Your complete guide to Corian

Find out everything you need to know about Corian, a leading acrylic solid surface, from the experts at DFMK.

At DFMK, our 40+ years of experience mean we have an unparalleled understanding of premium surfaces. We pride ourselves on our ability to match projects with the ideal surface solutions that guarantee both functionality and aesthetic appeal. With that in mind, today we are focusing on the original solid surface – and the first of its kind – Corian.

What is Corian?

Corian is a premium solid surface material developed by DuPont, a company with a long history of innovation. DuPont created Corian in the 1960s; then, it was completely revolutionary as a surface material, perfectly blending style and function for a multitude of surface applications. Thanks to this, it quickly gained recognition and popularity around the world. Its versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal mean that to this day, it’s recognised by designers, architects and homeowners alike as a high-performance surface solution.

What is Corian made of?

Corian is made from a blend of acrylic polymer, natural minerals and pigments. It’s formulated to achieve a seamless and durable surface material. Here’s a closer look at the key components of Corian:

• Natural minerals
  Corian mainly consists of natural minerals, which make up two-thirds of its composition. Alumina trihydrate (ATH), a material derived from bauxite ore, is a key component in Corian. It provides it with its durable nature and fire-resistant properties. The raw natural mineral is refined and processed to prepare it for use in Corian.
  
  
• Acrylic polymer
  Acrylic polymer is blended with the natural minerals to serve as a binding agent. This enhances the durability of Corian and also allows it to be fabricated, shaped and moulded into a number of different designs and forms.
  
  
• Pigments
  Pigments are added to the blend for visual appeal. This allows for a wide range of colour options, from muted neutrals to bold and vibrant hues, helping Corian cater to a diverse range of design preferences.

The advantages of Corian

With its blend of style and function, Corian has earned its place as a top choice in the industry. Here are just some of the advantages of Corian that make it a great choice for a premium solid surface.

Design versatility

Corian offers almost unlimited design flexibility and can be seamlessly used in many applications. From sleek modern countertops to curved, sculptured surfaces, Corian can be shaped and moulded to bring your vision to life and allows for custom designs that cannot be achieved with traditional surfaces.

Seamless appearance

One of the standout features of Corian is its smooth and seamless appearance, with no visible joints. This not only gives it a sleek and sophisticated finish, but also promotes cleanliness and hygiene. This makes Corian a great choice for spaces where hygiene is important, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Durability

Corian is known to be incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand regular, daily use without compromising on performance and looks. It is resistant to scratches and stains without the need for regular complex maintenance.

Wide range of finishes

There’s an enormous range of finishes available when using Corian, thanks to its composition using pigment to create a desired aesthetic. This extensive palette of colours and finishes means it can be used to create surfaces ranging from sleek and minimalist to bold and dramatic. It also means it can effortlessly replicate more traditional materials, like polished marble or a contemporary concrete-inspired texture – all with a huge variety of colours to choose from.

Easy to maintain

Corian’s non-porous properties prevent the growth of bacteria and make it both hygienic and easy to maintain. It requires very little ongoing maintenance other than cleaning with a mild soap and water solution, making it perfect for high-traffic commercial areas or busy households. Commercially available solid surface cleaners are also available for removing dirt and residue.

The disadvantages of Corian

While Corian boasts numerous great advantages, it’s important to note the potential limitations if you’re considering it as your surface of choice.

• Corian can be susceptible to heat damage when exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time. You should use trivets or hot pads to protect it and not place hot pans directly onto the surface.
• While it’s very durable, Corian can be vulnerable to scratches. Very sharp or abrasive objects can leave marks on the surface if proper care is not taken. Minor scratches can usually be buffed out, however.
• Corian is resistant to many household chemicals, but strong acids or solvents can cause damage. It’s important to clean up spills quickly and avoid using very harsh chemical cleaners.
• Corian can have a higher upfront cost compared to alternative worktop materials. However, many find that the durability and low maintenance offset this initial cost in the long term.

More commonly asked questions about Corian

Is Corian hard to maintain?

No, Corian is not hard to maintain. In fact, it’s renowned for its easy maintenance. Its non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth and it’s easy to clean with a mild soap and water solution or purpose-bought cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. It’s also stain-resistant, hygienic and built for durability.

Corian vs Quartz: what’s the difference?

Many people wonder about the pros and cons of Corian vs Quartz. Corian and Quartz are both popular choices for surfaces. They are both made from a blend of high-performance resins combined with crushed and refined natural minerals. They are also both available at a similar cost. While they’re similar, they do have a few differences.

• Composition: Corian is made from acrylic polymer, natural minerals including alumina trihydrate, and pigments. Quartz is composed of natural quartz combined with resins and pigments.
• Durability: Quartz is harder than Corian, so it’s slightly less prone to scratching.
• Flexibility: Corian is more flexible than Quartz, so it can be thermoformed and moulded to a desired shape.
• Repairs: Corian is easier to repair than Quartz, and minor scratches can often be polished out thanks to its slightly softer form.
• UV resistance: Corian is more resistant to UV than Quartz, making it a better choice for using outdoors or in direct sunlight.
  

What colours is Corian available in?

Corian is available in a wide range of colours, shades and finishes to suit a number of different design preferences. Popular colours range from neutrals like white, cream, grey and beige to bright, eye-catching colours. It can also be created in unique finishes that replicate the look of natural materials like marble or granite. With such a wide variety of colours available, there are many options for customisation when using Corian.

We hope this taught you more about Corian and its many benefits. At DFMK, we work with trade, commercial clients and domestic customers to create practical, beautiful solutions using acrylic solid surfaces like Corian. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you get stunning surfaces for your next project, please reach out to find out more. You can also request a quote.