Many people have regular laminate countertops in their kitchens, but, with age, these scratch, stain, and delaminate. Modern countertop brands such as Corian and Silestone solve these problems, but which should we choose?
Countertops contact food daily. So we should choose an attractive and durable one, using cutting-edge materials and technology that’s safe for contact with food.
But, we should research the available data before selecting the right countertop for our kitchen. You should know its specifications, choose the color, and agree the price.
Use this guide to help choose Corian vs. Silestone countertops in your new kitchen.
Corian Company Overview
DuPont created Corian® in 1967. Initially, it had a single-color design for kitchens and bathrooms.
Corian’s cross-sectional color and patterns are homogenous throughout the slab. Therefore, all edges match the overall decorative design.
Cosentino – Company Overview
Florida-based Cosentino manufactures Silestone® as one of its several home improvement brand materials. It’s a high-performance, sintered quartz without the fissures of natural stone.
Product Composition
Corian has 1/3 acrylic-polymer resin and 2/3 solid minerals (mainly alumina trihydrate, found in bauxite) molded into the required shape.
What is Silestone made of? Unlike Corian, it consists of sintered quartz particles, heated, compressed, and resin bonded. This process mimics how metamorphic rock forms in nature but is faster and has natural stone’s benefits without the disadvantages.
The Durability of Silestone vs.Corian
Durability covers a wide range of features.
Heat Resistance
Neither material is 100% heat-resistant. However, Silestone performs better than Corian. Placing hot pans onto a Silestone countertop for a few seconds won’t cause damage. However, with Corian, use trivets and heat-protector pads.
Scratch Resistance
Because Silestone is 94% quartz, it’s more scratch-resistant than Corian. However, Corian is easier to repair than Silestone.
- Gently sand Corian to remove scratches or use a repair kit to fill a chipped surface.
- Silestone is more difficult to repair. First, apply a filler compound. Then, polish the repair to match the undamaged surface.
Porosity
Both Silestone and Corian have a non-porous surface. Therefore, they resist stains and are more hygienic than traditional stone countertops.
Hygiene
Corian uses more resin in its construction, has an unbroken surface, and is completely non-porous. Therefore, there are no hiding places for bacteria and dirt. In comparison, Silestone countertops use less resin and are not 100% non-porous. However, there’s enough resin to seal the surface.
Flexibility
Both Corian and Silestone products can be easily molded to almost any shape, such as unique design features, sinks, shower trays, and other water-resistant fixtures.
Finishes Available
Silestone countertops are available in the following finishes.
- Polished.
- Suede.
- Volcano.
Corian countertops have the following finishes.
- Matte.
- Semi-gloss.
- Gloss.
Furthermore, each brand has many different colors to choose from to match your décor.
Slab Size
Both materials are manufactured to suit your kitchen, so there’s no need for unsightly and unhygienic joints and seams. Furthermore, because of their superior structural strength, they are made thinner than traditional laminate countertops.
Corian is available in 6mm (0.24″), 12mm (0.47″), and 19mm (0.75″) thicknesses.
Silestone slabs have areas of up to 3250x1590mm, with thicknesses of 12mm (0.47″), 20mm (0.79″), and 30mm (1.18″).
Warranty
Cosentino offers a 25-year warranty, which guarantees to replace or repair defective products within this period. However, you must comply with the warranty’s restrictions.Corian has a 10-year warranty, promising to replace or repair defective products within this period. The company provides separate contracts for residential and commercial customers, and you must comply with the specified restrictions.
Price Comparison
Prices for both countertops depend on the fitter’s hourly-rate and the product’s cost. Generally, they are comparable. But, like-for-like Corian products are usually more affordable than Silestone.
For a countertop area of 100sq.ft.
| Countertop | Average Purchase | Average Installation |
| Corian | $45-$70/sq.ft | $75-$85/hr $2,200-$5,100 |
| Silestone | $50-$200/sq.ft | $45-$59/hr $3,000-$7,500 |
Prices vary with the following factors.
- Each supply or installation company’s unique overheads.
- Fall and early winter prices are often discounted.
- Save up to 20% by negotiating for better prices between suppliers.
- Specialist Silestone or Corian installation companies get better prices than DIYers.
How to Choose One for Your Home?
Your selection depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences. Corian is the more affordable but appears and feels more like plastic, compared to Silestone’s significant mineral content that feels more like stone.
