Corian® is a premium solid surface material from DuPont that combines design, durability and hygiene. It is used for worktops, shelves and bespoke fittings in kitchens, bathrooms and public environments. In this guide you get an overview of types, colours and applications – so you can choose the right Corian® solution for your project.
Which Corian® sheet should I choose?
Corian® is a solid surface material made from a blend of natural minerals and acrylic resin. It is used mainly for worktops, shelves and fittings in both domestic and commercial environments, because it combines design, functionality and durability. Corian® can be made to measure, joined with virtually invisible seams and has a homogeneous, non-porous surface that is easy to clean.
See our range of Corian® here
What is Corian®?
Corian® is a composite material developed by DuPont, made from roughly two-thirds natural minerals (aluminium hydroxide) and one-third acrylic resin (PMMA). The result is a solid, non-porous sheet with a uniform structure and an elegant appearance often compared to natural stone or marble. Corian® is available in many colours and patterns, so it can be adapted to both functional and aesthetic projects. It is the original solid surface – developed in 1967 – and still the industry's quality standard.
Why choose Corian®? Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Homogeneous, non-porous surface – easy to keep clean and resistant to stains and bacteria
- Can be joined with virtually invisible seams – an elegant, seamless appearance
- Versatile – worktops, wall cladding and fittings
- Can be formed and fabricated with ordinary tools
- Repairable – scratches can be polished out
- Available in over 100 colours and patterns
- Thermoformable – can be bent into 3D shapes
Disadvantages:
- Generally more expensive than laminate and many other materials
- The surface is more prone to scratching than hard natural stone (but scratches can be polished out)
- Heavy material – handling and installation require planning
- Sensitive to very high temperatures (over 175°C) – always use trivets
Types of Corian® and their uses
Corian® comes in different formats and products, each covering specific needs in homes and businesses.
Square Corian® sheets
Standard square sheets are used for worktops, wall cladding and bespoke fittings. They can be made exactly to measure and joined with virtually invisible seams.
See square Corian® sheets
Round Corian® slabs
Round slabs are used for café tables, meeting tables, decorative panels and bespoke designs where a round shape is desired.
See round Corian® slabs
Corian® accessories
Accessories such as glue, sanding discs and special products are used for professional installation and maintenance of Corian®.
See Corian® accessories
How do you choose the right Corian® solution?
Project purpose:
- Kitchen worktop: standard thickness 12 mm with support, or solid 19 mm
- Bathroom surface: 12 mm recommended
- Wall cladding: 6 mm is often sufficient
- Meeting table or café table: round slab in the desired diameter
Design and colour:
- Corian® is available in over 100 colours – from solid colours to marble-like patterns
- Light colours give a classic, clean look
- Dark colours give a modern, luxurious look
- Stone-like patterns are popular in kitchens and bathrooms
Installation:
- Corian® often requires professional fitting and installation for the best result
- Seamless joints require special adhesive and sanding
Maintenance:
- Daily cleaning with mild soapy water
- Larger scratches can be polished out locally
How to fabricate and maintain Corian®
Corian® can be fabricated and maintained with ordinary techniques if you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Fabrication
Corian® can be cut, formed and adapted with tools intended for wood and plastic. Minor scratches can be polished out with abrasive paper and polishing paste to restore a smooth surface. The material can also be thermoformed by heating to 150–165°C – allowing curved and 3D shapes.
Maintenance
Corian® is best cleaned with:
- Mild soapy water for daily cleaning
- A microfibre cloth or soft sponge
- A mild abrasive sponge + scouring cream for stains and limescale
- Recommended cleaners for solid surface
Avoid harsh or coarse cleaners, as these can scratch the surface. Also avoid direct contact with very high temperatures – always use trivets.
Typical uses of Corian®
Corian® is typically used for:
- Kitchen worktops
- Bathroom surfaces
- Reception desks and shop counters
- Wall cladding in bathrooms and wet areas
- Hospital equipment and laboratory fittings (hygiene requirements)
- Bespoke fittings and design solutions
- Café and restaurant tables
- Furniture parts and shelves
Corian® vs natural stone and laminate
Hygiene:
- Corian®: non-porous, no bacterial growth
- Natural stone: may have micropores that trap bacteria
- Laminate: non-porous, but joints can be vulnerable
Repair:
- Corian®: scratches can be polished out
- Natural stone: very difficult to repair
- Laminate: cannot be repaired once damaged
Joints:
- Corian®: virtually invisible seamless joints
- Natural stone: visible joints
- Laminate: visible joints with a risk of water ingress
Price:
- Laminate: cheapest
- Corian®: mid to high
- Natural stone (granite, marble): high
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about Corian®.
Is Corian® the same as ordinary plastic?
No. Corian® is a solid surface material, which is an advanced composite of minerals and acrylic resin. It has a homogeneous, non-porous surface and many design options – considerably more advanced than ordinary plastic.
Can Corian® be used in wet rooms?
Yes. Corian® can be used in wet rooms and bathrooms, because it is non-porous and does not absorb water. Correct installation and moisture protection around the joints is important, however.
Can Corian® be joined without visible seams?
Yes. Corian® can be joined with special adhesive that gives virtually invisible seams – this is one of the material's great advantages and creates an elegant, continuous appearance.
Can scratches in Corian® be repaired?
Yes. Minor scratches can be sanded and polished out locally, and the surface can be restored without visible traces. This makes Corian® unique among worktop materials.
How long does Corian® last?
With correct maintenance, Corian® lasts 20–30+ years. DuPont typically provides a 10-year guarantee on installed solutions.
Does Corian® withstand heat?
Corian® withstands heat up to around 100°C without problems. At higher temperatures (hot pans directly on the surface), discolouration or cracks can occur – so always use trivets.
See our range of Corian®
See all Corian® products here
See square Corian® sheets
See round Corian® slabs
See Corian® accessories
Unsure which Corian® solution to choose? We are happy to advise – call +44 1408 910380 or write to sales@hm-plastic-shop.co.uk.
