When it comes to countertops, Corian and quartz are two popular options. Many homeowners wonder whether Corian is more affordable than quartz. The answer depends on several factors.

An Overview of Corian Countertops

Corian is a solid surface material made from acrylic resin and natural minerals. It was invented by DuPont in 1967 and continues to be manufactured by them today. Here are some key facts about Corian:

Corian is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria growth. It can be cleaned easily using warm soapy water.
It is durable and resists scratches, heat, and impacts. Standard Corian has a 10-year warranty.
Corian is available in a wide range of colors and styles. It can be molded into seamless countertops and sinks.
Repairs are easy with Corian. Light damage can be sanded away, while more severe damage can be repaired by a professional.
Corian is Greenguard certified, meaning it meets standards for low chemical emissions.

An Overview of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from ground quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments. It gained popularity in the 1990s as an alternative to granite and marble. Here are some key facts about quartz:

Quartz is non-porous and resistant to stains, scratches, heat, and bacteria growth.
It is very durable. Many quartz brands offer a 15-year or lifetime warranty.
There is a wide array of colors and patterns available, from sparkling aggregates to simulated marble.
Minimal maintenance is required beyond wiping spills and using soap and water occasionally.
Quartz does not need to be sealed like natural stone.
Quartz is harder than granite, making it more scratch resistant.

Cost Comparison Between Corian and Quartz

The cost of Corian and quartz countertops can vary based on the quality, thickness, color/pattern, and more. Here is a general cost comparison:

Entry-level Corian: $55 – $75 per square foot installed
Mid-range Corian: $80 – $100 per square foot installed
High-end Corian: $100 – $200 per square foot installed
Entry-level quartz (IKEA): $40 – $60 per square foot installed
Mid-range quartz: $70 – $100 per square foot installed
High-end quartz: $100 – $150 per square foot installed

As you can see, there is significant overlap in pricing. The low end and mid-range options for both materials are fairly comparable. High-end quartz may exceed the cost of high-end Corian.

Overall, Corian is often slightly less expensive than quartz for a few reasons:

Manufacturing process – Corian is made from less expensive materials compared to engineered quartz.
More competition – There are many solid surface brands competing with Corian, driving prices down. There are fewer major quartz manufacturers.
Higher perceived value – Quartz is seen as more luxurious which allows retailers to mark up the prices more.

However, the pricing depends on the specific product lines and providers. You can find inexpensive quartz and premium priced Corian.

Pros and Cons of Corian vs. Quartz

To decide whether Corian or quartz is the better choice, it helps to compare their advantages and disadvantages:

Corian Pros

Seamless appearance, can mold corners and edges
Easier to repair damage
More variety in colors and patterns
Lower cost on average

Corian Cons

Softer than quartz, more prone to scratches
Needs occasional resealing
fewer colors mimic natural stone

Quartz Pros

Extremely durable and scratch resistant
Requires no sealing
Easy maintenance
Natural stone appearance available

Quartz Cons

Visible seams
Repairs generally need professional help
Limited color/pattern choices with some brands
Higher average cost

Primary Factors to Consider

When deciding between Corian and quartz countertops, keep the following key factors in mind:

Appearance

If having an elegant stone-like look is important, quartz will offer more options that mimic marble and granite very closely. Corian’s speckled solid colors don’t resemble natural stone.

However, Corian comes in a huge array of colors and patterns. There are likely more unique options compared to popular quartz lines.

Durability

Quartz is one of the hardest countertop materials available. It stands up exceptionally well to heavy usage without showing scratches or marks. Corian is more prone to surface damage from knives, pots, etc.

Maintenance

Quartz requires very little maintenance, just occasional wiping with soap and water. Corian needs more care such as using trivets and resealing every couple years. Both materials resist stains well when properly sealed.

Budget

In general, quartz runs 10-20% higher in cost than Corian. However, you may be able to find quartz on the lower end that is comparable to mid-range Corian. Shop around for the best deals.

Longevity

With proper care, both Corian and quartz can last many years. Quartz may last longer before needing replacement since daily wear doesn’t affect its appearance as much. But Corian can often be repaired instead of fully replaced.

Style/Color Considerations

Beyond just cost comparisons, you’ll want to consider which material best suits your desired countertop aesthetic:

For a contemporary, sleek look, quartz provides bold colors and patterns not found in nature. Many lines offer unique aggregates like glass, mirrored chips, shells, etc.
For a natural stone appearance, quartz mimics marble and granite very realistically. Corian lacks the multicolored veining found in real stone.
For vibrant solid colors, Corian has a vast spectrum of color options that aren’t duplicated in quartz. Colors like emerald, magenta, and bright orange are available.
For subtle earth tones, both Corian and quartz have options resembling concrete, soapstone, and limestone. Quartz may have more realistic stone patterns.
For a seamless look, Corian can mold corners and edges smoothly. Quartz always requires seams between slabs which are visible on close inspection.

No matter your style, there are excellent color/pattern options with both materials. Browse galleries online or in showrooms to get ideas.

Popular Brands

Some of the most recognized brands for each material include:

Corian

DuPont Corian® (original brand)
Gibraltar
Wilsonart
Avonite
Staron

Quartz

Cambria
Caesarstone
Silestone
Viatera
Hanstone
MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz

The brand can impact the price, warranty, color selection, and overall quality. Do some research to determine which manufacturer meets your needs and budget best.

Should You Choose Corian or Quartz?

There is no universally superior option between Corian and quartz. The right choice comes down to:

Priorities – What matters most: cost, appearance, durability, maintenance, etc? Rank these in order.
Lifestyle – Will kids andheavy usage make durability a big concern? Are you willing to routinely maintain the counters?
Style – Which material has colors/patterns meeting your décor goals? This may dictate the choice.
Budget – How much can you afford to spend comfortably? Remember total cost includes installation too.

For many homeowners, quartz provides the best combination of durability, ease of maintenance, and natural beauty. It often becomes the top choice if budget allows.

Corian remains popular due to its enormous color selection, softer feel, and smoother seamed edges. For an affordable yet attractive solid surface, Corian is hard to beat.

Carefully weigh your options. If possible, see slabs in person before finalizing your counters. This can give you the best sense of color, pattern, and overall look. Take advantage of free estimates from fabricators too.

With some thoughtful consideration of your needs, you’ll determine whether Corian or quartz is the best investment for your kitchen or bath. Enjoy your beautiful new counters!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Corian cheaper than quartz?

Overall, Corian tends to be 10-20% cheaper than quartz on average. However, pricing can vary a lot by brand, so there is significant overlap between lower-end quartz and higher-end Corian options.

What’s better, Corian or quartz?

There is no definitively “better” option. Quartz is harder and more durable. Corian offers more seamless installation and color variety. Choose based on priorities like appearance, maintenance, and cost.

Is Corian outdated?

While it’s been around for decades, Corian remains a highly popular countertop choice. New color options and styles keep it feeling fresh. Its durability and renewable surface make it far from outdated.

Does quartz need sealing?

No, quartz does not require any sealing. The resin binds the stone particles together into a non-porous surface that resists staining. Occasional cleaning with soap and water is all that is needed.

Is Corian hard to maintain?

Corian requires more routine maintenance than quartz. Using cutting boards, avoiding hot pans, cleaning spills quickly, and resealing every 2-3 years is advisable. But it does not need intensive maintenance procedures.

Does quartz stain easily?

Quartz is non-porous and resistant to stains. However, prolonged exposure to strong pigments like red wine or tomato sauce can stain if spills aren’t cleaned quickly. Overall though, quartz maintains its appearance very well.

Is Corian cheaper than granite?

Yes, Corian is generally cheaper than natural granite. materials. Granite starts at around $60 per square foot installed, while Corian starts around $55 per square foot.

Does quartz hold heat?

Quartz does not hold heat well due to its low thermal conductivity. Pans straight from the oven or burner won’t damage quartz. But using trivets is still recommended to prevent cracking from sudden temp changes.

Conclusion

Corian and quartz offer distinctive benefits. Corian provides an affordable, low-maintenance solid surface material with unparalleled color variety. Quartz delivers exceptional durability and natural beauty. For many homeowners, the decision between the two rests primarily on aesthetic preferences and budget. With some careful consideration of your needs and goals, you can select the best counters to enhance your space. Both Corian and quartz will provide years of enjoyment when properly cared for.

Are Corian Countertops Cheaper Than Quartz?