Corian is a solid surface material made by DuPont that has been popular for countertops and other surfaces since the 1960s. Quartz countertops, made from engineered stone, have surged in popularity over the last couple of decades as an alternative to natural stone and solid surfaces like Corian. So does Corian make quartz countertops?
What is Corian?
Corian is a solid surface material made from acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate. It was first introduced by DuPont in 1967 and became popular in kitchens and bathrooms during the 1970s.
Some key features of Corian:
- Non-porous, seamless appearance
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
- Resistant to stains, burns, and scratches
- Can be repaired if damaged
- High-quality material with 10-year warranty
Corian is used for countertops, backsplashes, sinks, tub surrounds, vanities, and other surfaces. It provides a sleek, modern look that is easy to clean and maintain. The seamless installation gives Corian a distinctive smooth, contemporary style.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are made from engineered stone. Natural quartz crystals are combined with resins, pigments, and other compounds to form a durable, non-porous slabs. These slabs are then cut into countertops, backsplashes, vanities, and other surfaces.
Some key features of quartz countertops:
- Extremely hard and scratch resistant
- Stain, heat, and burn resistant
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
- Low porosity makes it very hygienic
- Non-toxic and VOC-free
- Requires little maintenance
- Long lifespan of 15-25 years
Brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are popular quartz countertop manufacturers. The engineered stone material provides an attractive, durable, and low maintenance surface.
Does Corian Manufacture Quartz?
Corian does not actually manufacture quartz countertops. While it is a quality solid surface brand, Corian only makes products from its proprietary acrylic material. It does not produce engineered quartz stone products.
Some of the key differences between Corian and quartz:
- Corian is a plastic-based solid surface, while quartz is made from stone
- Quartz is harder, less prone to scratches and damage
- Seamless installation with Corian vs. seams between quartz slabs
- More color options with Corian but limited patterns
- Corian can be fully repaired, quartz only patched and polished
- Quartz has higher heat and stain resistance
So in summary, Corian and quartz are two different materials produced by different manufacturers. Corian is an acrylic solid surface, and quartz is an engineered stone. While both make attractive countertops, they have distinct properties and qualities. Corian does not actually manufacture quartz itself.
Why Choose Quartz Over Corian?
Many homeowners and interior designers are opting for quartz over Corian for countertops. What are some of the reasons for choosing engineered quartz?
Durability – Quartz is one of the hardest counter materials available. It stands up to heavy use without chipping, scratching, or showing wear and tear. Corian is prone to cuts and scratches over time.
Stain resistance – Spills and stains wipe right off quartz with no staining or damage. Corian requires more cleaning effort to remove some stains.
Heat tolerance – Quartz can withstand hot pots and pans. Corian can be damaged by extreme heat.
Color and pattern options – With advanced manufacturing techniques, quartz offers realistic veining, sparkles, and bold colors. Corian’s patterns are more limited.
Maintenance – Quartz requires very little maintenance compared to Corian which needs frequent resealing and more careful cleaning.
Resale value – Quartz countertops will better retain their value and appeal to buyers down the road. Corian often needs replacing after 10-15 years.
With its superior durability and hassle-free maintenance, quartz offers good value and peace of mind for most homeowners compared to Corian over the long run.
Is Corian Still a Good Option?
While quartz has surpassed Corian in popularity, Corian still remains an excellent choice for certain settings.
Budget – Corian is typically 20-30% cheaper than most quartz options providing savings on a tight budget.
Bold colors – Corian comes in vibrant, striking colors and patterns that can make a statement.
Seamless look – Corian’s seamless installation gives a smooth, contemporary appearance quartz can’t match.
Easy repairs – Minor damage to Corian can be sanded and polished out while quartz usually requires total replacement.
Sinks/backsplash integration – Corian allows for perfectly integrated sinks and backsplashes.
So for anyone seeking an affordable option, a seamless look, vibrant colors, or easy repairability, Corian remains a smart choice. It provides quality and value at a lower price point than quartz.
Key Takeaways: Corian and Quartz Comparison
- Corian is a solid surface made of acrylic; quartz is engineered stone.
- Corian does not manufacture quartz countertops.
- Quartz is harder, more stain resistant, and handles heat better than Corian.
- Corian offers a greater variety of colors and seamless installation.
- Quartz requires less maintenance than Corian over time.
- Both offer quality options but quartz provides better durability while Corian is more budget friendly.
Conclusion
While their names sound similar, Corian and quartz are quite distinct materials for countertops and surfaces. Corian is a long standing brand of acrylic solid surfaces. But it does not actually produce quartz, which is an engineered stone made by various manufacturers. With its superior strength and stain resistance, quartz has surged ahead as a popular choice among homeowners in recent years compared to solid surfaces like Corian. However, Corian remains an attractive, seamless, repairable, and affordable option for those on a budget looking to make a design statement. Both materials have their merits, so careful consideration of their different qualities can help determine which one best fits your needs and preferences for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corian and Quartz
Q: Is a Corian quartz countertop possible?
A: No, Corian does not manufacture quartz countertops. Corian is a separate solid surface material made from acrylic, not stone. Only quartz brands like Caesarstone or Cambria make quartz countertops.
Q: Is a quartz countertop better than Corian?
A: In general, quartz is considered superior in durability, stain resistance, and heat tolerance compared to Corian solid surfaces. But Corian costs less, comes in more colors, and offers repairability.
Q: What are the downsides to a Corian countertop?
A: Corian is more prone to scratches, stains, and damage from heat than quartz. It requires more frequent sealing & careful cleaning and loses its luster over time.
Q: Can you repair quartz countertops?
A: It’s very difficult to repair quartz once damaged. Small chips can be filled but deeper damage usually requires total replacement. In contrast, Corian can be fully sanded and restored.
Q: Is Corian outdated?
A: While it’s declined in popularity, Corian remains a quality, affordable option. Its seamless installation and wide range of colors keep it from feeling dated in many homes.