Corian Countertops

Corian holds its own among quality, popular countertop materials like granite, slate and soapstone. Boasting an appealing look and feel, a Corian countertop is a solid surface constructed out of acrylic or plastic.

Because Corian, a material created by DuPont, is moldable, a countertop, sink and backsplash, for example, can be made to appear as one solid, seamless surface. It also can be bent, cut, drilled and more. The material is nonporous and therefore requires no sealing. It's stain, mold, mildew and bacteria resistant. Star-K, a kosher certification agency, has certified Corian countertops as kosher and approved them for use in kosher homes.

Finishes, colors

Corian countertops showcase a finish that's either matte/satin (the most common), semi-gloss or high gloss. They are available in solids and patterns, in more than 100 shades. New are eight metallic hues, a mix of bold colors and eye-catching bits of gold or silver metals. These are other Corian color groupings:

1. The Private Collection: It contains 24 warm earth colors and patterns found in nature, such as Saffron, Sonora, Cinnabar, Elderberry and Verde. The newest, Sorrel, features a gray and pale brown design. These colors are popular with homeowners and designers.
2. The Terra Collection: The countertops in these shades are manufactured with preconsumer recycled content, 6 percent in hues such as Granola, Blue Pebble, Medea, Sahara and Shale, and 13 percent in ones like White Jasmine, Silver Birch, Dove, Fawn and others.
3. The Illumination Series: The colors in this collection allow more light to permeate them than others. The current 10-shade Arctic Series, for example, encompassing colors like Mint Ice, Arctic Lime, Strawberry Ice and Glacier Ice, contains white particulates that give an illusion of movement.

Care, life span, cost

Corian countertops come in 1/4-inch and 3/4-inch thicknesses and are durable. To maintain them, simply wash with soapy water, a solid surface cleanser or an ammonia-based cleaner (but not a window cleaner). Then dry them thoroughly to prevent any buildup. To avoid damaging the surface, don't place hot pots and pans directly on your countertops; always use a trivet or hot pad underneath. If you care for your countertops in this fashion, they can potentially last a lifetime.

Corian countertops can get scratched, but most scratches can be removed or repaired. Over time, your countertops may acquire a patina that will alter their appearance. You can, however, restore their original finish in a few easy steps. Your Corian countertops carry a limited residential warranty.

Corian, the material, costs about $50 to $75 per square foot. Add to that an extra $13 to $17 per square foot for decorative edge treatment like large ogee, large Roman ogee and 3/4-inch roundover. With installation, expect to pay between $150 and $200 total per square foot for a Corian countertop.

Getting started

Corian countertops are available at more than 4,000 independent kitchen and bath retailers nationally and at national home centers like Lowe's and The Home Depot. At those places you can peruse color and pattern options. DuPont offers Corian samples for purchase.

Then, to find a reputable contractor, complete the form on this page or ask friends, family and neighbors for a recommendation.