What Is Corian Made From?

If you've ever designed, redesigned, built or remodeled a kitchen, you've probably heard of Corian. It's a countertop material that's relatively common. You might have even needed to make a decision about whether you wanted to use it in your home based on issues like price, looks and functionality. One thing you might not have considered, though, is what Corian is actually made of and where it came from. Without knowing these things, you might not feel like you're making an informed decision about your countertop options.

History

Corian, which was introduced by DuPont in 1967, was created from an acrylic polymer and alumina trihydate. Heating it to 300 degrees Fahrenheit allows it to be shaped into almost any design.

Function

One of the most popular things about Corian is that it has a lot of different functions. It's used for kitchen countertops and for bathroom vanity tops. It can also be used for a wall covering in areas where there is a lot of moisture and drywall won't work well or last for a long time. Shaping Corian is also done to make different types of products and creations. Since it's technically a plastic and can be made in different thicknesses, there is almost nothing that Corian can't be shaped into.

Significance

Corian has gained importance in more commercial applications because of its versatility and stylish looks. Stains, scratches and light scorches can be removed from Corian surfaces with sandpaper or a scouring pad and Scotch Brite pad and a cleanser. If this is done carefully, the finish is not badly damaged and the removal of these problems is difficult to detect. Corian's ability to withstand these kinds of repairs and to be joined together at edges in a near-seamless fashion has only added to its widespread appeal.

Benefits

There are many reasons Corian has remained popular. The main one is its versatility. As a shapeable but durable plastic, the uses for Corian continue to grow. Another reason is the price. While Corian is not the least expensive option for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, it costs less than some of its rivals such as granite. Other reasons are that Corian can hold up to stains, scorches and other problems without having its finish destroyed and that it is easily repairable.

Warning

Even though Corian holds up well to heat, it will melt at temperatures at or greater than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. You should not use Corian in environments where it will be exposed to these kinds of temperatures. Also, the matte finish of Corian will scratch and dull if it is treated too aggressively, so care must be taken when removing scorches, stains and other minor blemishes, so as to only remove the damage and not cause further harm.