Corian Countertop

From LoveToKnow HomeImprovement

A solid-surface Corian countertop is an easy-to-care-for choice for many homeowners, whether building a new home, renovating or just giving their kitchen a fresh, updated look.

Corian countertops give a stone-like look to your counters.

The Corian Brand

Corian is a manufactured product with the look of natural stone. DuPont introduced the Corian brand 30 years ago, and today its versatility offers a host of colors while its long-term good looks and functionality add value to any kitchen or bath. Free samples are available upon request to help you choose the perfect color to compliment your décor.

Benefits of a Corian Countertop

A Corian countertop presents a variety of benefits for any kitchen or bathroom. Because Corian is a fabricated product, it is formed in sheets and is cut into specific lengths at the time of manufacture. This allows those designing or installing it to be imaginative when remodeling by creating the exact look they want. For those who want it, countertops can be matched with Corian sinks, but the natural stone look also complements stainless steel or porcelain-enameled sinks. Designers use this product to reflect innovative styles because it can be routed, carved, sandblasted and even thermoformed to create the unique and functional kitchen or bath you desire.

Easy to Care For

Corian comes in three countertop finishes:

  • Matte/satin
  • Semi-gloss
  • High-gloss

The most common finish is the matte/satin finish, and the long-lived good looks of Corian countertops can be preserved by cleaning with soapy water or ammonia-based cleaning products. Scratches are more noticeable on darker color choices and require more attention than lighter colors to maintain their original beauty. After cleaning counters, be sure to wipe them dry, especially if your tap water is hard. If your counters show water spots, wipe them again with a damp cloth and dry. If a hard to clean residue dulls your countertop, DuPont offers a deep-cleaner made specifically for Corian.

Installation

Installation of your Corian countertop can often be accomplished in one day. As Corian is only available through authorized distributors or retail stores including Lowe's Home Improvement Stores and Home Depot, it is best installed by professionals trained to meet installation specifications. A variety of warranties are available, so you'll have to check with your retailer to see what warranty applies to your installation. Retailers register your Corian countertop to make sure your counter will be repaired or replaced if the need arises.

Online Help

DuPont offers online help to those interested in purchasing Corian countertops. A toll-free number is available for those who want to schedule an appointment with an authorized design consultant, but their website also provides a link for those who want to do business online. After you make a request for an appointment, an authorized design consultant from a dealer near you will meet with you in your home to help in color selection and design options. This visit will help the consultant provide a free estimate for the work you wish to have done.

Damage Prevention

In many cases, damaged Corian can be repaired, but it's better to take precautions to avoid problems in the first place.

  • In the kitchen, be careful not to place hot baking dishes or pots directly on the countertop. Although Corian is heat resistant, extremely hot pans or heat-producing appliances can cause damage. Protect your counter with a hot pad or trivet even under countertop appliances, like toaster ovens, to avoid potential damage.
  • Use a cutting board rather than chopping, cutting or slicing directly on your Corian counter.
  • Avoid using or spilling strong chemicals on your countertop. If this does happen, be sure to rinse the chemical away immediately.

Practicality of Corian

Corian's unique, nonporous surface resists stains, and with proper cleaning the long-lived good looks of a Corian countertop are complimented by the practicality of the stain-resistant and easy-to-clean surface. Because of Corian's solid composition, its surface can be renewed if it begins to show wear or has been marred. Also, Corian does not need to be sealed like natural stone and provides maintenance-free countertops to be enjoyed for years.



 


Comments

Hi Colette - That's an excellent question and one that was not easy to find an answer for! I found one product Countertop Paint Kits For Refinishing Laminate Counters that says it can be used on Corian. I would strongly urge you to contact a Corian installer or other countertop expert to make sure that painting the countertop will not damage it. If you do investigate this, we'd love to know what you find out, so please stop back in and let us know! Thanks!

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

My corian countertop was installed over 20 years ago. I do like it, though I would love to change its colour of white to something darker. Smudges do clean off, but it requires constant cleaning to retain its beauty. Is there a way to dye it?

-- Contributed by: Colette

Hi Anna - it sounds like a hard water stain, which I have read that products like Barkeepers Friend and Oxi Clean Versatile work on. However, I would check with a home improvement store or other retailer that sells corian (or contact their customer service) to make sure these products won't damage the sink surface.

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels
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