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The corian ones hold up very well - you really can't see scratches - at least on the non-solid colored ones, and are very easy to maintain and clean, and you can choose the type of edges you want on the countertop, too(square, rounded, etc.).
They've been on the counters in my parents' house for years now (corian) and we've all been very happy with them.

I have blanco terrazzo solid surface Formica countertops that I contracted through Lowe's. It has no seams and is similar to corian. Any scratches can be buffed out or if a section of countertop gets burned or discoloration occurs it can be cut out and replaced to look like new. I liked the formica better due to more choices and the options were better looking and not as dull/matte as corian.

I've them almost a year and they still look new.

I can't help in the decision making process but I can say that the best installations I have seen with formica are when there is a mitered wooden edge attached all the way around the exposed edges of the counter. The formica sits flush with the edge of that wooden border so you don't get those exposed corner seams and it looks richer IMO.

Another surface that also works well with that mitered wooden border is stainless steel sheet glued to the counter top as you would the formica.

I tried to find a picture of what I'm talking about and this was the best I could find. Not ideal but you should get the idea.
http://www.bostonkitchen.com/Images/Products_laminate_countertop.gif

hgtv.com talks about bevelling the edge (I guess that's the term I should have been using) here
http://hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_kitchen/article/0,1793,HGTV_3375_1392018,00.html

Cement looks nice only if you have a pro doing it. I was in a 5 million dollar Tribeca loft the other day, and they had cement countertops that looked AWFUL.

Ah, Nate... I only think of Formica as the veneer/laminate sheets. Thanks for the info on the fact that they also offer a solid-surface material.

As another endorsement for Corian, friends have the bright white in their gorgeous home in Clinton Corners, and it looks great after ten years. There are some areas where bad choices in scouring powder has changed the sheen (they had to point it out... it was not in-yer-face obvious), but other than that it could have been installed yesterday.

The other thing they did was to create a false depth to the front edge, so it has the feel of a huge slab. Makes a huge difference in the feel of the thing.

Does anyone know approximate $/ft^2 for Formica (laminate), Corian, engineered stone (e.g., Caesarstone), and granite?

We just priced Caesarstone (Jerusalem Sand) for 2 bathroom counter tops (~6' long, 1 sink each) and they were about $71/ft^2, installed. Over our allowance, we checked out a granite place and they would do them for $63/ft^2. This is in the midwest.

I've had tile countertops and would never have them again. Well, not with light grout, anyway. I don't even cook but they would get dirty quickly, I was a master of applying Clorox with a Q-tip, pre-Bleach Pen.

But back to the Corian/Formica/Silestone/Caesarstone debate:
I love all the options of Formica, but I *love* the way that Corian feels. For me, I place a lot of emphasis on texture and I love the way Corian feelsd almost yielding and a little soft. I'm also picky about sharp noises - like glasses and crockery on countertops - and I think Corian is quietest.

I know it's an odd thing to take into consideration, but it matters to me.

Will the Corian surface wear better than formica? I understand about the seam issue, but what about the surface resisting chips, dents, cuts, mars, etc?

It seems like whenever I see Corian and it's not brand new, it looks pretty beat up. Granted, these are in commercial applications since I don't know anyone that has it in their place.

Isn't Corian almost as expensive as granite or Caesarstone? I think I'd either bust the budget a bit to get granite/Caesarstone, or get formica and use the saved money when it needs to be replaced.

I too have been lured by the many choices Formica provides, as I am gearing up for a kitchen redo. But my current counter is Formica and a previous owner scoured a stain too hard and there is a large white spot where the surface came off. This does not happen with Corian because it is solid. However, after talking with friends who have it, I learned you must buff it occasionally to keep it looking good.

One of the designers on a recent HGTV show (can't recall which one, Kenneth Brown or Candace Olson) praised Formica as an alternative because it's generally cheaper, you can get pretty much any color or pattern you want, and in a few years if you want to replace it you can afford to since you haven't invested so much money in it to start with. If you like what you see, go for it.

corian really looks plastic-y... try going with silestone or ceaserstone. they're both manmade and have the appearance of real stone, but not the hassles associated with them (chipping, staining, the need to be treated, etc.).

I don't have any personal experience with corian, but I do with formica--my parents have one in their kitchen (that they keep swearing they're going to replace, along with the red linoleum floor) in their house built in the 50s, and it's still in good condition...though it will scratch if you don't use a cutting board.

Have you considered concrete at all? A friend had concrete dyed with a terracotta hue installed and it looks great.

I disagree about joeq's assessment of Corian. I've seen it used to great effect, and think it has a great depth of color.

Additionally, Corian can indeed be buffed out and have dings and nicks repaired, since it's material and colorations are consistent throughout. Not so Formica, a thin veneer.

I think budget and color range are the best arguments for Formica (even in that Kenneth Brown episode, he referenced doing it as an interim solution until the homeowners could spend more money). The best argument against it (imho) is the fact that all but the darkest colors will show a seam.

it's = its

If you can afford it, you should consider Caesarstone. Looks great and has a very stone-like appearance. It's a pretty tough surface that stands up to everyday use. I haven't noticed any real wear over the 10 months that I've lived with my countertops. Also, I was just at a kitchen showroom last night and saw samples of the new Caesarstone colors--"Apple Martini" and a mod-ish orange color! (Fab.) So they're definitely expanding their color range.

When I see formica now, I think landlord, and if you're planning on selling your house anytime soon, you might want to go with something more substantial. The plastic countertops do look like plastic, but I'm sure there's an alternative out there that you will like. Have you looked at Icestone? AT had an article on that last year, and it comes in many interesting colors. [Plus, it's recycled!] You could also try tile... Also, be aware that for dark colors every scratch on your Corian will be obvious. If you have the money, I like my Silestone countertop -- it's easy to clean up and cool to the touch.

Corian! In the science labs in high school, actually, when it was pretty new to the market. It was beautiful and had a very "clean" feeling (meaning, it not only looked clean, it sort of exuded an aura of cleanliness that was kind of reassuring in a biology lab). It also tended to feel cold. It was white Corian, though, and the overall impression was probably at least as attributable to the color as to the material. I'm going to assume that you wouldn't want to put white Corian in your kitchen, because the idea isn't actually to look like a hospital or science lab.

Corian isn't hard to care for, but it does have special needs and you do need to be careful about what you use on it. (This isn't really serious and should't be a factor; it's not any worse than formica, granite, a flat cooktop on a stove, etc.) Also, I don't think it's intended to stay shiny, though I could be wrong. If you like your countertops to gleam, it might not be the best choice.

Corian provides more of a honed finish.

But regarding not putting "Corian in your kitchen, because the idea isn't actually to look like a hospital or science lab."...

I couldn't disagree more. As mentioned earlier, I have friends with white Corian (ten years old and looking great, thank you) and their kitchen couldn't look less like a hospital or science lab. It's all about what else you add. Sure, white can make it lab-looking (and some people like that, anyhow) but white can be warm, gorgeous, country, city... just about anything.

I have Corian in my restaurant. My 2 cents:

1. It does tend to scratch. You get tiny scratches from day to day wear and then if your not careful, you get easily get a bigger one. I hear you can buff it out, but I haven't had it done yet.

2. It comes in pieces, so the installation is important. If the install is not done properly, you can easily see the line where the pieces meet. Considering the price, this of course is not acceptable.

3. It can crack if not supported correctly.

Good Luck!

The hospital lab look from white corian?

Now I'm not saying that Richard Meier is the greatest arbiter of taste out there (although he is pretty respected in the design/architecture world)but he is putting white corian into the $3000 per sq ft apts in 165 Charles. That would not be my choice but not because I don't like white.

http://www.myhomeus.com/nytimes/
http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showpost.php?p=42150&postcount=48

Since several have taken exception to the hospital/lab comment, I thought I'd address it: I LOVED the Corian. I'd second the comment about it having a strange softness, but that's not in its durability so much as its surface texture. It's not as cold as polished marble, but it does tend to hold more of a chill than formica.

But I suspect that, unless the original poster is doing a fairly minimalist or industrial-looking kitchen, they might want to check out the color range. Of course there are ways to make the white work, if it's what you like.

You can buff scratches out easily; it's done with something like Comet or Bon Ami, but I'm not sure specifically which powdered cleanser. Ask the installer.

I Installed corian kitchen couter tops, the installer instructed not to put hot pans directly over the counter. This made me mad because Home depot customer service rep told that corian is heat resistant. I would suggest before making any decision ask silly Questions without hesitating.

Two of my friends installed Corian in the last year or so. Neither are that happy with it. Scratches are pretty obvious on a greenish countertop. There are scratches on the white countertop - but not obvious unless examined. My friend's Corian sink cracked within the warranty period. Instead of replacing the entire countertop and sink - the contractor cut out the existing sink and replaced it on-site. The problem is that now there is you can see the seam - it looks like a string of dental floss around the upper part of the sink. Plus - the dust that cutting the sink out and sanding it created - is terrible. Much more than any floor sanding would create. My friend is still hassling with it as that's not what she originally paid all the money for - to see a line in her sink. Nothing's perfect I guess.

My corian sink has a serious crack in it and two others are appering. How can this be repaired? Can I fiberglass the back of it to seal it and make it waterproof?? ONe section of the counter is cracking as well. Counter is 12 years old but not often used.

Any advice Bert

We just bought Staron (like Corian) solid surface counertops. The first ones were wrong (long story) and the seam was invisible. The replacements just installed were exactly the same color, but the seam is quite visible. The installer said "you'll get that with the lighter colored countertops". Is this true? Is this satisfactory?

Try this one construction company. Really nice guys.
http://www.nyconstruct.com

I am remodeling my kitchen. After much shopping for coordinating my countertop, flooring, and tile, and finally finding a great combination, I now keep reading how easily Corian scratches (this was my surface of choice as I love the warm look) and the fact that it is so NOT heat resistant. Can you really not even use a crock-pot or electric skillet on one? I've been so long without a sink or stove, but don't want to make a choice that I'll be sorry for. Any comments from Corian owners?

I don't like Corian. I was going to have quartz countertops (Cambria brand) installed on my laundry room counters, but due to the high cost, we're opting for formica. (I mean...It's a laundry room...) For the kitchen, if you can afford it, I think Cambria/Silestone/etc. (quartz countertops) is the only way to go! There are several different brands, each with different color choices. It's absolutely gorgeous, non-porous, heat resistant, easy to take care of, and it looks much more sophisticated than Corian. I'd never put anything in a kitchen that you can't put a hot pan on. Even if you're careful, what if someone else put a hot pan on your Corian! Yikes! Also, I've seen several Corian counters and after a while they all look scratched up.

I have had Corian for about 4 years. Oceanic blue (dark blue, with the white/gray/black/light blue specks in it).

That being said:

1. Yes, it can scratch. But considering I throw my keyring on it with some force from a few feet away and it goes sliding, there should be minor scratching. However, it isn't visible to the eye.

2. If I wasn't here the day they installed it, I wouldn't be able to tell you where the seam was.

3. I use a crockpot on it without putting something down between it and the countertop. High heat, for 6 hours. No damage. Ever. Nor from my Ronco Rotisserie. Same thing with my breadmaker.

4. I have dealt with no cracks. Not around nor in the sink (and I do have a Corian sink as well). I have put down a hot pot without thinking, and there has been zero damage.

5. Ask for them to use some spare/extra Corian and make you a few trivets. They're square, about a foot big, with little hot glue feet. They're maybe 1/4 inch thick peice of extra Corian, and they say to use them to put your hot pans/dishes on. I put hot pans down on them to serve dinner--straight from the gas stove to the trivet, and there is no damage to the trivet.

My Corian sink has developed several cracks, emenating from the drain outward. One crack inparticular is leaking water when the water is hot. There is no leakage when the water is cold.
- Has anyone else seen this condition?
- What can be done to seal the cracks, short of replacing the sink?
Wolf

Corian sinks do crack from either pouring scalding water down the drain to just dropping pans into the sink. Your sink can be repaired and can also be replaced if need be. Most of the time if a sink is cracked but not leaking it is best to leave it be. The cracks can be repaired or the sink replaced but both are expensive avenues. A sink replacement will be around 425 plus the cost of the sink. Most Corian repair people will not do a sink replacement. It should only be done by those with experience. A repair could be between 250 to 425. You can see pictures of repairs at www.creativerepair.com along with some not so common uses of the material like solid surface Corian cabinets for outdoor kitchens and high custom marine work. Creative Accents Inc is located in South Florida 561-422-5096 and does Corian repair, fabrication, installation, and any other Corian or solid surface uses.

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