I've been in the countertop business for 24 years, and it's fascinating to read all of these comments. Every type of countertop material has its advantages and disadvantages, but DuPont Corian (solid surface) is my personal favorite. Why? Excellent sanitation and stain resistance, option of coved backsplashes and integral sinks, wide range of colors and patterns, very good color consistency from batch to batch, outstanding design versatility, and excellent potential for repair and/or modification if needed. Yes, Corian can be damaged if a very hot pot is placed on it, but it can be repaired. All types of countertops are subject to various kinds of damage, and in many cases are difficult or impossible to repair.

Corian can scratch, but with normal usage, scratches are a minor problem. Scratches will be more visible on darker colors and glossy finishes, but that's true of ALL materials, not just Corian. It is easy for a moderately skilled person to refinish Corian countertops to "like new" condition by a simple sanding and buffing procedure.

One error that crops up repeatedly in these comments is confusing a brand name (Formica) with their most famous early product (thin plastic laminate that's glued to plywood or particle board). Formica also makes solid surface materials that are quite similar to Corian. You can't generalize about Formica's characteristics without narrowing down the specific product being discussed. Formica plastic laminate is similar in performance to other brands such as Wilsonart plastic laminate. Formica solid surface is similar in performance to other brands such as Corian and many others.

If you want maximum heat resistance, get stainless steel countertops. If you want a beautiful natural material, get granite, but be aware that many granites are resin impregnated and/or need regular resealing. Beware of fly-by-night granite dealers. If you want the look of granite without the staining, get quartz (engineered stone). If you want an economical countertop, get plastic laminate. If you just LOVE dirty grout lines, get ceramic tile. If you can live with countertops that can be damaged by wine or lemon juice, install marble in your kitchen. Ask lots of questions of lots of people.

Corian is an all-around great countertop material. But if you really don't like it, don't get it. After you've informed yourself, buy what you like.

Jim Heaphy
www.TopRepair.com

i agree with nate, and like silestone, icestone [lovely], vetrazzo, concrete, and other materials.

not to confuse you, but maybe take a wider look, too, such as hanstone, lg hi macs, and richlite.

this article is really long, but interesting and helpful--
http://www.keidel.com/design/select/tops-matl-solid.htm