Corian Countertop Costs

Corian countertops cost between $45 and $65 per square foot. Labor costs for installing these counters average $75 per hour. The total cost of installing Corian counters in a home is about $3,500.

The factors with the greatest effect on cost include thickness, style and texture. Only authorized dealers can sell these counters, and each one can set their own price. Other cost factors include the scope of the project and where you live.

On This Page:

1. Average Corian Counter Costs
2. Corian Price Per Square Foot
3. What Are Corian Countertops?
4. Corian Styles
5. Cost to Install Corian Countertops
6. Refinishing Corian Countertop Costs
7. Warranties
8. FAQ

Average Corian Counter Costs

Features of the low-price tier include eased or roundover edges. The medium price tier includes double roundovers and beveling, while high-end counters have bull-nosed edges and laminate roundovers. Labor costs don’t include the removal of the old counter.

Complex designs or cuts to fit around appliances factor into your invoice. Other features, like backsplashes and finishing edges, also increase the cost of labor. If you’re looking for cheap countertop alternatives,  ways to cut countertop installation costs are also available.

Corian Price Per Square Foot

The cost of Corian per square foot depends on the demand for that color. An Abalone counter measuring 30” x 144” feet is about $870, or $30 per square foot. A piece of the same size in Acadia is $550, or $20 per square foot. A smaller piece in Acorn measuring 30” x 92” is $400, or about $22 per square foot. A 2-foot square in Allspice is about $130, or $30 per square foot.

What Are Corian Countertops?

Corian is a synthetic substance made from acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH), resulting in a cross between laminate and granite. It’s often used to make counters, although it has many other applications. DuPont invented Corian in 1967 and patented it in 1968. This patent expired in 2003, allowing other companies to make and sell their version under other brand names.

Homeowners routinely compare Corian with other materials like granite, laminate and polyester when they need a new counter. Corian costs more to install, but you’ll recoup the purchase price quickly since it lasts longer. The patterns on these surfaces are permanent and won’t rub off over time. Only polyester lasts as long, and it requires more maintenance. You can fix damage to Corian with less work than other materials like granite and laminate. For example, you can remove shallow nicks and scratches by buffing it out with fine-grained sandpaper.

Corian Styles

Corian Countertops are available in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. For example, DuPont, the first manufacturer of Corian, offers these countertops in over 100 styles grouped into several product lines. The following table shows these product lines:

The thickness of Corian countertops ranges from 0.25 to 0.75 inches. Thicker models are more durable, while thinner ones are more affordable. Homeowners typically opt for the thinner countertops.

Contact a countertop installer for more information on selecting the best options for your countertop.

Cost to Install Corian Countertops

How much you pay to install Corian counters depends on your contractor or retailer, the size and shape of your counters, and where you live. You might pay anywhere between $10 and $30 per square foot for labor. You can save time and money by preparing to install your counter before you contact a countertop contractor in your area. This process consists of the following steps:

1. Sketch the counter area.

Make a sketch of the layout. If you're installing it in your kitchen, indicate the location of appliances and fixtures. These often include the sink, stove, dishwasher and fridge. Include any inlays or edge treatments in your sketch as well. If you’re installing the counter in the bathroom, include the position of the sink, vanity, bathtub and shower.

2. Measure the counter space.

Measure the length and width of your current counter space to ensure you buy the right pieces. You can also hire a contractor to do the measurements if you don’t know how to do this. You also need to note the space between the counter and fixtures like the bathtub and sink. Also, note the position of open doors to ensure they will clear the new counter.

3. Find a dealer.

Many local retailers stock Corian counters, as do some mom-and-pop stores. Take your measurements with you when you go to the retailer to ensure they show you the right options. You can also talk to a contractor with access to these counters and provide them with the measurements.

4. Estimate the installation cost.

Cover the full installation process and associated costs before you approve the project. Installing a full-size kitchen countertop requires about 6 work hours at a rate of about $75 per hour, for a total labor cost of about $450. The installation team will consist of two to three workers.

The above estimates assume this is the original countertop for the house. If you’re replacing an existing countertop, it will require another 6 hours to remove it at a cost of $20 to $40 per hour for a total of $120 to $240. Expect to pay at least an extra $100 to dispose of the debris.

5. Let the pros work.

You may need to supply a deposit before the contractor begins work, but be sure you’re working with a good contractor and you have the contractor agreement in writing. Once you select a contractor, they’ll send someone to double-check your measurements and cut the pieces. Then they will install them, which may require moving appliances.

Refinishing Corian Countertops Cost

Corian doesn’t need a sealant, which reduces its maintenance cost. Refinishing Corian countertops requires buffing out damage such as scratches and cuts with sandpaper and filling it with color-matched or clear epoxy.  Professional Corian refinishing costs range between $200 and $500, depending on the surface area requiring repair.

Corian Maintenance

Caring for Corian countertops is easy due to their non-porous surface. Use an ammonia-based household or countertop cleaner, which you can find in many local stores. Don’t use window cleaners since they leave a waxy buildup that removes the sheen from the surface.

Here are some more tips for cleaning Corian:

• Remove dirt and residue with soapy water.
• Clean up spills before they dry to prevent hard watermarks.
• Use a cleaner designed to remove hard watermarks that have dried.
• Use a deep cleaner to remove stubborn debris.
• Wipe the surfaces down with a mixture of bleach and water to disinfect them. Allow them to dry before using them.

Keep these counters dry to prevent a film that can give the surface an uneven appearance. Darker shades require more cleaning since debris is typically a lighter color. These colors also show scratches more easily.

Damage

Corian is heat-resistant, but you should still avoid exposing it to direct heat. Place a pad on top of the countertop before putting a pan on it. If you have a toaster oven on your countertop, place a heat trivet under it.

Lower the cost of fixing countertops by taking the following steps to prevent damage:

• Keep paint removers and other chemicals away from surfaces, as they can cause stains. Throw water on these spills immediately if they do occur.
• Avoid spilling boiling water on these surfaces. It won’t damage the surface, but it will wear down the finish.
• Never cut directly on a countertop. Use a cutting board instead.

Warranties

The warranties for Corian surfaces depend on the manufacturer. For example, DuPont offers a 10-year limited warranty on its models. You’ll typically need to register your purchase with the maker to validate the warranty. Installers should also include their own warranty on the labor, in case you have any problems with the labor. Check with your installer on the specific terms of their warranty.

Manufacturer warranties generally cover defects only, not damage that someone causes. For example, DuPont’s warranty specifically excludes the following causes of damage to Corian surfaces:

• Mishandling
• Misuse
• Acts of nature
• Physical abuse
• Chemical abuse
• Excessive heat

FAQ

Is Corian cheaper than granite?

The cost of Corian is similar to granite, especially at the low end of the price range. Both types start at about $50 per square foot, including labor. However, granite tops out at $100 per square foot, while Corian can reach $150 per square foot.

Is Corian cheaper than quartz?

Corian is cheaper than most types of quartz. It is possible to find quartz counters for about the same price as the cheapest Corian models, but the quartz will be lower quality. Good quality quartz cost quite a bit more than Corian, and the price of rare varieties of quartz can reach $200 per square foot.

Is Corian a good choice for kitchen countertops?

Corian is a competitive choice for kitchen countertops and is one of the three most popular materials, along with granite and quartz. It’s typically the cheapest of the three, especially in the low-price range. The variety in appearance is also a major advantage of Corian over natural materials like granite and quartz.

Do Corian countertops scratch easily?

Corian is softer than both granite and quartz, so it will scratch more easily than these two materials. However, it’s also easy to buff out scratches in Corian with sandpaper. In contrast, stony materials like granite and quartz aren’t easy to repair.

What are the disadvantages of Corian countertops?

One of the biggest disadvantages of Corian is its low heat resistance compared to materials like granite and quartz. Unlike these materials, a metal pot filled with boiling water can discolor a Corian surface. Vulnerability to scratching is also one of Corian’s major drawbacks.