Corian® panels are branded on the underside and edge with a serial number and DuPont™ logo. After the material has been worked, it can be difficult to find these markings, though every original product is accompanied by documentation demonstrating its authenticity.
Solid-surface material is more of a mixture and softer
This mixture melts upon heating and is then put into a mold to define its shape. The finished countertop is slightly softer than quartz and is naturally thinner, with a built-up edge to make it appear thick.
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot. Corian will cost more over the long haul due to the material's fragility and poor resale value.
Quartz is usually the more expensive option, per square foot. Corian can run the gamut, but generally speaking, the Private Collection styles that beautifully mimic stone surfaces can be as expensive, or even more expensive, than granite.
In fact, the biggest difference between these materials lies in their resistance to heat. While quartz is not completely heat-resistant, it does perform better than Corian—hot pots and pans won't damage the surface of quartz if they're put down for a few seconds.
Style, Cost and Substance
On the other hand, quartz weighs in about two pounds heavier per square foot, which provides a more substantial feel. When it comes to cost, Corian and quartz countertops are nearly identical, depending on style, color and complexity of design.
In terms of durability, Corian tends to be more easily damaged by hot surfaces than natural stone. It's also more prone to scratches than surfaces like quartz and granite.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Durability
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. – Granite scratches less easily than quartz.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
Quartz comes in more colors and patterns.
Similarly, quartz slabs can be flecked or veined in the factory to display diverse, uniform patterns across the slab. Quartzite comes primarily in shades of white or gray, though iron oxide in the stone can lend a pink or red hue.
Solid surface material weighs about 4.4 pounds per square foot of 12 mm material. 3 Quartz weighs about 6.2 pounds for the same size and thickness. Thus, quartz is about 33-percent heavier than solid surface, which translates to a slightly more solid feeling when installed.
Avoid getting strong chemicals, such as paint removers and oven cleaners, on your Corian® Solid Surface countertop.
While Corian® Solid Surface is heat resistant, as with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. Important — Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on the countertop surface.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
Corian and other solid surface materials are generally warranted for 10 years; but in practice, they can easily last 30 years or more.
Many consumers look to Swanstone as a less expensive alternative to Corian or Avonite. One benefit of Swan's diversified product lines is that they are a good source of solid surface integrated sink countertops, especially bathroom vanity tops. Swanstone stands up well against high heat.
BKF is safe to use on stainless steel, copper, brass, glass, fiberglass, ceramic, tile, chrome, Formica, porcelain, and Corian. Bar Keepers Friend effectively removes rust, mineral deposits, soap scum, lime, calcium scale, baked-on residue, tarnish, oxidation, silverware, and knife marks on plates.
For many years solid surface (Corian) countertops were considered a high-end alternative to granite tops. While granite consistently enjoys the top spot in luxury reviews, solid surface has declined in popularity. It's not dead yet though.
A Corian countertop is significantly less durable than a Quartz alternative. If you are looking for something extremely tough, you may wish to further explore your options. The large amounts of acrylic polymer and resin used to construct Corian countertops makes them more susceptible to scratches and heat marks.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.