There are so many options when it comes to your kitchen worktop - granite, quartz, ceramic, wood, Corian and of course, laminate – that it can be hard to decide which one to choose.
Whilst all worktops have their pros and cons, I must say I have always been a big fan of Corian. I have been using it in my kitchen designs for over 15 years, and in fact it is the surface I chose for my own kitchen at home.
So, when I was invited to attend a training course by CDUK, the UK distributor of Corian, I jumped at the chance. It would be a great opportunity to update my knowledge and learn about the latest developments, colours and finishes that Corian are offering.
The first part of the training was to remind us of the unique characteristics of Corian and why they make it a great choice for the kitchen. Here’s a quick run through.
Hygienic and easy to clean Corian is non-porous, stain resistant and durable. With no visible seams there is nowhere for dirt and germs to gather, and it is easy to clean.
Seamless With a Corian work surface the seams are inconspicuous. This means that sinks and up-stands become an integral part of the worktop giving a uniqueness to the design.
Hard wearing Corian is heat resistant and durable, making it hard-wearing and practical for the kitchen. (In fact it is so hard wearing it is often used to clad the exterior of buildings). And if you drop anything on it has good resistance and is unlikely to be damaged.
Repairable Although incredibly durable, if the worst should happen Corian can be repaired to the original smooth, solid surface.
Versatile and original Of all the worktop materials available, Corian is the most versatile when it comes to design. In the kitchen, Corian can flow seamlessly from the countertop into the sink, taken down the side of units to create side panels, or it can be thermoformed to create bespoke curved features.
It is this last point that really resonates with me as a designer. It presents so many opportunities and possibilities as a material. And that was demonstrated in the next part of the training which introduced us to the latest colours and textures that are available.
While Corian is best known for its smooth, silky finish, as you can see in the picture above, other textures are also available. Note in particular the 3D finishes which look stunning as side panels.
Some of the colours available are translucent, and it was interesting to see how, by adding back lighting, the colour is completely transformed. This effect would work really well on a backsplash or on an island.
Something else that was covered was the Corian Charging Surface. A charging unit is placed beneath your Corian surface allowing you to power up your smart devices wirelessly just by laying them on the worktop. It is completely hidden from view so doesn’t interfere with the design, although if you prefer you can have a charging point motif inlaid into the worksurface.
As you can probably tell, I love the design potential of Corian. I have never quite understood some kitchen designers’ reticence towards it – maybe they have just never invested the time to understand its unique features and to fully appreciate its possibilities.
What is important to me is that I am knowledgeable and well trained in all the different surface materials you could use in your kitchen. That way I can offer you the best advice and the best design service possible.
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If you would like to find out more about my kitchen design service, please get in touch.
The showroom is open by appointment. To arrange a convenient time to visit, call me on 07946 069420, email me on contact@discoverkitchendesign.co.uk or click on 'Contact Us' in the menu.
Corian not your style? Read my blog about XTONE sintered porcelain for a completely different style of work surface.