Should you buy Corian worktops?
What is Corian?
Before discussing the pros and cons of Corian worktops, it’s worth explaining what Corian is.
Corian is the most well-known brand of solid surface worktop. Solid surface is made by mixing acrylic resin with bauxite filler and pigments to form a sheet of solid surface material. This sheet is then bonded onto a timber substrate to form a solid surface worktop, as shown below.
The major brands of solid surface worktops, including Corian, are all made in this way. Other brands of solid surface available include Encore, Maia and Getacore.
Not all solid surface worktops however have a timber substrate. Some brands, such as Mistral and Minerva, are made from 100% solid surface and contain no timber. This is actually an advantage as there’s no risk of the worktop becoming damaged by water ingress.
Advantages of Corian worktops:
Corian worktops are seamless
The absence of visible joints and the option of having a matching Corian sink, creates a completely seamless look.
They are stain resistant
Being non porous, Corian worktops are resistant to staining
It’s malleable
No other worktop material offers the design flexibility of Corian. Corian can be moulded into practically any shape imaginable.
Quick and inexpensive to repair
If you chip or scratch Corian worktops, you can simply sand out the marks. This can’t be done with Granite or Quartz.
The original and still the best brand of solid surface
There are many cheaper brands of solid surface on the market that claim to be the same as Corian. However, Corian is the original brand of solid surface and still regarded by many as the best.
Colour choices
Corian worktops are available in a choice of over 100 colours.
Disadvantages:
Corian scratches
The manufacturers of Corian and other brands of solid surface worktops all claim that their products are scratch proof. However, the truth is, they’re much more susceptible to scratching than Granite, Quartz or laminate.
Heat resistance
Although Corian worktops are heat resistant, they are not as heat resistant as Granite or Quartz. Corian is made from acrylic, which is a type of plastic. Plastic will never be as heat resistant as stone.
Cost
Corian is the most expensive brand of solid surface on the market. Other brands including Maia, Mistral, Getacore and Encore all cost less than Corian.
Risk of water damage
Corian, like many other brands of solid surface worktops, has a timber substrate. The risk with this is that if water gets into one of the joints, it can cause the timber substrate to expand and damage the worktop.
Most solid surface worktop guarantees do not cover damage caused by water ingress, making the situation even worse.
Colour matching
The other problem with solid surface is inconsistency of shading between worktops. However, this rarely happens with Corian as is does with cheaper brands.
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