What Are Corian Countertops?
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Corian design countertops are made of synthetic material that is low-maintenance, very durable, and even repairable. Better yet, homeowners planning to replace kitchen countertops should also know that it’s budget-friendly. Read our guide below to learn about the benefits of Corian countertops, how Corian solid surface compares to other popular options, and how to properly install and care for this type of countertop.
What Is Corian?
Corian is a solid surface material fabricated by DuPont. It’s composed of one part polymethyl methacrylate, which is a specialty acrylic resin, two parts aluminum trihydrate, and other naturally occurring minerals.
The countertops are fabricated instead of carved, so manufacturers can make each slab into a unique shape with specialized edges and integrations. Slabs don’t have seams, and manufacturers can create many designs for different kitchen styles.
Corian is a strong, nonporous surface that can withstand heat, wear, chemicals, and other types of damage that are common in residential kitchens.
Benefits and Features of Corian Countertops
Corian offers several benefits, including many color options, very simple maintenance requirements, and many available repair options. Read about two core advantages of Corian below.
Durability and Easy Maintenance
Corian is a tough countertop material, nonporous, and won’t absorb acids, stains, oils, or dyes. It’s very easy to clean up spills on Corian, and the material’s surface is smooth enough to make complete sanitizing and daily wipe-downs easy. Other materials such as marble and other natural stones are porous and much likelier to absorb stains.
Another advantage of Corian is its repairability. Homeowners can easily buff out scratches, dings, and scuffs to make the material look brand new.
Design Flexibility
There’s a wide variety of solid color and pattern options available for Corian countertops, and fabricators can match the fabrications to your kitchen layout, overhang preferences, and preferred slab thickness. Homeowners can also choose finishing options such as different types of edge beveling, holes for seamless sink installations, or backsplashes.
Some unique design possibilities with Corian include wood-look resin surfaces with inlaid blue streams, waterfall kitchen islands, and built-in sinks.
Corian vs. Other Countertop Materials
Many homeowners compare Corian, quartz, and granite when making their final choices for countertops. Below are the pros and cons of all three options.
Corian vs. Quartz
Corian is a more durable, contemporary countertop option than quartz, which offers a beautiful natural stone finish, but has visible seams. Consider these key attributes of both materials:
| Corian | Quartz | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Offers nearly infinite color and pattern options | A natural stone with crystalline flecks and threads that feature deep color |
| Composition | Fabricated from 33% acrylic resin and 67% natural minerals | Blended from approximately 90% quartz with sealing resins and polymers |
| Cost* | Average cost is $3,950 | Average cost is $4,500 |
| Design options | Can feature virtually any design, including intricate patterns and resin inlays or complex patterns, layouts, and integrated features | Looks like natural stone, and purchasers can choose between granite-like patterns with flecks of shine or marble-look quartz, but each type features seams |
| Durability | Resistant to bacteria, stains, and heat | Harder than Corian, and its in-built resins and polymers help to resist damage |
| Maintenance and cleaning | Easy to wipe down or buff out scratches | Non-porous, easy to clean, and repairable with clear epoxy |
*Cost data in this article sourced from Angi and HomeGuide.
Corian vs. Granite
Compare granite’s attributes against Corian’s below.
| Corian | Granite | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Wide variety of color and pattern options | Has a rock-like appearance with flakes of quartz and feldspar |
| Composition | Fabricated from 33% acrylic resin and 67% natural minerals | Composed of natural granite rock with traces of amphiboles and mica |
| Cost | Average cost is $3,950 | Average cost is $3,250 |
| Design Options | Can have virtually any design, such as intricate patterns or resin inlays, and can feature complex patterns, layouts, and integrated features | Hundreds of variations of granite available for use, but there will be seams and limitations on design |
| Durability | Resistant to bacteria, stains, and heat | Resistant to stains, scratching, chipping, and other types of damage, and is a very durable material |
| Maintenance and Cleaning | Easy to wipe down or buff out scratches and other damage | Easy to wipe clean, but needs annual sealant applications, and can’t be cleaned with harsh chemicals |
| Stain and Bacteria Resistance | Fabricated to resist mold, bacteria, mildew, and stains because of its tough, nonporous surface | Naturally resistant to stains, but is somewhat porous and requires sealants. |
How Much Do Corian Countertops Cost?
Corian countertops cost more than laminate countertops but less than high-end stone types such as quartz and granite. Below are some variables that influence the cost of your Corian countertops.
- Complexity of the countertop layout and required square footage
- Custom fabrication options regarding coloring or edging
- Integrations such as sink and backsplash forms
- Installation fees
- Whether the material is colored or patterned
Consider these typical costs of Corian and other countertops:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Corian | $2,200–$5,000 |
| Laminate | $600–$3,200 |
| Quartz | $1,500–$8,000 |
| Granite | $2,000–$4,000 |
How To Care for Corian Countertops
Corian countertops are easy to care for. Daily maintenance includes only mopping up spills with a damp cloth or using a mild cleanser. If the countertops are scratched, you can buff out the damage, but preventing damage is the superior strategy. Use trivets and coasters to reduce the risk of chips and scratches or heat damage from cookware and dishes.
Professional Installation vs. DIY Installation
One of the most significant costs associated with purchasing new countertops is the price of installation. Expect to spend $50–$80 per square foot of countertop you’re installing, and hire trained technicians to handle the process unless you have related experience. The installation process requires specialty tools and an advanced carpentry knowledge.
Our Conclusion
Corian countertops are beautiful, versatile, and durable. They come in many color and style options and are easy to maintain. Reach out to reputable manufacturers and kitchen remodeling services for guidance in finalizing your order and arranging for installation.
FAQ About Corian Countertops
Can you repair Corian countertops?
You can repair Corian countertops if you’re a homeowner with do-it-yourself (DIY) experience. Otherwise, you can hire a service technician to buff out scratches with a sander and fill in chips with specialty adhesives.
Can you put a hot pan on Corian countertops?
You cannot put a hot pan on Corian countertops. Although the surfaces offer some heat resistance, it’s better to place the pans on trivets or heat pads to reduce burns and heat damage.
Do Corian countertops scratch easily?
Corian countertops do not scratch easily, but knives and chopping can scratch them.
What is the main difference between Corian and quartz?
The main difference between Corian and quartz is that Corian is a durable fabricated material, while quartz is a very hard material made from natural stone.
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