Corian, developed by Dupont in 1967, is a man-made material that is solid, homogeneous and non-porous, making it the perfect surface for a kitchen counter. To make Corian, simply mix one part PMMA acrylic resin with two parts crushed natural minerals (try aluminum trihydrate, derived from bauxite ore). Add some catalysts, pigments, stabilizers, and UV absorbers. Heat, mix and let it harden: it has Corian. Using a temperature of 300°F (150°C), you can thermoform Corian after it has hardened and create, say, custom-sized Corian countertops for your kitchen remodel.
In addition to Corian’s primary use for bathroom vanities, kitchen countertops, and shower casings, the material has uses in hospitals and laboratories, primarily due to its hygienic properties. In addition to using this material for domestic kitchen countertops, Corian is also perfect for surfaces used in commercial food preparation, healthcare, testing facilities, and chemical laboratories.
First sold in the late 1960s, Corian countertops were envisioned early on as an integral part of the new kitchen remodeling industry, even though the material was only available in a couple of shades of beige and white. Today, there are over a hundred Corian colors and patterns, including patterns that mimic granite or marble. Many buyers of Corian countertops for a kitchen remodel have said they prefer Corian to granite not only for its appearance, but also for its easy maintenance and non-porous surface.
A cross section of Corian will show you the homogeneous distribution of particles and color throughout the material. This uniform homogeneity comes into play when constructing Corian countertops for a kitchen remodel: joints can be completely sealed with color-matched two-part Corian acrylic epoxy as an adhesive. Once clamped and allowed to dry, then sanded to remove excess adhesive, and then polished, the countertop joint will be completely invisible. In the same way, a continuous backsplash can be added to a countertop.
One of the problems with Corian is that it scratches much more easily than granite, making the material vulnerable to knife cuts (although any scratches and nicks can be sanded smooth with an orbital sander). Corian, being a thermoformed material, is vulnerable to burns from hot metal, such as a pan or pot. And then there’s the cost: Although Corian is one of the most affordable “high-end” countertop materials, Corian countertops can still cost more in a kitchen remodel than traditional countertop material options like wood.
On the other hand, there are many patterns and colors to choose from with Corian. Seams can be made that are almost invisible. The surface is easy to clean and non-porous, so it does not support the growth of bacteria or fungi. Corian is inert and non-toxic; even when burned, Corian emits only CO and CO2. Corian is a “green” material, manufactured to strict standards to limit waste and energy consumption, and has low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.
