Perhaps you have heard of Corian worktops, one of the most popular kitchen worktops available today. Certainly if you walk into any kitchen showroom or browse any fitted kitchen supplier you'll almost certainly come across the name Corian.
But what exactly is Corian, and what makes it so appealing as far as kitchen worktops are concerned? What are the benefits, and what are the limitations, and how do Corian worktops compare to other types of kitchen worktop available?
The first thing to be aware of is that Corian is a brand name, not a material or substance such as Quartz. That might seem obvious, but a surprising number of people don't realise this. Corian is a brand name which refers to a range of acrylic kitchen worktops, made using specific materials in a specific way.
Corian worktops are at heart acrylic worktops, but they tend to be set aside within their own category for the simple reason that they exceed the standards most acrylic worktops meet, in terms of strength, thickness, guarantee, versatility, durability and range of styles.
There isn't really a lot you can't do with Corian, and it is the triple combination of versatility, style and durability which has resulted in many new fitted kitchens, new build kitchens and re-designed kitchens being fitted with new, purpose built Corian worktops.
The idea of having your kitchen worktops purpose built might seem a little extravagant, and whilst it is certainly true that Corian worktops won't be found in the budget basement for cheap kitchen worktops, the price is only one way of viewing the value of a worktop made from Corian.
If you're going to have a Corian kitchen worktop, you might as well have it manufactured to your specific requirements, since its durability means there's every possibility it will be around in the kitchen longer than you are.
Because Corian worktops are manufactured from an acrylic resin material which has an unusually high tensile and impact strength and durability they can be developed in a number of different ways. Corian can be cut, moulded, glued and even vacuum formed, meaning that if you can imagine it, a Corian worktop can be created to your specification.
Many people have used this advantage to have Corian worktops made which incorporate other elements traditionally added separately from the worktop, such as splashbacks and drainage channels for the sink. Corian worktops can easily be made with curves and other three dimensional structures, and so having a curving back plate or splashback is easily achieved, and not only looks stunning but significantly increases the cleanliness and hygiene of your kitchen.
Another benefit of Corian is that there do not appear to be any seams or joins. Often it is the seams or joins within kitchen worktops which are most prone to harbouring germs and bacteria which can pose a health risk.
But when different sections of a Corian worktop are joined together the material or bonding agent used is the exact same polymer resin used in the manufacture of the worktop itself. This means that the effect is a seamless join, improving both the visual appearance of the worktop as well as eliminating a potential health risk.
Corian worktops come with a ten year warranty, which is peace of mind in itself, but it is also reassuring to consider the way in which a Corian worktop can be repaired to keep it looking as good as new. The material is exceptionally tough, and it would take a considerable effort to damage the surface of a worktop made from Corian.
However, kitchens are almost like warzones, with heavy pans crashing to the surface, sharp knives slicing across the top and all manner of tools and utensils exposing the work surface to many risks and dangers.
In most cases once a worktop develops a scratch, dent or chip it is a matter of simply accepting it, or replacing a large section of worktop, which may not be a complete match against existing surface sections.
However, due to the nature of the material used, Corian worktops can be repaired simply by using the same polymer resin from which it is comprised, and which is used in the joins and seams, filling in the chip, scratch or dent, smoothing the surface and leaving the worktop as good as new, with no visible join or discolouration.
For a kitchen that stands out visually, and holds its own against the forces of a ferocious cook, Corian worktops offer versatility, durability and style; if you can imagine it, Corian can usually make your dream kitchen come true.
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