Corian Countertops: Cost, Installation, and Comparison
What is Corian?
Corian is a solid surface countertop material created by DuPont. It is composed of about 33% binding resins and 66% minerals, making it less rock-like than quartz or engineered stone but still visually appealing and more solid than laminate.
Cost of Corian Countertops
The cost of Corian countertops varies depending on factors such as the size of the countertop, the type of Corian material, and the installation method.
Installed Corian Countertops
Full Corian installations, including materials, labor, backsplash, and sink cutouts, typically cost between $2,600 and $4,000 for a 28-square-foot countertop. The price varies depending on the Corian color and pattern.
Corian Countertop Materials
Corian countertop material is generally not available on the retail market. However, some suppliers, such as Solid Surface, sell Corian-branded countertop material to non-authorized distributors or fabricators. Uninstalled Corian material typically costs around one-third the cost of installed Corian.
Corian Pricing Information
Corian’s price fluctuates and is largely kept secret from consumers. DuPont regulates pricing to control the quality of the end product and requires fabricators to undergo certification before installing Corian.
Solid Surface Countertop Comparison
Corian is not the only solid surface brand available. Other popular brands include:
- Affinity
- Avonite
- Formica
- Hanex
- Krion
- Hi Macs
- Livingstone
- Meganite
- Mystera
- Simplicity
- Staron
- Studio Collection
- Wilsonart
Corian vs Other Materials
When comparing Corian to other countertop materials, consider the following factors:
Corian vs Granite: Corian is less durable than granite but more affordable and easier to fabricate.
Corian vs Quartz: Quartz is more durable and scratch-resistant than Corian, but it is also more expensive.
How to Choose the Right Corian Color
Corian offers a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from. Consider the following tips when selecting a Corian color:
- In-production Corian colors are currently offered by DuPont.
- Overstock or discontinued Corian colors can save you money.
- Keep in mind that matching adhesives and accessories may not be available with discontinued Corian.
DIY Corian Countertops
While Corian countertop material is generally not available on the retail market, a skilled DIYer with the right tools and materials can create a Corian countertop. Partial sheets of Corian are significantly less expensive than full sheets and can be shipped via ground shipping.
Tips for Saving Money on Corian Countertops
- Choose an overstock or discontinued Corian color.
- Purchase partial sheets of Corian for smaller countertops.
- Consider DIY installation if you have the skills and equipment.
Conclusion
Corian is a popular solid surface countertop material that offers a balance of affordability, durability, and aesthetics. By understanding the cost, installation methods, and comparison to other materials, you can make an informed decision about whether Corian is the right choice for your kitchen or bathroom.