These qualities make Corian® an excellent choice when designing outdoor applications, such as parks, playgrounds, restaurant terraces, and plazas. Sleek, virtually seamless, and extraordinarily versatile, Corian® lends itself to every outdoor context and application from signage to seating, shelters to sculptures.
Although liquids cannot penetrate Corian® Solid Surface, it is best to wipe up spills as they occur. Generally, a damp microfiber cloth used with a standard household kitchen spray should remove most stains.
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.
There are 2 common BBQ styles that can be used with a Corian® benchtop, provided you follow the guidelines for managing excessive heat as outlined below. This “drop in” style of BBQ (fig 2) is the most common type of BBQ being installed into a Corian® benchtop.
Sunshades with Corian® Solid Surface
These sunshades are UV resistant, non-porous, and long lasting. Sunshades with Corian® Solid Surface can be fabricated into any 2D or 3D shape, effect or design, allowing architects to dream beyond traditional concepts and unmask their inspiration for endless design possibilities.
Robust, durable, waterproof, UV resistant, Corian® can be fully exposed outdoors and is backed by a 10 year Corian® Exterior Benchtop Warranty.
Granite. Best for: Strength, heat-resistance, durability, and sun exposure. Selecting granite for an outdoor kitchen countertop is an excellent option because it is strong, durable, and resistant to UV radiation, allowing the materials to hold up in outdoor conditions.
Stainless steel is also one of the most popular outdoor kitchen cabinet materials because of its design versatility. Powder coating technology doesn't only prevent corrosion, it allows for a wide array of decorative finishes to be used.
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.
Corian and other solid surface materials are generally warranted for 10 years; but in practice, they can easily last 30 years or more.
Caesarstone quartz generally costs more per square foot than Corian. Because quartz countertops are more durable and easier to maintain, however, the cost of ownership is typically less over time. Keep reading to learn more about why many consumers are willing to pay more for Caesarstone quartz.
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.
In its advice about disinfecting Corian surfaces, DuPont recommends using a solution of half bleach and half water, so even that strong a solution should be okay for removing stains.
If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
Clean with water, soapy water, or solid-surface cleaners specially designed for Corian surfaces. Never use window cleaners, as they will leave a film that will eventually dull the surface. If there are hard water marks, use a cleaner that is formulated for removing hard water such as CLR.
While marble and quartz aren't great for outdoor countertops, there are two natural stones that work well outside, Soapstone and Granite.
Cinder Blocks
Concrete block is affordable, weather and fire resistant, and easy to work with. Decorative concrete panels, stucco, tile, and stone are all suitable facing materials for an outdoor kitchen constructed with concrete block.
Your best choices are natural stone, concrete or tile. If your heart is set on a manufactured countertop like quartz or recycled glass, talk to the manufacturer first. Most use pigments that are not designed to stand up to outdoor use, so if the counter is exposed to UV rays the color may change over time.
The main contenders were tile, stone, and concrete countertops. The reason I ended up going with tile countertops is because I felt more comfortable with the process, because of the how easy they are to clean and maintain, and because of the cost. I went with big, 12x24 inch tiles to have as little grout as possible.
If you have some DIY skills and know-how, you can save big by building your own outdoor kitchen rather than purchasing and installing a prefab one. You can also save on the cost of materials by using recycled stone, reclaimed wood, and other salvaged materials.
No Wax or Polish Necessary - Because it is nonporous, Corian® Quartz does not require sealants or waxes. Corian® Quartz keeps its lustrous gloss and ultra-smooth surface without polishing or applying sealant.
No, Corian is nonporous. Unlike natural stone, Corian never needs sealing making it easy to live with and perfect for kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, vanities, and many other surfaces! Corian is a beautiful, maintenance-free surface that is perfect for your new kitchen remodeling projects.
Cost. Corian costs $70 to $130 per square foot. Granite's pricing varies a lot according to appearance and coloring, but most granite goes for $40 to $150 per square foot.