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Corian Vs Quartz – Which is the Best? | Expert’s Advice

Structurally, it's quite evident that High-grade Quartz stone slabs are a phenomenally better option than Corian.

Quartz Vs Corian – Which is better?

Corian Vs Quartz – It’s quite evident that Quartz stone slabs are a phenomenal better option than Corian. Corian is majorly composed of polymers that are soft and not as durable as quartz – one of the strongest minerals on earth.

When it comes to the appearance of Corian vs Quartz, it becomes a close competition. Quartz and Corian both have an expansive Catalogue of colours to choose from. Corian has only one massive advantage, it can be formed into curved surfaces in a way quartz stone slabs cannot be.

For most of the applications, such as countertops, tabletops, bathroom floors and walls, flooring etc. Quartz stone slabs are most definitely a more logical & overall a better choice.

Now let us take a look at some of the fundamental characteristics of both Quartz and Corian in comparison to help you understand the composition of these materials.


What is Corian?

 Corian consists mostly of mineral dust mixed with colours and bonded with several resins. Corian is composed of one-third acrylic polymer and two-thirds natural minerals.

Corian Solid Surface – Seamless

What is Quartz?

 Quartz Stone Slabs consist of about 93-97 per cent of the mineral Quartz (one of the hardest natural minerals), processed & bonded with resins, colour dyes, and other elements.


Appearance

CorianQuartz
Corian is much more flexible and easily integrated in any design. Quartz has a gorgeous surface that combines utility and fashion. There are many finishes, colours, and patterns to select from. You may integrate particular colours into the quartz surface
Its sheeny surface has been meticulously shaped and designed to fulfil even your most grandiose aspirationsQuartz is an extremely hard and long-lasting substance. It may be polished to a high lustre or left plain. It has a texture and feels like granite or marble.
 Unlike real stone, which may have tiny cracks or fractures, its surface is smooth and perfect.
Comparison of Appearance of Corian and Quartz

Comparison of Colors

Quartz – Colours 

Quartz stone slabs are aesthetically appealing and come in a variety of hues. Most common are the solid colours like shades of white, black, brown and so on. 

That said, the supreme beauty of quartz stone slabs lies in the shades consisting of veins, patterns that resemble marble. These marble resembling quartz shades provide the best of both worlds – the elegance and luxury of marble and the strength, durability and stain resistance of quartz stone slabs.

Inside the slabs, you’ll find veins of different hues, as well as a shine from the mineral itself. 


Corian – Colours

Corian joins with designers, artists, engineers, and industrial sector specialists to provide the most diverse and flexible colour palette accessible in the present surfacing.

 Corian comes in a far narrower spectrum of shades and designs. 

Quartz countertops may be chosen in a variety of colours and designs. The design will have some variance, but it will be largely constant across the quartz.


Durability and Toughness

Quartz 

While Corian is not a low-cost, easily-damaged surface, quartz is one of the most lasting materials available. As long as you take good care of it, your quartz will last for many years.

 When it comes to durability, quartz easily outperforms Corian. Quartz is an excellent option for long-lasting surfaces, especially for kitchen countertops, bathroom walls and floor, vanity tops and even floorings.

Calacatta Borghini Marble Flooring
Calacatta Borghini

Corian 

Corian lacks hardness, making it a little less durable than quartz. A hot pan may burn it, a knife can scratch it, dumping anything heavy on it can shatter it, and spills can stain it.

It has some germ resistance, although not quite as much as quartz.

A Corian countertop would typically last 10-20 years on average, while quartz counters may easily last 50+ years if properly cared for.


Visibility of the Seam

Corian

Corian’s bonding glue produces a seam that is virtually undetectable to the human eye, resulting in no unattractive jagged edges.

If your Corian countertop is big or uneven in form, seams will appear. Some colours will make the seam almost invisible, while others will make it quite apparent.

Seamless Look of Corian
Seamless Look of Corian

 Quartz 

Quartz countertop seams may be rendered undetectable in certain cases.

Fabricators may easily do this with darker countertops, slabs with uniform colours, or slabs with fewer designs. In other instances, the fabricators’ only option is to make it as unobtrusive as possible.

Calacutta Quartz Countertop

Resistance to Scratches

Corian

 It is not advisable to cut on solid surface worktops such as Corian. When you cut on a solid surface substance, you will almost certainly get scratches.

 The simplicity with which Corian countertops can be fixed if dents, scratches, or damage occurs is remarkable. It can be repolished to an extent.

If the damage is minimal, just sanding or cleaning the scrape or blemish will suffice. Resurfacing may be a better choice for significant scratches.

Scratches Visible on Solid Surface Countertops

Quartz 

Quartz countertops are relatively scratch resistant. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals and very sturdy and robust.

Though Quartz countertops are very difficult to scratch, yet with scratches may emerge. Quartz countertops, thus, can endure a lot of wear and tear.

High-Grade Petros Quartz – Scratch Resistant

Needs for Sealing

Corian

Though it is not essential to seal a Corian countertop for stain protection (since it is not porous), sealing a Corian countertop may assist to improve its resistance to staining. Furthermore, since the acrylic used to make it protects stains from being deposited, no sealing is needed. 

However, the stain resistance of Corian is not as good as High-Grade Quartz Stone Slabs.

Quartz

Quartz, unlike natural stones such as granite or marble, do not have a porous feature. Although quartz countertops are composed of several stones, a permanent seal is established on their surfaces during the production process. 

Quartz stone slabs are extremely stain-resistant and do not require sealing of any kind.

Petros Stone Quartz Countertop
Fossil Grey – Petrosstone Quartz Countertop

Which has more uses Corian or Quartz?

Corian

There are many applications for solid surfaces like Corian. Here are some examples of well-known applications:

  1. Horizontal Surfaces: Kitchen and bath counters, commercial food preparation areas, window sills, tables and desktops, bar tops, workstations, laboratory benchtops, reception desks, and flooring are just a few of the numerous horizontal surface applications.
  1. Vertical Surfaces: Wall cladding, bathroom partitions, shower walls, wainscoting, external building cladding, and signage are examples of vertical uses for solid surfaces.
  1. Outdoor Applications: After many years in external applications such as signage, outdoor seats, and building cladding, the lighter colours of solid surfaces exhibit virtually little weather or UV effect. The material also has the advantage of being able to erase graffiti without altering the look of the surface.
  1. Other than expansion and contraction, freezing and hot temperatures have little effect on the material. Over time, the more intense and darker colours may develop a white haze, which may be wiped or sanded away.
  1. Obtainable in print: The dye sublimation technique enables pictures and text to be implanted into the surface of a solid surface. The method includes heating the solid surface and then transporting the ink to the surface while under vacuum. The pictures and text are then embedded firmly in the pores of the solid surface. It may then be thermoformed, manufactured, and gently cleaned or sanded.

Quartz 

Engineered Stone or Quartz Solid Surface Countertops are increasingly popular options for individuals looking for the ideal home interiors since they are contemporary, elegant, sophisticated, and stylish.  

  1. Quartz is one of the best flooring material. Here’s Why.
  2. Quartz is quickly becoming one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials. Quartz may be used to make a bathroom or kitchen counter.
  3.  Quartz feature walls look stunning in your home. You may attach a thinner slab vertically to a wall in your house for a modern, high-end appearance by using a narrower slab.
  4. With quartz slabs available in a range of hues, you can complement virtually any existing décor.
  5. One may also utilise a quartz feature wall to create an interior water feature in which water cascades down a vertical slab of quartz while multicoloured lighting effects are used.
  6. Quartz may also be used to divide built-in bookshelves into living rooms and workplaces.
  7. Quartz is long-lasting and resistant to mould and mildew, making it suitable for use in bathrooms and showers. It is suitable for use as a shower or bathtub surround.
  8. In your living area, use quartz over various natural stone surfaces to create a folding table, ironing board, and multi-purpose bench.
  9. Quartz furniture gives a touch of class and luxury to every area in your home.
  10. Quartz is the ideal surface for creating a coffee table surface or side table, an amusement stand.
  11. Quartz’s endurance and simplicity of cleaning make it excellent for use in the kitchen, and its impermeability makes it suitable for an area where it is likely to be wet frequently
  12. Quartz has the strength and flexibility to withstand the wear and tear of foot activity.
  13. In addition to being scratch resistant, quartz flooring may be maintained without fear of harm from cleaning solutions.

Maintenance of Corian and Quartz

Corian

Corian needs minimal maintenance other than a thorough washing with soapy water. It is also acceptable to clean them using ammonia, bleach, or alcohol.

However, Corian is much more susceptible to scratches and stains and hence, must be maintained with regular care and cleaning/

 Quartz

Quartz has the appearance and feels of stone yet requires minimal care. The surface’s lifetime will be extended if it is cleaned regularly using soap and warm water.

Despite this, a quartz countertop is a great choice for families that can maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Keeping a quartz surface in perfect condition is simple with a little self-discipline and effort.


Are Corian and Quartz prone to cracking?

Corian 

Corian countertops have a history of cracking. When this occurs, it is generally because the installation did not accept it in accordance with DuPont’s instructions. It is also more prone to occur when heat is applied from tiny appliances, particularly near a seam.

 The majority of cracks are caused by high-heat equipment such as a cooktop or range when an oversized pot causes the extreme heat to reach close or over the counter surface.

 Quartz

Quartz is very long-lasting. Although high-quality quartz is essentially crack-resistant, lower-quality quartz may crack or shatter when exposed to severe cold. The same is true for severe heat. Changes in temperature that are abrupt and severe may damage a quartz surface.


Most Hygienic : Quartz or Corian? 

Corian

Corian is a hygienic, non-porous solid surface substance. Solid surface materials are NSF and FDA certified for commercial food preparation and are extremely resistant to bacteria, molds, and mildew.

 Nevertheless, if the surface is cracked or damaged, the situation may change. Chips and scrapes on the surface may trap dirt and moisture, allowing germs to develop.

Quartz

Because quartz surfaces are non-porous, germs cannot grow on them. The substance is created by compacting crushed quartz pieces and resin until there are no spaces between them.

As there are no holes to capture water, coloured pigments, and microorganisms, it removes a breeding ground for germs. As a result, most quartz countertops are NSF certified, giving you peace of mind that they are safe for both residential and commercial usage.

People are becoming more health and hygiene concerned as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Quartz is inevitably becoming the preferred material.

International Certifications and Standards for Heat and Stain Resistance

Value for Money

Corian

Corian is considered to be quite expensive considering the value of raw materials used to make it. The ultimate cost of Corian may vary greatly based on a variety of different variables.

 The primary variables are the colour, design, and intricacy of the kitchen countertop layout. Other considerations include complex design elements such as edges, drain boards, mounted sinks, and other unique forms.

 Quartz

Quartz usually offers more value for money because it has many advantages and very few disadvantages. 

For its price, many users feel that the excellent quality of quartz makes it a fair bargain. Quartz has gained some unique cachet in the trend-driven arena of interior design.


Reasons Behind Corian and Quartz’s Popularity

Corian and Solid Surfaces 

Many companies have produced their solid surface countertops after the first patent expired. 

These counters have a consistent look, which means they do not have the naturally occurring variations like marble or granite have. Although they may be polished to provide a glossy appearance, their matte aspect is preferred in terms of both aesthetic and longevity.

You may make sweeping curves and also have your sink moulded into a single seamless slab. Another advantage of this material is its capability to emit light through the surface. Lights and illumination may be concealed inside it.

Quartz

Quartz is one of the most preferred interior design materials for consumers seeking to combine cost-effectiveness with beauty.

The binding method makes quartz very robust, resulting in a hard, non-porous surface that is immune to chipping, scratches, and germs. Quartz does not need polishing or sealing to maintain its integrity or look, making it a fantastic low-maintenance choice for any design requirement.

 Quartz is an excellent choice for a contemporary, low-maintenance countertop. It is long-lasting, consistent, on-trend, and comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

For Which is better, Quartz or Corian? – Final Thoughts

To make it extremely simple:

Go for Corian if you prefer curvy designs and shape formable Corian is what appeals to you.

If the design does not involve curves or invisible seams, Quartz (High-Grade) is the best option considering durability, strength, scratch and stain resistance.

Corian and quartz are both great choices. Your decision between the two will be determined by the aspects that you believe are more essential than others.

If you want to learn more about Quartz, Corian and other latest materials, we provide a free consultation. We shall help you find the right material for your application considering price, features, application and much more to make sure you make the absolute right decision.



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