Goodbye Quartz: A Cheaper Alternative That Delivers More Than Stylish Appeal

Quartz is the latest countertop style seeing a big uptick in popularity, but there is an alternative out there that can be even more stylish and affordable. Of course, quartz has been around for a while, but its resurgence compared to options like granite comes from its unique attributes. Because quartz countertops are an engineered material made from real quartzite stone, mixed with resins and pigments, it can be crafted to come in a variety of patterns and colors, both copying natural stone like marble or veering into more unusual, creative designs. That doesn't always come cheap, and Corian countertops can deliver just as much style for less money.

Never heard of Corian? It's actually a brand name developed by DuPont in the early 1970s as a variety of solid surface countertops. While Corian is strictly the DuPont product, other companies have since released similar countertop materials. Over the years, Corian has become a general term referring to not only the specific brand, but the overall style as well. Like other solid surface countertops, Corian is made from a mixture of acrylic polymers and other minerals.

This style has several advantages as a countertop material, but its construction is the key to its visual appeal. Because it is moldable, Corian can be made into seamless shapes that fit your kitchen, imparting your food prep space with a sleek, uniform look. Since it's engineered similarly to quartz, it comes in tons of color options that can fit any kitchen aesthetic.

With any type of kitchen countertop material, the price is going to vary based on the needs and wants of the customer. In general, Corian will be more affordable. At the low end, quartz starts at $50 to $60 per square foot, with an average around $80, though it can run up to $200. Corian, on the other hand, can start as low as $26 per square foot and typically maxes out around $100. That's in line with the price of other solid surface countertops. It's particularly good for larger projects and kitchens that require more fitting since the moldable material makes installation simpler.

However, durability is a factor to consider. With its non-porous surface, Corian is very resistant to mold or stains, and it's not vulnerable to cracking like natural stone. It is also easier to repair than quartz if it is damaged. Despite that, it is not as scratch or heat resistant. Corian scratches can actually be buffed out, so that may not be an issue, but burns can cause more lasting damage to the aesthetics of the countertop. In general, it is more tough than other budget materials like laminate, but not as durable as quartz, granite, or marble.

If you are careful not to put pots directly on it, and use cutting boards, Corian can provide much of the look of other countertops at a solidly lower price, while requiring less care than natural stone. While it may not last quite as long, that kind of versatility will be valuable to anyone looking to update their kitchen in style.