Corian or quartz: Which is best?
Corian or quartz countertops? Which is best?
Both are beautiful, hardwearing, and have been used to create stunning kitchen surfaces decades, so it’s a difficult choice.
However, there are differences between the two materials which may help you to decide.
What’s the difference between Corian and quartz?
Corian vs quartz? Never have two luxury materials been so evenly matched when it comes to countertop choices.
Corian is a solid surface material invented by Dupont in the 1960s, and is a combination of natural materials with polymers that give it its incredible strength and durability.
Meanwhile, quartz is a natural material mixed with other substances to ensure it has essential qualities required for countertops.
Whether you choose a Corian or quartz worktop depends largely upon aesthetics and budget.
Quartz vs Corian
Composition
Corian countertops are created by mixing acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate, a material sourced from bauxite ore. Corian is usually composed from around one third binding resins and two thirds’ minerals.
Quartz countertops will typically be 90 to 94 per cent quartz crystals and six to 10 per cent epoxy resin. As a result, it’s deemed more “natural” than Corian.
Durable
Corian is a highly durable material that is also scratch-resistant.
Quartz is also extremely hardwearing, but unlike Corian it isn’t easily repaired if it becomes scratched or chipped. Quartz can be repaired however it will be a visible repair, sort of like just covering something with a plaster for the time being. It will never blend in to the worktops where as Corian will be a complete seamless repair where you will not even be able to tell it has been done.
In fact, quartz has to be professionally repaired using a special filler compound which is syringed into the cracks and then polished. In contrast, if Corian becomes scratched it can be easily buffed.
Heat-resistant
Quartz is not completely heat resistant, but it can survive if hot pots and pans are placed on its surface.
Corian, on the other hand, can be damaged by high temperatures, which is why it is always recommend you use a trivet or heat-resistant pad when cooking.
Versatile
Although featured mainly in kitchen worktops and bathrooms, Corian has even been used on building exteriors to create a chic modernist look. It is thermoformable, which allows it to be moulded into different shapes when heated. It can also be carved and sanded.
Quartz just doesn’t have that flexibility.
Available in different colours
Corian can be manufactured in more than 90 different colours and patterns.
It has come a long way since it was first invented, when it was available only in white. Now, thanks to “deep colour technology”, it can be found in vibrant brights alongside more natural hues.
Because colours are added as the manufacturing stage, they run right through the slabs.
Similarly, quartz is manufactured in a variety of colours and designs but has nowhere near the range of Corian.
Both however, can be made to emulate other materials.
Seamless
Corian can be manufactured in large slabs to give your kitchen surface a modern seamless look that is so on trend right now.
Quartz is not seamless, you will always have visible joints where as Corian is completely seamless (inconspicuous joints) in any size.
Hygienic
Corian is used in hospitals and other public places because it is more hygienic than other materials.
The reason for this is that it is non-porous and pretty much seamless, which means there is nowhere for bacteria to hide. It is also very easy to clean.
Quartz isn’t far behind Corian when it comes to hygiene because it too is non-porous. But, on the whole, if you’re looking for the most hygienic surface for your kitchen, then Corian is the winner.
Is Corian more expensive than quartz?
When considering Corian vs quartz price uk you need to take into account the material and the installation.
Corian can require a lot of care when it is being installed so you need to research the correct tools for the job.
As a supplier, Stone Design UK has a trusted workforce equipped with the knowledge and expertise to be able to advise customers on every aspect of Corian installation. They will also ensure the Corian supplied will be at the best possible price.
However, if you want to go down the quartz route then you can expect to pay a little more.
There isn’t a whole load of difference between Corian cost vs quartz but if you want a luxurious finish on a budget you might want to opt for Corian rather than quartz.
Which is best: Corian or quartz?
When it comes to Corian countertops vs quartz there are pros and cons for both.
But for durability modernity, and classy good looks, Corian has the edge.
Corian or quartz?
If you are still undecided or want to go through all your options, then we are here to guide you through the process of selection right through to Corian installation.
As suppliers of luxury Corian kitchen worktops to satisfied customers in Cheshire, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and Wigan we have the expertise to ensure you make the right choice for your next kitchen project.
Why not get in touch now?