Corian vs quartz: what’s the difference and which is best

Corian vs quartz: what’s the difference and which is best

May 16, 2023

Corian vs quartz: what’s the difference and which is best

There are loads of choices when deciding on the perfect new worktop for your new kitchen or bathroom. Two of the most popular options are Corian and quartz. They’re two very similar materials, making it incredibly challenging to choose between them.

We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best countertop that will look stunning for years to come. This guide will cover what Corian is, what quartz is, what the main differences are, and how to make the right choice for your renovation.

 

What is Corian?

Corian is a brand name for a solid, non-porous surface material commonly used for work surfaces. It was created by a company called Dupont in 1967. Initially, Corian solid surfaces were only available in white. Now, it can be found in over 100 different colours.

Although Corian is a brand name, many people use the term to refer to any type of solid work surface manufactured from natural minerals and polymers. 

 

How is Corian made?

This innovative man-made work surface is made from a mix of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, with added colourants to produce its range of colours and patterns. The ground natural mineral is mixed with the polymer acrylic resin in a ratio of approximately 1/3 resin to 2/3 minerals. 

This manufacturing process results in a work surface with consistent colour and pattern throughout the entire material. This is why it’s called a solid surface countertop.

 

What’s the cost of Corian countertops?

Corian costs less per square foot than other premium countertops, such as quartz and granite worktops. This is the reason for its initial popularity and why it remains a popular choice today. However, it’s more expensive than other worktop materials, like laminate countertops.

 

What are the benefits of using Corian?

Corian has many properties that make it an excellent choice for worktops. The material is thermoformable, meaning that it’s highly flexible when heated. This allows it to be shaped and moulded to any design. 

It’s also a non-porous material, making it a great, hygienic choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Corian worktops can also be joined together seamlessly. This allows for upstands and splashbacks to appear moulded to the worktops. 

 

What is quartz?

Natural quartz is a mineral made from silicon and oxygen. It’s one of the most common minerals on earth.

Quartz is formed as magma cools down in igneous rocks. As it cools, the silicon dioxide crystallises, turning into natural quartz crystals. These crystals are incredibly durable, so natural quartz is commonly used to make quartz worktops. 

 

How are quartz worktops made?

Although quartz crystals are natural, quartz worktops are considered man-made. Quart is an engineered stone surface because it combines ground quartz crystals with resin and pigments. The material is then compressed into a large slab. 

Quartz worktops are usually made with 90 – 95% quartz minerals combined with 5 – 10 % resin and pigments. These pigments can create a huge range of colours and patterns.

 

What’s the cost of quartz countertops?

Quartz worktops are more expensive than Corian worktops. However, quartz countertops are usually cheaper than natural luxury stone work surfaces, like granite and marble. Quartz worktop prices will depend on the colour and pattern you choose and the thickness of the slab.

 

What are the benefits of using quartz?

Quartz worktops are an extremely popular option for kitchen and bathroom countertops, and with good reason. 

Like Corian, they’re non-porous, hygienic and hard-wearing, making them perfect for busy and high-traffic areas. Compared to natural stone countertops, they’re also very low maintenance because they don’t require sealing.

 

What’s the difference between Corian and quartz?

There are many similarities between Corian and quartz work surfaces. They’re both non-porous, hygienic, and durable manufactured worksurfaces available in various colours to suit any colour scheme. Corian and quartz countertops are both stain resistant. They can handle most stains but may be damaged if left for extended periods.

However, there are two key differences between them. 

 

Scratch resistance 

One key difference you should consider is the scratch resistance of both materials. Corian is fairly easily scratched, particularly in darker colours where damage is more visible. However, scratches can usually be removed by sanding and polishing the surface. 

Quartz worktops are incredibly durable and scratch resistant. They’re comparable to many natural stone surfaces, like granite. If they do get damaged, they’re easier to repair than natural stone.

 

Heat resistance 

Corian’s thermoforming properties allow it to be moulded into any shape. However, this means Corian isn’t as resistant to heat as other work surfaces. Hot pans can easily damage Corian countertops, especially when left for a long time.

Quartz offers better heat resistance and can withstand higher temperatures than Corian. However, even quartz worktops can be damaged by prolonged exposure to heat. 

 

What’s the best choice for your kitchen or bathroom?

Although quartz and Corian are very similar materials, there is a clear winner when it comes to choosing the perfect work surface for your renovation – quartz worktops. Although the price is slightly higher than Corian, quartz worktops are worth the investment for their superior heat and scratch resistance. 

 

How Mo’s StoneX can help

If you’ve decided that quartz worktops are the perfect addition to your kitchen or bathroom, we would love to help. Our professional team has over a decade of experience supplying and installing luxury quartz work surfaces. 

Mo’s StoneX handles the entire process, from the free initial quote to installing your stunning new countertops. Our quartz kitchen worktops come in a huge range of colours, styles, and finishes. From popular sparkly colours to our in-demand marble-inspired Carraras range, we have a quartz worktop for any colour scheme!

Fill out our online enquiry form for a free quote to transform your home. Or get in contact with our team today if you want some advice about choosing the right work surface!