Corian worktops are a highly sought-after option for kitchens and bathrooms, thanks to their unique composition and versatile applications. Made from reconstituted pulverised natural minerals and reinforced with polymer acrylic resins, Corian features a solid surface with colours and patterns that extend throughout its entire thickness. This results in a durable, non-porous, and homogenous slab, perfect for elegant worktops, vanity tops, countertops, benches, and shower walls.
One of the standout features of Corian is its customisation potential. It can be engraved, polished, or textured to suit personal preferences. Moreover, through a special process, Corian can be molded into basins, sinks, shower trays, and other shapes—limited only by your imagination. Any scratches or damages can be easily sanded or polished out, maintaining the surface’s beauty and appearance. Cavities can be filled seamlessly, ensuring the worktop remains pristine.
Thickness Options for Corian
Corian worktops are available in three thicknesses: 6 mm, 12.3 mm, and 19 mm. The 6 mm sheets are typically used for vertical applications, such as wall cladding. The choice between 12.3 mm and 19 mm sheets depends on personal preference, aesthetic appeal, cost, and the strength required for longer surfaces or high-traffic areas. Various techniques are used to support and strengthen these worktops, ensuring they maintain their classy appearance even over extended spans and under heavy use.
Beyond Sheets: The Versatility of Corian
Corian is not limited to flat sheets; it can be formed and shaped into integrated single or double basins, sinks, accessories, end details, upstands, downturns, splashbacks, fixtures, fittings, decorations, and more. These elements can perfectly match the color and patterns of your worktops, offering a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design. Additionally, Corian sheets can be molded, shaped, or sculpted into various artistic forms in the factory, enhancing the customisation possibilities.
A Wide Range of Colors
The colour range of Corian is constantly updated to provide better choices and versatility. Currently, there are 80 colors available, offering designers a vast palette to work with. Options range from single colors and neutral bases to eye-catching bright hues, harmonies, contrasts, and the classic look of natural stone. The sub-palettes include Extra Lights, Beiges, Naturals, Warms, Yellow-Greens, Greens, Blues, Brights, Greys, and Extra Darks. Worktops.net has categorised these colors into price bands for easy reference.
Given that Corian is made from natural minerals, slight variations in color and pattern can occur from one sheet to another. Rather than detracting from its beauty, these variations add a natural aesthetic appeal to the worktops, making each installation unique.
Achieving Seamless and Harmonious Joints
To ensure a seamless appearance and minimise wastage, corner joints and butt end joints in Corian worktops are typically square rather than mitred. These joints are smoothed and bonded using specially formulated color-coordinated adhesives, caulking, and a heat process, making them almost imperceptible. This technique gives the appearance of a solid, seamless design.
Cut-outs and corners are rounded and polished smooth, while end details, upstands, and downturns come in a variety of shapes and designs to finish off the worktops beautifully. Provisions are made for thermal expansion and contraction to avoid cracks, ensuring the longevity and durability of the Corian worktops.
Conclusion
Corian worktops offer a superior blend of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Their non-porous nature, ease of repair, and wide range of customisation options make them an excellent choice for any home. Whether you are updating your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space, Corian worktops provide the perfect balance of form and function, backed by a 10-year warranty against product defects and a 10-year limited “installed” warranty for peace of mind.
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