Corian surfaces
Since 1967 DuPont has been producing the remarkably durable Corian kitchen work surfaces. But these days Corian is far more than just a worktop.
We explore how Corian has developed and the new applications being devised for this famous brand.
What is Corian?
To quote DuPont, Corian is
a solid, non-porous, homogeneous surfacing material composed of ± 1/3 acrylic resin (also known as PolyMethyl MethAcrylate or PMMA) and ± 2/3 natural minerals.
The main mineral is Aluminium TriHydrate (ATH) derived from bauxite, an ore from which aluminium is produced.
What this means for a homeowner is that Corian is a beautifully smooth (and therefore hygienic) surface which comes in a range of solid colours and more natural finishes.
The benefits of Corian
Hygienic and easy to clean
Corian is a nonporous material, meaning that nothing you put onto the surface (including bacteria and fungi) can soak into it, and therefore it cannot harbour contaminants such as mould or germs.
This also means that dirt and stains can’t penetrate your Corian surface, making it easy to clean.
Damage resistant
Corian has been thoroughly tested to withstand mechanical, thermal and electrical damage. So, if your knife slips, your worksurface should be unaffected.
And, when damage does occur, it’s easy to restore your Corian using a mildly abrasive cleaner and a scouring pad.
No delamination or colour loss
Because Corian is a solid material (ie the same all the way through) it cannot delaminate or lose its colour.
The history of Corian
Corian was originally developed in 1967 by DuPont chemist Donald Slocum, and came onto the market in the USA in 1971.
The first coloured Corian was introduced in the 2000s and product lines started to incorporate a growing proportion of recycled materials.
Semi translucent versions, for backlit applications, were introduced in 2007.
DuPont continues to innovate with new colours, shapes and joining techniques to ensure that Corian is always at the forefront of surface design and technology.
Corian in your home
Originally designed as a worksurface, Corian can now be used in many more ways within your kitchen. For example, we use this robust and attractive material to create upstands, splashbacks, sinks and fascias.
It’s obvious to see how this usefulness can transfer to utility rooms and bathrooms, but Corian also makes an excellent, hardwearing choice for home office furniture.
One fairly recent innovation is the use of Corian in lighting. Translucent Corian can be used to make subtle lighting in a variety of colours.
And you don’t just have to have a single colour; Corian can be used to create inlaid patterns and to accent other materials.
Including Corian in your kitchen design
At Great British Kitchens and Interiors we offer a wide range of worksurface options, including Corian.
Visit our showroom to see the fabulous Corian ‘Glacier White’ in one of our numerous display kitchens, as well as similar products.
Have a chat with one of our designers to explore how this beautiful and flexible material could be used to enhance your home design.