Corian compared to Caesarstone

Quartz and solid surface worktops are vastly different surfaces, starting with their composition, to the manufacturing process, repairs, hardness and appearance. Corian is one of the top brand names for solid surface worktops and Caesarstone in turn is one of the top brands in quartz worktops. Both these premium products are used in top-end residential and commercial applications, but it would be hard to pronounce one “better” than the other, because they are so different. The choice would be determined by personal preference, budget, the desired atmosphere and look, particular conditions and requirements. Professional designers at worktops.net will give you expert advice on which might be the better choice in particular circumstances and to achieve the result you are looking for.

While Corian and Caesarstone are both manufactured from natural stone to create the best quality non-porous worktops, they are manufactured from very different natural minerals, with very different qualities. They are even classified differently. Corian is classified as a reconstituted ​solid surface material, composed mainly of bauxite minerals, while Caesarstone is classified in the re-engineered stone category, composed mainly of quartz.

“Solid surface” means the product is manufactured from natural stone aggregate, such as granite or marble, with a certain amount of polymer resins blended in to improve the flexibility, strength and resilience of the natural stone, while “quartz” means that the product is manufactured from quartz aggregate, with a higher natural stone content and consequently a smaller percentage of polymer resins than solid surface, making it the more stone-like material of the two, although this does not make the predominant difference in appearance and performance, which is due rather to the type of natural minerals used in their manufacture. Other significant differences are listed below.

What are the similarities between Corian and Caesarstone?

Both are:

• Manufactured from natural stone, with polymer resins added, improving on the appearance and qualities of the natural stone from which they are manufactured;
• At the top end of luxury and style;
• Non-porous, highly stain resistant;
• Neither requires any sealing or special maintenance;
• Easily cleaned and maintained;
• Have a vast array of colours, textures, styles and patterns;
• More colour consistent than natural stone, both within the particular slab and between different slabs;
• Available different thicknesses for different applications and weight requirements;
• Have a wide choice of accessories, integrated basins and sinks, upstands, backsplashes, etc;
• Used for worktops, flooring and wall cladding;
• Free, or virtually free, from Radon found in natural granite (asserted to be harmful);
• Both carry a 10 year warranty.

What are the main differences between Corian and Caesarstone?

• Corian is made primarily from Bauxite minerals (predominantly aluminium ore, with some iron ore) with a granite and marble-like appearance, while Caesarstone is made primarily from quartz and silica, which are more crystal-like;
• Corian contains a higher percentage polymer resins than Caesarstone;
• Caesarstone contains a higher percentage natural stone than Corian (Caesarstone minimum 94% and Corian minimum 66%);
• Both are ultra-hygienic, but Caesarstone has a unique antibacterial agent baked into the resin, actually killing bacteria;
• Caesarstone is much harder than Corian (or in fact almost any other surface with a score of 7 on the Mohs scale, compared to Granite’s 3);
• Both are highly resistant to scratches, heat and other damage, but Caesarstone is much harder and therefore even more resistant to impact damage and scratches than Corian (remember, neither is indestructible and care should be taken to protect your investment);
• Corian is easier to repair than Caesarstone in the unlikely event of damage. Corian can in most cases be repaired by yourself, whereas Caesarstone requires particular expertise and specialist equipment;
• Caesarstone is more resistant to acids than Corian, although both are very highly rated;
• Both have a vast array of colours. However, while Corian offers a wider choice, Caesarstone offers more unique exotic colours;
• Both can be almost seamlessly joined, with nowhere for germs and dirt to accumulate, although the seams will be even less apparent in Corian than in Caesarstone;
• Caesarstone has a much more lustrous and three-dimensional appearance because of the embedded quartz crystals;
• Corian is made by the internationally acclaimed country DuPont, on whose 1960’s patent all other solid surface materials are derived. Caesarstone is produced by Caesarstone (Ltd), an international company listed on Nasdaq;
• Corian is more versatile than Caesarstone in as much as it can be formed, moulded, shaped and engraved;
• Caesarstone is generally more expensive than Corian.

Benefits of Corian over Caesarstone

• Greater variety of colours, textures, patterns, styles and finishes.
• Also available in matte finish if that is your choice.
• Easier to repair when damaged.
• Greater versatility for complex designs and artistic applications.
• Imperceptible joints, giving a unified appearance.
• Cheaper than Caesarstone.

Benefits of Caesarstone over Corian

• Much harder and more durable than any other worktop surface.
• More resistant to stains, impact damage or scratches.
• Radiant finish and 3-dimensional appearance “inside” the surface if you require a more lustrous appearance.
• Exceptional hygiene and antibacterial qualities.
• Higher natural stone content.

Available in Jumbo sized slabs, suitable for larger surfaces without joints.