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Corian Solid Surface vs Quartz Countertops
Choosing the right countertop material is just as important as choosing the best possible flooring or backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom. If you’ve come across quartz of Corian, you may be wondering what exactly are these materials and which one is better? Here’s our guide which will help you get to know Corian and quartz, their benefits and drawbacks, as well as a comparison between the two.
Corian vs Quartz: The Difference
What is Corian?
Corian, or Solid Surface, was introduced in 1971 by DuPont as the first engineered stone material for countertops. Solid surface countertops are made out of natural minerals and polyester resins blend that is then molded into different countertop styles for bathrooms and kitchens. Corian countertops were only made available in one color when they debuted, however, a solid surface countertop today can be purchased in varying colors, patterns, and finishes.
What is Quartz?
Natural quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the world and a quartz countertop is a durable surface made out of minerals that include quartz and marble as well as polyester resin. This engineered stone countertop is mostly composed of quartz mineral dust, 90% to 90%, with the rest of the mix, is made out of resin. This popular countertop material is known to mimic the appearance of granite countertops as well as other natural stone materials.
Pros and Cons
When you are deciding between what is the best kitchen countertop material or which option would be a better bathroom countertop, here are the advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind:
Corian Countertops: Pros
Non-porous: Corian countertops are known for being non-porous throughout the entire slab which makes it one of the best countertop materials on the market. Solid surface like Corian countertops is impervious which means that liquid spills and splashes will not stain the kitchen countertop, unlike other materials.
Repairable: Despite their name, solid surface countertops can be chipped and scratched. However, Corian solid surface countertops, even though they are softer surfaces, are easily repairable. A solid surface countertop can be sanded down when accidents happen and your Corian countertop is damaged but does not need replacement.
Versatile: Similar to laminate countertops, the Corian solid surface can be manufactured in unusual shapes. While the solid surface can be purchased in slabs just like granite and quartz countertops, solid surface materials can also be curved or customized to your liking.
Budget-friendly: Generally speaking, compared to natural stone surfaces, like marble or granite countertops, for example, Corian counters are more affordable. For homeowners looking for countertop surfaces that are aesthetic, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant, but relatively low in cost, Corian is one of the countertop materials you should take into consideration.
Corian Countertops: Cons
Not Heat-resistant: Corian as a kitchen countertop material is not completely immune to hot pans. Like other materials that are used for kitchen countertops, you will need to take precautions around hot utensils, appliances, and cookware. It is a good practice to use hot pads underneath cookware that is hotter than 212ºF (100ºC.)
Lifespan: While generally durable, Corian countertops will last up to 10 years which means that it has a shorter lifespan compared to popular materials like granite counters.
Lower Resale Value: Corian solid surface is a more affordable option compared to quartz or granite, which means that it does not have as much value in a home. Corian, cheaper than other kitchen or bathroom countertop materials, is not the best option for homeowners who are renovating or remodeling with selling or renting out their house in the future.
Quartz Countertops: Pros
Maintainable: Quartz countertops do not require sealing for them to be stain-resistant or be a material with scratch resistance. Aside from being known for having stain resistance, quartz counters do not harbor harmful bacteria as long as you use warm, soapy water to clean up spilled liquid.
Design Flexibility: Quartz countertops are known to have consistent patterns because of their composition. Compared to natural stone, quartz countertops are available in more patterns and colorways while also being able to mimic different materials to suit all design styles.
Durability: An engineered quartz countertop is durable because it is already made out of a material that is stain-resistant and generally scratch-proof.
Quartz Countertops: Cons
High Prices: Quartz kitchen countertops are not as affordable as other options per square foot which can be a disadvantage for kitchen remodeling projects on a budget.
Unnatural Appearance: Due to its composition, a quartz counter has a uniform appearance. For those looking for unique veining patterns and colors, this is not the material for you.
Not Heat-resistant: Quartz is known for its heat resistance but the engineered stone material is not. Due to the resins that are mixed into the minerals of the countertop, hot pots and pans will scorch or melt.
Long-lasting: While being made out of extremely durable material, a quartz countertop will last up to 10 years with proper maintenance.
Comparing the Two
Looking at quartz and laminate side by side, we can compare them based on their:
Appearance
Both Corian and quartz countertops will have visible seams. However, quartz and Corian are manufactured in a wide spectrum of colors and patterns which means that choosing a dark, heavily patterned countertop made out of either of the materials can make these seams less noticeable. Both quartz and Corian solid surface can also mimic the appearance of other materials if that is something you are looking for.
Maintenance
Quartz and Corian countertops are very similar in terms of maintenance. Neither can be easily scratched and are resistant to staining. Corian and quartz also do not hold up well under high heat, unlike granite.
When deep scratches, cracks, or scorching shows up on these materials, quartz will need replacement while Corian can simply be repaired.
Sustainability
Both options are considered eco-friendly materials. Both options are durable materials that do not need replacement often unless serious damage takes place. These materials also emit low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are more sustainable than other countertop options because of the natural minerals in the Corian and quartz.
Affordability
While these materials are cheaper than their natural stone counterparts granite and marble, quartz brands offer their countertops at higher prices than a Corian solid surface manufacturer would. For homeowners on a budget, a solid surface will cost you less than quartz would.
Installation
Quartz countertops should be installed by professionals because they are a heavy slab that will weigh 18 pounds to 25 pounds per square foot. On the other hand, Corian will weigh 5 pounds on average per square foot which means that this countertop can be installed by professionals or as a DIY project.
However, these materials differ when it comes to scratching and stains. Unlike quartz, laminate requires immediate care when there are spills. Laminate will also need to be replaced because they cannot be refinished after they have been scratched.
FAQs: Corian vs Quartz Countertops
Does Corian or quartz cost more?
Quartz costs more. Corian will cost $40 to $45 while quartz costs at least $60 per square foot.
Which countertop material is more durable?
Comparing the two, quartz is the more durable option. This non-porous material is beneficial for busy kitchens and can be bought in colors and finishes that will compliment your custom kitchen cabinets and backsplash for years.
What are popular quartz and Corian brands?
While you may already be familiar with leading manufacturers, other quartz brands you should look into include:
- CaesarStone
- Cambria
- Silestone
- Hanstone
As for Corian, the most popular solid surface provider is DuPont. Other brands that offer high-quality Corian include:
- Wilsonart
- Swanstone
- Formica
- Avonite
