Corian vs wood: which material is best for kitchen worktops?

Wednesday, 30 May 2012 2:02 PM

Two of the most popular types of kitchen worktops are wood and Corian. Both have many plus points that make them attractive to purchase for your home. Corian and wooden worktops are durable, attractive, flexible and available in a variety of styles.

However, both also have some negative qualities to them. The below guide outlines the benefits and disadvantages of Corian and wood, allowing you to make an informed decision about which type of kitchen worktop is best for your requirements.

Advantages of Corian

Corian is a solid-surface material that is perhaps one of the most popular among homeowners for their kitchen tops. Its durability means it will not need replacing in the near future, while it can also be used to create sinks. Undermount sinks are a great option for ensuring a seamless look in your kitchen, so making both the basin and tops out of Corian will result in a clean and simple appearance. Another benefit of the material is that it comes in a large range of styles and colours, so your decor plans will not be restricted. If, for example, your kitchen has splashes of red, you can select a similar shade for your breakfast bar worktop, while keeping the rest of the surfaces a neutral hue.

Disadvantages of Corian

While Corian does a good job at deflecting stains and spills, that does not mean it requires no maintenance. The material can become damaged if a hot pan is left on it for too long, while chopping boards should always be used, as scratches can form if care is not taken with sharp knives. Another downside to selecting Corian over wooden worktops is that it can be expensive. If you have a large space, or are making over your kitchen on a budget, choosing a cheaper material might be a better option.

Advantages of wood

If you have natural wooden furniture, you will know how well the material ages. The same can be said for kitchen worktops, as over time wooden surfaces will deepen in colour and look even more luxurious. The large selection of timbers and finishes is another benefit to choosing wood for your kitchen and means that whatever type of property you have, you will find a surface that fits in well with your decor. Just some of the choices include oak, walnut and beech. If you select the African iroko timber, it will at first be a pale brown, but will start to develop into a richer colour. Make sure you choose pale units to show off the wood to its full effect. If you have a contemporary space, bamboo and wenge look light and fresh.

Disadvantages of wood

Wood can be prone to warping, although this will not be as big a problem when hardwoods are used. They are also susceptible to stains, burns and scratches, so extra care has to be taken to keep your surfaces in tip-top condition. To help prevent the wood from warping, make sure the fitter oils the tops before installation. You will need to do this throughout the lifetime of your kitchen to help maintain the counters' water resistance. This will also mean that splashes and stains will need your immediate attention, so make sure you clean up spills as quickly as possible to prevent discolouration.

What are the best units for your kitchen?

Whether you're planning on carrying out substantial renovations across your entire home or wish to make a few minor aesthetic amendments, it's worth looking into how you can improve your kitchen. As one of the most used parts of a property, this is one room you will want to get right, so you ought to spend some time thinking about what units you have in place.