Is Corian plastic or stone?

Author: Mr. Hubert Bergstrom  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Corian falls into a category known as “solid surface” materials. While it's not a traditional stone like granite or marble, it's also distinct from plastics. The unique blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals gives Corian its exceptional properties.

Is Corian a plastic?

No. Corian® is composed for one third of transparent acrylic resin (poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA) and two thirds natural minerals. The principal among these latter is alumina trihydrate (ATH), a white powder derived from bauxite, the mineral from which aluminium is extracted.

Is Corian a stone?

Corian® is a solid surface: a manmade material created by mixing minerals with acrylic resins. As hard as stone and as malleable as wood, Corian® technically surpasses both materials for its thermoformability and possibility to create an almost infinite number of invisible joints.

What are the disadvantages of Corian?

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. Laminate has been a widely used countertop material since the 1950s.

What should you not use with Corian?

Keep nail polish remover, bleach, detergent, permanent markers or inks, and oil soaps away from your Corian® Quartz.

Quartz Vs Solid Surface - Which One is Better?

Why is Corian not popular?

Corian is a branded name used in reference to solid surface countertops. These surfaces are a step up from laminate but still lack the durability and aesthetics that would allow them to compete with natural stone such as quartz. This is one of the primary reasons Corian offers poor resale value compared to quartz.

Does white Corian turn yellow?

No. Corian® is colour stable and non-photosensitive. This is because it contains an acrylic binding agent that does not turn yellow.

What is the lifespan of Corian?

This material is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear and last for decades, usually up to 50 years, without the need for major repair or replacement. However, should it be damaged, the solid surface can be repaired in the event of minor damage.

What causes Corian to crack?

Countertops can crack due to thermal stress caused by sudden temperature changes. Hot pots placed directly on the surface or exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations can contribute to cracking.

Does anyone still use Corian?

Corian® Solid Surface has been, and continues to be, the most popular brand of solid surface material in the world for over four decades.

What is cheaper than Corian?

Hanex worktops are generally less expensive than Corian. Other alternatives to Corian include LG Hausys HI-MACS Solid Surface, Lotte Staron and, Porcelanosa KRION.

What is the most durable countertop?

Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish.

What damages Corian?

Never put hot pans, in particular cast iron pots or hot casserole dishes directly on a Corian® top or in a sink. Such heat can damage any surface. Preventing Other Damage Be aware of what your Corian® surface has been exposed to. Harsh chemicals may damage the surface (e.g. paint removers, oven cleaners, etc.)

What is the best glue for Corian?

Silicone is best used where movement and cushioning are required in the Corian®. Clear contact adhesive is used in applications where appearance and quick adhesion are important, such as in edge details or inlays into Corian®. However, great care is needed to insure that the Corian® and wood can move independently.

Does Corian have stone in it?

Corian is a solid surface material manufactured by DuPont. It's engineered from a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, primarily aluminum trihydrate derived from bauxite ore. This combination results in a material that's neither purely plastic nor stone but offers the best of both worlds.

What looks like quartz but is cheaper?

Corian Solid Surface

It has a seamless appearance, similar to quartz. One of its main advantages is its durability, as it resists stains, scratches, and moisture. Corian is also non-porous, making it easy to clean.

Is Corian considered an engineered stone?

Corian is known as a “solid surface” as opposed to the engineered stone porcelain benchtops.

Will Corian hold a screw?

The inserts should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Screws should never be inserted directly into Corian® solid surface.

Can you use Clorox wipes on Corian countertops?

Corian quartz has become very popular and seems to be on track to replace legacy solid surface materials. If your Corian countertops look like marble or another type of natural stone, chances are they're Corian quartz by DuPont, which means you shouldn't use bleach to clean them.

How do I make Corian look new again?

Wipe the countertop surface with the help of an ammonia-based spray cleaner or warm soapy water for minor residue buildups, or with an abrasive cleaner for heavier buildups. This will help to remove minor scratches, scorch marks, and very stubborn stains from the Corian countertop and will revitalize it.

What is the average price of Corian?

Corian comes in several finishes, from low-shine to high-gloss. Matte or satin, the least expensive, averages about $30 to $40 per square foot and is often used for lighter-colored surfaces. Semi-gloss and high-gloss are commonly utilized for darker countertop colors, costing, on average, $60 to $80 per square foot.

Is magic eraser safe on Corian?

Do Not Use On Granite or Marble. 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.

Can you use Windex on Corian?

Use a multi-surface cleaner such as Windex® Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner to clean and shine countertops made of sealed granite, sealed marble, Corian®, Formica® and more. For a gentle clean that also works on a variety of surfaces, try Windex® Vinegar Glass Cleaner.

Is vinegar safe for Corian?

Some ideas for removing stains from your Corian worktops: Spray lemon juice or vinegar on the stain and leave for a few minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry properly. A solution of spirit vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can be rubbed on in small circular motions and rinsed off with clean water.

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