Solid Surface Kitchen Worktop Worth It for a DIY Install?

[shen]

Hi all,

I’m renovating my kitchen and thinking about a solid surface worktop like Corian instead of laminate or stone. I like the seamless look and the possibility of an integrated sink but I’m unsure how well it stands up to scratches, heat and daily wear.

Has anyone fitted solid surface themselves or lived with it long term?

How does it compare in durability, repairability and cost to quartz or laminate?

Any tips on cutting, joining or finishing would be really helpful.

I’d love to hear your experiences.

 

[shen]

Hi all,

I’m renovating my kitchen and thinking about a solid surface worktop like Corian instead of laminate or stone. I like the seamless look and the possibility of an integrated sink but I’m unsure how well it stands up to scratches, heat and daily wear.

Has anyone fitted solid surface themselves or lived with it long term?

How does it compare in durability, repairability and cost to quartz or laminate?

Any tips from a solid surface manufacturer on cutting, joining or finishing would be really helpful.

I’d love to hear your experiences.

thanks in advance for any help

 

[opps]

Personally, I like the seamless sinks but it does stain (tea, etc).

You can cut it with an angle grinder but the dust really hits the back of your throat.

Only ever installed one corian worktop. Cannot comment on the cost differential.

No material is perfect though. Granite edges can be prone to chipping but can be repaired. Grinding granite on site is a no-no because of the silicone in the resin. Corian will not tolerate hot pans ,but minor scratches can be sanded out (with the correct tools).

Hopefully someone else will be able to help you further. As an aside, why are you asking in a UK forum?

 

[chirpychippy]

The most expensive work surface is Dekton which is heat,stain,scratch and uv resistant.

Thereof Corian that is manufactured by Dupont is also expensive in comparison to Laminate and Quartx/Silestone, Corian does stain easily "t-bags" etc especially if you go for a white coloured top, but it does come with a cleaning kit, it doesnt like direct heat, but nor does quartz or laminate. Corian is best installed by Corian approved installers which adds to the cost. Corian is however seamless, the sinks are seamless the joints are seamless and the integrated up stand is seamless, Corian can be repaired seamlessly.

Quartz/Silestone are nice, they cannot be repaired easily. They dont like direct heat. The joints aren't invisible but when fitted proffessionaly they are good.

All the above are compatible with undermount sinks.

Laminate is hard to join invisiblly, it depends on the pattern, they scratch easily, dont like heat, but they dont stain, unless you put neat bleach on them, sinks have to be over mount, sometimes they can be repaired dependent on damage but you'll need a magic man and deep pockets.

If I had a choice and money wasnt a limiter I would have Corian.