When it's time for a new worktop you’ll need to know the disadvantages of Corian worktops to help you decide if it's a fit for your kitchen. Corian is just one option amongst many, and it's not the ideal choice for everyone.
Choosing kitchen worktops means you need to consider a host of factors and compare it with alternative options. Is it within budget? Does it have the finish you want? Is it available in the style and colour you want? Here the experts reveal where Corian worktops sit amongst the many choices available.
Paul Dore
Paul is the managing director of County Stone Ltd., a family-run, modern stone masonry company that works with private and commercial clients locally and nationally.
What is Corian?
Corian is a brand name that is typically used to refer to solid surface worktops that contain polymer and natural minerals. Paul Dore MD of County Stone Ltd shares, “It is a man-made material and it can be cheaper than natural stone,” But he adds a note caution, “But this is reflected in its durability.”
Teri Simone, Head of Design and Marketing at Nieu Cabinet Doors points out that, “Corian is a lower-cost option with a variety of styles and colours.” This is one of the reasons why it has been relatively popular since it was first sold back in the early 1970’s.
Teri Simone
Teri works closely with her customers to help them achieve their dream spaces and is an expert in creating functional yet beautiful kitchen design solutions.
Are Corian worktops still popular?
Corian worktops are still in use today and Paul Dore says they are popular with, “People who want a really minimalist finish, with many homeowners liking its seamless and modern look.” He adds, “Cost can also be an attraction to Corian.”
A point reiterated by Simone, “They are less popular than quartz or granite countertops as they are less heat and scratch-resistant,” She adds, “But for the price point they offer Corian countertops certainly have an increased appeal as the cost of renovations climbs.”
To find out if Corian will be a popular choice for 2025 check out our kitchen trends guide.
How does Corian compare to other materials?
Corian is commonly seen as a cheaper alternative to natural stone worktops, but it doesn’t have the same properties as Dore shares, “Corian offers a sleek and uniform appearance that you don’t always get with natural stone.” He adds, “Granite and marble are undeniably beautiful, with unique patterns people adore, but Corian is more versatile.” Check out our kitchen worktop ideas to see if you can mix and match.
He continues by comparing Corian with other types of worktop, “You can shape, curve, and join Corian without visible seams, which you can’t usually do with a solid slab of granite.” He adds, “Corian is also more durable than many laminate worktops which are prone to dents and chips.”
While laminate worktops aren’t as durable as Corian and natural stone worktops, they are more budget-friendly. Dore finishes by saying, “Essentially, Corian sits right in the middle; less natural character than stone, but it is more customisable.”
Try these worktops for a kitchen makeover
Prices correct at publication
Algiata Terrazzo effect Kitchen Worktop
A budget 22mm thick Algiata laminate worktop with a Terrazzo effect in matt grey. Scratch resistant and easy to clean.
Prime Oak Worktop 2m
A solid oak worktop which is hand-crafted from sustainably sourced European oak. Pre-sanded ready to add your own finish.
Nepeta Soapstone effect Kitchen Worktop
Resistant to heat, stains, scratching and water this paper and resin worktop has a square edge and a Soapstone effect.
What are the downsides of Corian worktops?
While Corian worktops undoubtedly have some positives – its price being one big plus – there are some definite downsides that can make them less appealing as Simone shares. “Corian countertops are less heat resistant and more porous than quartz, making them more susceptible to staining and marking,”
She adds, “They are far less durable than granite, which is quite the workhorse in the kitchen. Granite is solid, heat resistant, and difficult to scratch.” Check out our Quartz vs Granite guide to see the differences.
Dore goes into more detail, “While Corian is tough, it is prone to scratching more easily than stone.” You can prolong its life with gentle use and making sure to use chopping boards.
And as Simone mentioned Corian is not as heat resistant as stone. Dore points out that, “You wouldn’t want to put a scorching hot pan directly on the surface as this can lead to damage.”
He continues, “In terms of cost, Corian is pricier than laminate but typically less costly than premium granite.” And to finish he points out one more downside to Corian, “Over time, light-coloured Corian can dull slightly, which can leave homeowners feeling frustrated.”
FAQs
Are Corian worktops high maintenance?
They are typically not, as Dore explains, “Corian worktops are relatively low maintenance day to day.” He explains how to look after them, “As a non-porous and man-made material, a regular wipe with mild soap and water is enough to keep the surface clean.” It is recommended not to use strong chemicals such as oven cleaners.
To get rid of surface scratches it is recommended to use a fine sandpaper grade. Start with a 240 grit sandpaper to gently get rid of the scratch and finish by washing with a super fine 400 grit sandpaper.
For long-lasting maintenance Simone recommends, “Using appropriate heat and stain protection,” She adds, “It’s important to keep Corian countertops from looking dated or damaged.”
How long do Corian worktops last?
Like most things if you look after it and maintain it it will last a lot longer and a Corian worktop is no different. Also how often it is used will have a bearing on its longevity.
But, Corian is not as long lasting as other types of worktops as Dore shares, “It (Corian) is nowhere near as hard-wearing as stone. So unlike stones like granite and quartz, homeowners may find they need to replace it every 10 or so years.”
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Steve Jenkins is a freelance content creator with over two decades of experience working in digital and print and was previously the DIY content editor for Homebuilding & Renovating.
He is a keen DIYer with over 20 years of experience in transforming and renovating the many homes he has lived in. He specialises in painting and decorating, but has a wide range of skills gleaned from working in the building trade for around 10 years and spending time at night school learning how to plaster and plumb.
He has fitted kitchens, tiled bathrooms and kitchens, laid many floors, built partition walls, plastered walls, plumbed in bathrooms, worked on loft conversions and much more. And when he's not sure how to tackle a DIY project he has a wide network of friends – including plumbers, gas engineers, tilers, carpenters, painters and decorators, electricians and builders – in the trade to call upon.
