’m going to mention everything I think a buyer will need to know in order to decide whether or not Corian is good choice of worktop for their individual situation. However, if I’ve overlooked anything, please ask your questions in the comments below.
Let’s start by looking at the advantages and benefits of having a Corian solid surface installed in your kitchen.
Corian Worktops – the Pros
Unlike lots of the other solid surfaces, Corian worktops do not have a chipboard core. They are formed entirely from an acrylic resin combined with natural minerals. This provides almost limitless design flexibility, as Corian can be fabricated in just about any shape you require.
The worktops can be shaped just like a hardwood and the joints between different worktop sections and other kitchen elements (such as splashbacks) can be made to look seamless. When done properly, this creates a beautiful, smooth finish which looks stunning. Several of my friends have Corian worktops in their houses and I’m always impressed by the visual impact of this material.
Corian is available in a massive (100+) range of different colours and patterns, so you are definitely going to find something that works for you. If for some reason you can’t, DuPont do offer some colour customisation options, but these can prove to be exceedingly expensive if you only need a small amount of worktop. Some of the Corian decors are more hard-wearing than others. We’ll discuss how colour choice can affect durability later on in the post.
Corian isn’t just about the aesthetics. The solid surface also offers quite a bit in terms of its performance. According to the official DuPoint literature, Corian has proved itself to be a “remarkably durable material that is easy to live with”. It goes on to claim that Corian “cannot delaminate and stands up well to daily wear and tear, resisting “most of the impacts, nicks and cuts that occur in heavy traffic areas”. We look in a bit more detail at these claims below.
Corian is non-porous and this helps to keep it hygienic. Dirt and bacteria can’t penetrate into the counter and there are no joints to act as germ and grime traps.
Another key benefit of a Corian worktop is the fact that most damage to the surface can be overcome. Minor scratches and marks can be removed with everyday cleaning products and areas of the worktop with more major damage can usually be renewed on site (but the work will need to be carried out by a professional).
Now that we’ve looked into the positive aspects of Corian worktops, let’s weigh these against the negative aspects.
Firstly, as the manufacturer readily acknowledges, some shades and colours of Corian are less hard-wearing than others. Taken directly from the Corian literature:
It’s also worth noting that, over time, all Corian worktops will collect small scratches and abrasions, altering the satin finish which is present on installation. This is also acknowledged in the official literature. They recommend sticking to a cleaning plan in order to ensure that the luster develops evenly.
Here are the official guidlines for cleaning a Corian worktop:
As is the case with other solid surfaces, don’t place hot pans and utensils directly onto the worktop . Use a trivet (with rubber feet) to protect the counter from the heat. Also, never cut directly onto the Corian. Use a chopping board or worktop saver to avoid scoring or marking the surface.
Perhaps the biggest factor which stops many people purchasing Corian worktops is the price. It’s true that Corian worktops are more expensive than most of the other solid surfaces on the market, but it could also be suggested that Corian is a superior product, especially in terms of its design flexibility. Corian is more expensive than all laminate worktops and lots of types of wood worktops. Its price is more in line with granite and some of the quartz options.
The overall price of Corian worktops will depend upon your individual design specifications and requirements, but whatever you have opted for, it’s not going to be cheap. Yet, anyone with Corian worktops would argue that it has been money well spent. The old addage that you get what you pay for, seems to be true in the case of Corian.
I’m going to mention everything I think a buyer will need to know in order to decide whether or not Corian is good choice of worktop for their individual situation. However, if I’ve overlooked anything, please ask your questions in the comments below.
Let’s start by looking at the advantages and benefits of having a Corian solid surface installed in your kitchen.
Corian Worktops – the Pros
Unlike lots of the other solid surfaces, Corian worktops do not have a chipboard core. They are formed entirely from an acrylic resin combined with natural minerals. This provides almost limitless design flexibility, as Corian can be fabricated in just about any shape you require.
The worktops can be shaped just like a hardwood and the joints between different worktop sections and other kitchen elements (such as splashbacks) can be made to look seamless. When done properly, this creates a beautiful, smooth finish which looks stunning. Several of my friends have Corian worktops in their houses and I’m always impressed by the visual impact of this material.
Corian is available in a massive (100+) range of different colours and patterns, so you are definitely going to find something that works for you. If for some reason you can’t, DuPont do offer some colour customisation options, but these can prove to be exceedingly expensive if you only need a small amount of worktop. Some of the Corian decors are more hard-wearing than others. We’ll discuss how colour choice can affect durability later on in the post.
Corian isn’t just about the aesthetics. The solid surface also offers quite a bit in terms of its performance. According to the official DuPoint literature, Corian has proved itself to be a “remarkably durable material that is easy to live with”. It goes on to claim that Corian “cannot delaminate and stands up well to daily wear and tear, resisting “most of the impacts, nicks and cuts that occur in heavy traffic areas”. We look in a bit more detail at these claims below.
Corian is non-porous and this helps to keep it hygienic. Dirt and bacteria can’t penetrate into the counter and there are no joints to act as germ and grime traps.
Another key benefit of a Corian worktop is the fact that most damage to the surface can be overcome. Minor scratches and marks can be removed with everyday cleaning products and areas of the worktop with more major damage can usually be renewed on site (but the work will need to be carried out by a professional).
Now that we’ve looked into the positive aspects of Corian worktops, let’s weigh these against the negative aspects.
Corian Worktops – the Cons
There are several negatives that need to be discussed – however, it should be noted that most of these are not only associated with Corian worktops, but apply equally to all of the different types of solid surfaces.Firstly, as the manufacturer readily acknowledges, some shades and colours of Corian are less hard-wearing than others. Taken directly from the Corian literature:
Dark, heavily pigmented colours will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily than lighter, textured colours.
It’s also worth noting that, over time, all Corian worktops will collect small scratches and abrasions, altering the satin finish which is present on installation. This is also acknowledged in the official literature. They recommend sticking to a cleaning plan in order to ensure that the luster develops evenly.
Here are the official guidlines for cleaning a Corian worktop:
As is the case with other solid surfaces, don’t place hot pans and utensils directly onto the worktop . Use a trivet (with rubber feet) to protect the counter from the heat. Also, never cut directly onto the Corian. Use a chopping board or worktop saver to avoid scoring or marking the surface.
Perhaps the biggest factor which stops many people purchasing Corian worktops is the price. It’s true that Corian worktops are more expensive than most of the other solid surfaces on the market, but it could also be suggested that Corian is a superior product, especially in terms of its design flexibility. Corian is more expensive than all laminate worktops and lots of types of wood worktops. Its price is more in line with granite and some of the quartz options.
The overall price of Corian worktops will depend upon your individual design specifications and requirements, but whatever you have opted for, it’s not going to be cheap. Yet, anyone with Corian worktops would argue that it has been money well spent. The old addage that you get what you pay for, seems to be true in the case of Corian.
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