We're going to build a new home and are wondering if anyone has any pros or cons about having Corian counter tops installed. Thank you in advance.

I can't think of any cons really. Corian® is a DuPont® product. It's earned much trust and respect as a long lasting material that also brings versatility to almost any living enviornment. In other words, it's tough stuff and attractive, and you won't have to replace it for years and years. In my personal opinion, I would use it.

Corian is an excellent product in my opinion. Make sure you use installers that are experienced with installing it. Also a good idea to have them show you a seam that they've done. The only place where they will vary is in the quality of the color match at the seam... best to set your expectations before the job is done.

BTW - with solid colors of Corian it should be nearly impossible to see the seams. Also, a good installer will avoid seams and place them in a inconspicuous location.

Good luck ! One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes Corian can cost as much as granite but the resale value isn't as good. Granite counters are a really good selling point. That said, I still like Corian and think that you'll be happy with it.

I LOVED my Corian counters! As far as I know the only "con" is the initial investment....This product is extremely durable and remains attractive after years of hard use...and installing Corian quite a bit of resale value to the house.... my only caution is this: Because it is costly and durable, I would strongly suggest choosing a neutral color so that your expensive countertops do not clash with later changes in your decor...you will not want or need to replace these surfaces for a very long time.

I hate to admit it, but for a man made product it is ok.

That is, for me a rave review -

To date its has proved to be non-toxic. The finished product that is.

But that was said about vinyl siding, and years of research revealed that the process of making it (pvc vinyl) is very toxic, deadly to the environment and the process of burning releases toxic fumes which are known to cause cancer in the State of California. Disposal of that product also proves to be dangerous.

Corian - To date, appears to be safe in manufacture and in use and in the disposal.

Of course you may not place much store in that aspect, so let us look at the use of Corian for a moment.

It is similar to polish stone, perhaps better since it is less porous therefore doesn't harbor colonies of bacteria.

It appears to not out gass anything, and it is a relatively malleable material which can be shaped before and after hardening. I understand one can use normal power tools (say what a home owner would have) to cut it, drill it, and shape it. Unlike stone which requires mason tools.

It has been found to be durable to ordinary stresses, thus should last for years and years.

It comes in a wide variety of colors, and textured prints.

I give it an OK - but then I prefer natural materials, the warms and beauty of stone and wood appeals to my sense of aesthetics.

Cheers

David

Low day to day maintenance. It is fine until you have the slightest problem.

They like to advertise that it can be repaired. However, any crack or repair no matter how small will cost $1000 to $2000 MINIMUM to repair. The contractors will charge $150 (non-refundable) just to look at the crack and provide an estimate.

The point is, once you have installed it you are on the hook. They know it and will gleefully rake you over the coals.

Corian just doesn't care. In fact guard your paperwork well and read the fine print on your guarantee.

My first question when I read the responses to this inquiry was "have you installed Corian and if so, how long have you had it".

We were influenced by all the yuppie hype and 'keep-up-with-the-Jonses' insanity and installed ours, including the integrated sink, about 10 years ago. We deplore Corian! It is the worst mistake we have ever made in all the many years of owning our own homes.

From the day we installed Corian we have had problems and disappointments. One of the first things we noticed was severe cracking around the garbage disposal unit. These cracks go deep and can not be repaired. Then, as has been mentioned, the impossibility to keep the sink clean, even after bleaching, scrubbing with abrasives and sanding with fine grit sandpaper it is still stained and always will be stained.

Then there is the chipping and gouging. Drop a utensil on the countertop and it will chip or gouge. The edges have countless chips in them now, the experience has been a nightmare since the first week we had Corian put in our lovely home.

Most of the countertops now look dingy, scratched and cry for major renovation such as ripping the Corian out and putting in something else.

I advise anyone considering this product to get some unbiased opinions, preferably by people who (a) have owned the product for a while and (b) do not work for or have any affiliation with the manufacturer, DuPont Corporation.

Sincerely and respectfully,
Dominusv