Comparing Corian versus laminate countertops for kitchens - Epic Home Ideas (2023)

Both Corian and high-pressure laminate are worthy choices for your new kitchen countertop. However, each product has distinct advantages over the other.

Here I compare Corian with laminate for its performance and aesthetics. You'll discover which material has the most strength, longevity and design options. You will also learn which is the most affordable and easiest to install.

Whichever product you choose, your kitchen will look exquisite!

What is Corian?

Corian consists of natural metals and acrylic polymers. As"solid surface material",ofdense and consistent throughout. Corian sheets are available in ¼ inch, ½ inch and ¾ inch thicknesses.

What companies make Corian countertops?

DuPont created and patented Corian in 1971. DuPont then lost the patent and other versions hit the market, designed by Wilsonart and Avonite.

Yet,Corian is the hallmark of this solid surface product.Additionally, only DuPont certified personnel can install Corian countertops.

Image source:corian

What is laminated?

laminate is atop surface materialfrom plastic phenolic resins. The base layer is called the substrate and is usually made of paper.

Options include medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, Kraft paper or wood composite panels. Laminated sheets can be 1 ½ or 2 inches thick.

Manufacturers produce laminates by injecting plastic resins with cellulose. They then apply pressure and heat to the layers, causing them to solidify.Hence the name, "high pressure laminate", abbreviated HPL.

Manufacturers then add a decorative layer of print by covering it with a protective melamine resin.

Image source:laminated jumpsuit

What companies design laminate kitchen countertops?

Currently, the main HPL manufacturers areFormica,Art Wilson, enavamar.

Laminate was invented in the early 1900's, before Corian. Today's HPL is much improved in terms of durability, scratch resistance and available styles.

Corian vs. Comparison of laminate countertops

design options

Corian can be molded into any shape, including flowing patterns.So you can easily integrate a Corian countertop with sinks, lighting, single and double sinks and splashbacks. In addition, you can have Corian engraved, stamped or polished.

About that,Laminate comes in beautiful graphics,thanks to the latest printing technologies. Examples are abstract images, wood grains, stone patterns and textured prints. Laminate countertops can even simulate marble and granite!

Range of colors and finishes

Corian countertops are available in approximately 100 different colors. Due to the natural minerals in Corian, patterns and shades may vary slightly between sheets.

You can also choose from three types of finishes – matte, semi-gloss and gloss. Generally, light colored panels have a matte surface. On the other hand, dark countertops can feature a semi-gloss or gloss finish.

Yet,Laminate comes in more colors than Corian.Additionally, each laminate manufacturer offers separate proprietary finishes with unique names.

For example, with Formica laminate, choose from six finishes including crystal, faux, etching and glitter. Meanwhile, Wilsonart provides 10 countertop finishes. Among them are fine velvet, quarry, textured glitter, and high-definition enamel.

Energy

As a solid surface material,Corian is much stronger than laminate.So if the Corian chips, you can fill the cavity. On the other hand, you cannot repair cuts in laminates.

Also, Corian is perfect. Builders smooth the panel edges, secure them with caulking and adhesives, and heat seal them. So you won't see any joints in a Corian countertop.

Meanwhile, laminated panels have visible joints.If water collects in the seams, plastic resins can deteriorate.

If you see the layers separating at the edges, the countertop needs to be replaced. You can avoid this by drying the surface and edges whenever they get wet.

heat tolerance

Both Corian and laminate surfaces can withstand moderate heat. However, hot pans leave permanent stain and burn marks.

To avoid burns, place hot pans on a protective barrier, such as asilicone wallpaper.This material can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees F.

Also, waitsilicone mopsunder appliances that produce heat, such as a microwave oven or toaster oven.

scratch resistance

Both Corian and laminate are vulnerable to scratches. However, you can sand or polish Corian to get rid of them. You can also fill in small holes and hollowed out areas.

On the contrary, on laminate you cannot fix chips, deep scratches and scuffs. Also, if a laminate countertop has surface scratches, you can hide them with resin paint.

Whether you choose Corian or laminate, protect your countertop from scratches using acutting board.Also, avoid dragging rough objects across surfaces.

Maintenance

Laminate and Corian countertops are equally stain resistant.

While Corian repels bacteria and mold, residual water can leave a film.So dry the countertop whenever it gets wet.Otherwise, the film will thicken, making the finish dull or smeared.

Also, try to clean up spills as soon as they occur.

How to Clean a Corian Countertop

First, apply warm soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner. Then rinse off the cleaner and dry the counter thoroughly. You can eliminate hard water marks with a commercial product designed for this purpose. Examples are Lime-A-Way and CLR.

If the counter has deep stains, you can clean them with sandpaper.

To disinfect a Corian countertop, apply diluted bleach by combining five tablespoons of bleach with a gallon of water. After thoroughly rinsing the surfaces, dry them thoroughly. Avoid daily disinfecting Corian to protect your finish.

Careful:Acid drain cleaners can damage the surface and should not be used on Corian surfaces.

How to clean a laminate countertop

Compared to Corian, laminate countertops are much easier to clean. First, apply a solution of warm water and detergent with a sponge. Then rinse and dry all surfaces thoroughly.

To remove stains, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water. Then apply the paste to the stain, leaving it on for five minutes. Then rinse and dry the countertop with a soft, damp cloth.

Careful– Avoid using abrasive cleaners and cleaners on Corian and laminate surfaces. Also, please note that bleach will destroy a laminate countertop, unlike Corian.

Long life

In general, Corian outperforms HPL. However, with diligent care,a laminate kitchen counter has a lifespan of about 15 years.

Most Corian countertops come with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. However, in practice,Corian countertops last at least 30 years.Therefore, they have double the lifespan of laminate kitchen countertops.

Installation

Laminated panels are flexible, lightweight and relatively simple to install. So if you're handy and have the necessary tools, the installation should go without a hitch.

While Corian countertops are tricky, you can probably install one with the help of a tutorial.

Prices

corian counter

This material is more expensive than laminate.Prices for Corian countertops range from $40 to $65 per square foot, excluding installation.

The cost varies according to the thickness, style, finish and color of the product. The thicker a Corian slab, the greater its durability. So ¾ inch material costs more than ¼ inch Corian.

Meanwhile, light tones like gray and white seek lower prices. However, darker colors like green, black and blue are more expensive. This is because dark colors require more pigments and processing.

If you hire a professional Corian installer, expect to pay between $50 and $80 per square foot.These prices typically include labor to remove and dispose of an existing countertop.

How to save money with Corian

If possible, schedule your project for fall or winter. Prices for Corian and third-party installation are lower during the off-season.

So if you plan on installing it yourself, compare the cost of materials at some home improvement stores. Or, if you plan to hire an installer, get quotes from at least three contractors.

Whatever your final cost, a Corian countertop should last twice as long as a laminate. This will save you money in the long run.

laminate bench

Laminate costs range from $10 to $40 per square foot for the material alone.Prices vary depending on the type of border, substrate and finish chosen.

Most professional installers charge between $20 and $80 an hour for materials and labor.Typically, this includes the cost of removing and disposing of an existing workbench.

Final evaluation

Let's look at the factors to consider for your countertop and the ideal material in each category.

• Durability – Corian
• Range of design options – laminate
• Range of colors and finishes – laminate
• Heat Tolerance – Corian and laminate are the same, need protection
• Scratch resistance – Corian
• Less maintenance – laminate
• Longer Life – Corian
• Ease of installation – laminate
• Economical – Laminated

Therefore, both Corian and laminate are high-quality materials for kitchen countertops. Each product will serve you well!

image sources

corian

Formica