Is Quartz or Corian better

For many, many years, homeowners chose Corian© or other similar polymer surfaces for their kitchen countertops. They were assured that these countertops would be sturdy and stand up to the busy, active life of their family. Corian was offered at a reasonable price – and still is – but it never quite looked as high-end as quartz, granite, or marble.

In recent years, homeowners who are seeking countertops that will truly make their kitchen look beautiful have instead opted for quartz or granite though some still maintain that they prefer Corian and laminate countertops because of the cost and durability.

But let’s look at the facts.

How they’re made

Corian is basically a man-made material. It is composed of about 33 percent polymer and 67 percent natural minerals. Quartz, on the other hand, is mostly made from natural minerals – about 93 percent – bound with resin, which makes up the remainder. Flecks and sparkles are added to make it unique or unusual. Both surfaces are hard but quartz is especially hard and stands up to plenty of wear-and-tear.

Durability

When Corian was developed, its main competitor was laminate. Laminate is much less durable than Corian. But while Corian trumps laminate, quartz emerges superior in regards to functionality. This hard, non-porous material resists scratches and chips and is less likely to develop mold and mildew. It also doesn’t stain as easily as Corian, laminate, granite, or marble, simply because there are no pores that collect liquid from spills. Cleaning it is as easy as wiping it down with mild soap and warm water, in most cases.

Appearance

If you’re spending money to renovate or remodel your kitchen, there’s a good chance that you’re interested in how it looks once it’s complete.

Unlike quartz, Corian does not project a high-end appearance. As a matter of fact, it looks and feels rather artificial and it’s easy to tell – even from far away – that it’s not natural. It’s very “cookie cutter” in color and style and it also can’t provide you with that stunning visual that you get from natural quartz. Though it comes in a host of colors, Corian certainly lacks the uniqueness of quartz.

Quartz, on the other hand, can be extremely unique. You’ll find it in a variety of hues with all sorts of accent colors and patterns. You can choose something very basic or something a little “out there”. Whichever you opt for, you can be sure there’s something available to match your new kitchen.

So, is one better than the other? We think the answer is clear. The makers of quartz countertops pride themselves on their products’ live-ability, durability, and aesthetic beauty, making them an excellent choice for the homeowner who wants a modern yet classic kitchen that will remain that way for decades to come.