Caesarstone vs Corian: Which Countertop Material is Right for Your Project?

One of the beauties of selecting countertops is the fact that you’re going to have a plethora of options. This can include colors, textures, patterns, and materials, but it can go far beyond that too. One of the two more popular options would be Corian vs. Caesarstone quartz. These two major brands are considered premium and can instantly elevate a kitchen or bathroom countertop to make it feel more luxurious. 

While there are some similarities to these two brands, such as their aesthetics and design elements, they’re pretty contrasting regarding their materials and quality. If you need help choosing between the two, you’re in luck! So, here are some of the significant differences when it comes to Caesarstone vs. Corian!

Corian vs. Caesarstone: What Are They?

It can be agreed that both are brands for countertop surfaces for bathrooms and kitchens, but what exactly are they?

Corian

Corian is a brand name, but this is also a reference to solid surfaces that contain natural minerals and polymers. Unlike premium countertops such as quartz or natural stone, the price is much lower, thanks to its materials. It’s the low cost that makes this preferred by a lot of homeowners. Some of the competing brands for Corian can include Fenix, Swanstone, and Samsung Staron.

Caesarstone

A beloved premium brand, this utilizes quarts for its countertops, which has made its brand name synonymous with quartz countertops all around. This combines natural minerals, man-made minerals, and resins. Some of the competing brands will include Cambria and Silestone.

Corian vs. Caesarstone: The Main Differences

Just as there are some major differences between Corian vs. Silestone, the same can be said against Caesarstone. One of the few comparisons that can be made between Caesarstone and Corian would be that they’re both manufacturers that create homogenous countertop materials that emulate natural stone. Both of these brands offer products that can mimic natural stone for surfaces. Beyond that, they’re not even in the same category of materials either.

Corian falls into solid surface materials, while Caesarstone is in the engineered stone category, such as quartz. What does solid surface mean? This means that the product has a high amount of resins in its content. On the other hand, engineered stone, such as quartz, is a product that contains less resin (about five times less) which does make it a more stone-like material. Other than that difference, there are some other differences between the two.

The Cost

Corian is a much cheaper material, so many homeowners will opt for this over quartz. Caesarstone quartz costs more per square foot than Corian does. This is mostly due to quartz being easier to maintain and more durable material  however, if you want something for decades to come, then Caesarstone could be the optimal option.

Resale Value

The average consumer doesn’t consider Corian a premium countertop brand or material. It is, however, a nice alternative to laminate. In general, don’t expect the resale value for Corian to be high. Caesarstone, on the other hand, has a different story. Quartz is considered to be more desirable than natural stone. Therefore, you can count on the higher resale value for Caesarstone quartz.

Composition

A significant concern that many homeowners have when selecting the material for their countertops is the appearance and feel of it. No one wants a countertop that looks and feels like plastic, instantly giving it a cheap appearance. Caesarstone gives a natural stone-like appearance and feel. This is one of the biggest advantages that Caesarstone has. On the other hand, Corian has a less authentic appearance due to the polymers. If appearance matters a lot to you, then Caesarstone will be the best option out of the two.

Stain Resistance

Don’t count on any countertop material is completely stain resistant. However, the good news is that when it comes to Caesarstone vs Corian, they’re both quite good at resisting most stains. Corian and Caesarstone can both resist stains from CLASS 1 reagents, so this can include products such as coffee, tomato sauce, blood, and olive oil. Another similarity is that CLASS II reagents such as acids and paint removers should stay away from these countertop materials.

Heat Resistance

If you’re looking to have countertops in the kitchen, and if you or someone in your home plans to do a lot of cooking, this is a factor to keep in mind. Sometimes, accidents happen in the kitchen, such as spills on the countertop. While you should never directly put hot liquids, dishes, or pans onto the countertop, you can count on Caesarstone quartz as more resistant than Corian. It will hold better, plus Corian contains a large quantity of polymer, which doesn’t stand up to heat very well.

Style

The style is going to come down to preferences mostly. Many homeowners and designers have praised quartz for its luxurious appearance, extensive range of patterns, and clean appearance. Plus, quartz is primarily a natural composition, meaning it will have a more timeless essence. So, what about Corian? While Corian has some benefits, it doesn’t entirely favor style. It gives off an artificial appearance and feels. Plus, it’s more prone to fading out of style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is Better for You: Caesarstone vs. Corian

Ultimately, it will depend on your budget, long-term view, and overall aesthetic. These materials and brands will bring their own qualities to the table. Corian is more affordable, while Caesarstone quartz is considered more timeless. But selecting the best material or brand for your surface countertops isn’t entirely black and white. Just think about the qualities you want in a countertop and go from there!