How Expensive Is Corian?

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Corian is a brand name for a solid surface material that is commonly used for countertops, sinks, backsplashes, and other applications. It is made from a mixture of natural minerals and acrylic polymer. Corian is known for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, but it also comes at a higher cost than some other countertop materials. Here is an overview of the factors that impact the cost of Corian and what you can expect to pay.

What is Corian?

Corian is a solid surface material that was first introduced by DuPont in 1967. It is composed of about 1/3 acrylic resin and 2/3 natural minerals including bauxite, aluminum trihydrate, and pigments. This combination results in a non-porous, durable, and renewable surface that can be used for a wide variety of applications in both residential and commercial settings.

Some key properties of Corian include:

Seamless appearance – Sheets can be bonded together nearly invisibly to create a continuous surface.
Temperature resistance – Corian can withstand heat up to 275°F making it suitable for use around stoves.
Stain resistance – Corian is non-porous so it does not easily stain.
Repairable – Minor damages like scratches and scorches can be sanded and buffed out of the material.
Customizable – Corian comes in a wide variety of colors/patterns and can be cut/formed into customized shapes.
Durable – Corian is resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. Properly cared for, it can last for many years.

Cost Factors

The cost of Corian can vary considerably based on several factors:

Material

Standard Corian colors – These solid colors and subtle patterns are the most affordable option.
Premium Corian colors – Specialty patterns, bold colors, or discontinued legacy colors cost 10-20% more.
Corian Quartz – Made with natural quartz, this premium material costs considerably more than standard Corian.

Fabrication

Edge treatments – Decorative edges like bevels or ogees add labor/complexity.
Cut-outs – Sinks and cooktops cut directly into the countertop are more expensive.
Seams – The more seams in a project, the more material waste and labor.
Installation – Complex projects or difficult access impact install cost.

Market

Supplier – Big box vs specialty supplier pricing can vary.
Location – Material and labor costs differ regionally.
Size – Larger projects command volume discounts from fabricators.

Typical Corian Costs

Here are some typical price ranges for Corian countertops:

Low end – $40-60 per sq.ft. for standard colors and simple installation
Mid-range – $70-100 for some premium colors, edge treatments, etc.
High end – Over $100 for rare legacy colors or elaborate projects

These are approximate costs for the fabricated and installed countertop material only. The total project cost will also include expenses like demolition, new cabinets, and plumbing that add another $2,000-$5,000 or more to the total.

As a price comparison, Corian will generally cost 2-3x more than laminate, 1.5-2x more than quartz, and is comparable to high-end granite, marble or wood surfaces.

Factors That Impact Corian’s Costs

Here is more detail on some of the specific factors that influence the installed price of a Corian countertop:

Material Cost

The retail material price for a 1/2” sheet of Corian ranges from about $65-$150 per sq.ft depending on the color and pattern. Some of the variables include:

Solid colors – The basic solid colors tend to be the most affordable option at $65-$85 per sq.ft. These include popular choices like Cameo White, Bisque, and Graystone.
Textured colors – Subtle texture like small speckles may add $5-15 per sq.ft. Examples include colors like Blue Pebble or Silver Birch.
Deeper colors – Richer hues and darker colors tend to cost a bit more at $75-$100 per sq.ft. This includes shades like Deep Anthracite or Deep Night Sky.
Premium colors – Specialty and unique colors can range from $100-$150 per sq.ft. Many of DuPont’s newer patterns fall in this range, as well as any legacy or discontinued colors.
Corian Quartz – Made with natural quartz, this material costs $125-$175 per sq.ft. or more. It offers some enhanced durability and scratch resistance.

Fabrication Labor

The fabrication process includes cutting the sheets to size, installing edging and seams, any cutouts for sinks/cooktops, finishing, and polishing. Simple projects can start at around $40 per linear foot, while intricate projects with many seams, edges, and cutouts may exceed $100 per linear foot. The total fabrication cost is influenced by:

Number of seams – Seams add material waste and labor time. Avoiding seams costs more initially.
Edging – Standard eased or beveled edges are simplest. Ogee, chamfered, or laminated edges add complexity and cost.
Cutouts – Sinks and cooktops cut directly into the countertop add significant labor time.
Specialty work – Heavily customized projects require more skilled time and creativity.
Finishing – Thicker edges and more precision finishing increase labor time.
Refinishing – Having existing Corian re-edged or buffed out costs less than new material.

Installation

Typical installation of a Corian countertop with an experienced contractor may range from $40-$100 per linear foot depending on the complexity. Simpler projects can be done DIY for less. Some installation considerations include:

Seam placement – Minimizing visible seams takes more time and precision.
Demolition – Removing old countertops properly adds cost for labor and disposal fees.
Access – Tight spaces or moving appliances increases the install challenge.
Plumbing – Hooking up new sink fixtures takes plumbing expertise.
Wall alterations – Accommodating changed dimensions often requires drywall work.
Tile backsplash – Integrating tiles adds materials and careful seam placement.

Is Corian Worth the Cost?

Corian is one of the premium countertop materials on the market, and its pricing reflects that. While not inexpensive, there are good reasons why many homeowners and designers opt for Corian:

Aesthetics – The wide range of colors and patterns plus seamless appearance create a uniquely high-end look.

Durability – Properly maintained, Corian can last for decades without significant damage or wear.

Renewability – Minor damage can often be repaired, and Corian can be refinished.

Hygiene – The nonporous surface limits bacteria growth and makes cleaning easy.

Customization – Corian offers flexibility for specialized shapes, edges, and built-in sinks.

Prestige – Corian’s reputation adds a touch of luxury prestige to kitchens and baths.

For many homeowners, Corian’s benefits justify the investment over cheaper alternatives like laminate. While not as affordable as DIY-friendly options like concrete, Corian offers a refined and quality finished product when professionally installed.

Maintaining and Cleaning Corian

To get the most value out of a Corian investment, proper care is key. With occasional reconditioning and careful cleaning, Corian can maintain its good looks for many years.

Use cutting boards and hot pads to avoid direct cuts and heat damage.
Clean spills promptly with soapy water to prevent stains.
For routine cleaning, use mild soap and water or ammonia-free cleaner.
Avoid harsh chemicals and scouring pads that can damage the finish.
Have a professional recondition the surface if damage occurs.

With proper care, Corian offers homeowners a durable, stylish, and hygienic countertop surface that can last for decades. While not the cheapest option, its long lifespan and renewability make it a worthwhile investment for many.