Countertops are one of the first items that you will notice in a kitchen. If you need to select countertops for your own home, there are some points that you should consider. You need to think about your style preferences and usage for your home. The two most popular choices are Corian and quartz. While they act in a similar manner, there are a few differences in the materials. Here’s a brief look at these countertop options.
Popular Choices on the Market
If you are thinking about your next remodeling project, your biggest decision will be choosing the right countertop for your home. This is the busiest room in the house, and many people gather to socialize and enjoy a delicious meal. You want to select a surface material that will match your lifestyle, daily use, personality, and design preferences.
In the world of kitchen countertops, there are two choices for you: Corian or quartz. These materials are commercially made, but they have different visual and internal components. You might think that quartz is produced with natural products, but it is man-made. The natural products are known as quartzite.
Many people choose products based on the durability, look, and cost of the materials. Corian is actually a brand name product, and it is also known as a solid surface countertop. This material was introduced in 1967. It is formed by blending mineral dust and pigments. After that, the Corian is bonded with resins. This countertop is made of a blend of 66 percent natural material and 33 percent synthetic polymers.
These countertops became extremely popular in the 1970s when laminate countertops were in style. Laminate countertops were known to be less durable and prone to damage. Corian became a welcomed alternative to these flimsy countertops. They are not only durable, but these countertops are also lower in cost.
With engineered quartz, the countertops contain about 93 percent of the same crystals found in the natural products. However, these countertops use a separate process to bind the crystals with color dyes, resins, and other materials. From luxury mansions to single-family homes, you can find quartz in all types of homes. Quartz countertops also come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Depending on your own personal preference, you can find a countertop choice to fit your style. Quartz and Corian are both great options for your home.
The Good and Bad Qualities of Corian and Quartz
Let’s look at these two surfaces. Durability and strength are some of the best features of quartz. With its low-maintenance, you can go about your daily activities in the kitchen without any worries. Quartz is also invulnerable to mold, stains, and bacteria. When you use quartz in your home, it gives your kitchen a stately appearance without breaking the budget. Corian is also a durable material, but it can easily be scratched with a knife or scraped with a pan.
With traditional kitchen use, it is a virtual tie between the two materials. While Corian can be easily damaged, the surface can be sanded and repolished by the homeowner. Quartz countertops are resistant to heat so that you can place a hot pan on the surface. The same is not true for Corian surfaces. These countertops can be damaged at temperatures of 250 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer. Corian uses a bonding adhesive that will create an invisible seam. With quartz, the seams are covered, but they are still visible on the countertops.
The Style and Cost of Countertop Surfaces
If you need to choose between Corian or quartz, it might be left up to personal choice. Corian will give your countertops a more contemporary appearance. These countertops can be formed into flowing or curved shapes without the need to be cut. For those who want the look of natural stone, you will want to choose quartz. Quartz is a heavier product, and that can give your countertops a more substantial feel to the kitchen.
For those concerned about the cost, both of these materials are almost identical. The color, style, and design complexity can raise those costs though. Many people are more environmentally conscious than in the past. If you have an eco-friendly kitchen, you will need to decide between these two products. Corian has a low-cost of manufacturing, but it does contain toxic chemicals. Quartz countertops are made in the United States, and many of these products use recycled products. These countertops are a plentiful resource and a more eco-friendly choice for your home. In many cases, quartz will last for the duration of your home.
Making the Final Decision
Corian and quartz have their advantages with some drawbacks. You need to make a decision on certain factors and decide what will fit in your kitchen. Both quartz and Corian offer luxurious finishes with a variety of sizes, shapes, and edges. You can choose from many color options. Those choices will allow you to select the right product to match your personality and style preferences.
If you have a family with children, you will need a product that is strong enough to hold up to daily life. Both materials use resin, and those materials are non-porous and hygienic. In addition to that, you don’t have to worry about stains or cracks with either material. With Corian and quartz, you never have to spend time and money sealing these countertops. There are also no special cleaning routines needed with these materials. You can wipe them down like a standard countertop.
The choice is up to you to find the best material for your kitchen. Marble Concepts is here to help you find the right material for your home. Your needs are unique, and you want to choose a surface that can keep up with your daily life. Whether you want quartz or Corian, you can find a wide selection of products at Marble Concepts.
For those who want to learn more about countertops choices for their homes, please take a few minutes to fill out the contact form.
