Corian v granite?

Tracyk_2

i am looking for a black, non sparkly bits, worksurface for my kitchen.

Anyone used Corian or Zodiaq etc over Granite?

looby-loo_2

I did see a programme explaining that the granite we use in kitchens is quarried from India under very poor conditions for workers. Also think of all the miles it travels. It did make me think.

Sorry I have never heard of Corian or Zodiaq so can't give a balance view.

SmartRRRR

Corian is a soft material compared to Zodiaq, and dark colours are susceptible to noticeable marking if damaged. It's a polymer, not a quartz based material. It is warmer than quartz, there are no visible joints and it is possible to repair any damage.

There are a couple of really good blacks in Zodiaq, Vortex and Abyss blacks are good alternatives to Granite, Galaxy Black is a bit lighter and looks more like granite, with markings similar to Star Galaxy (hence the name)

The advantage over granite is a more stable uniform product, what you see in the showroom is close to what you will get, whereas granite can vary greatly (Bon Accord, for example can range from very dark to light grey)

Tracyk_2

Any good deals for Zodiaq?? My kitchen is about 5m x 3 m - nearly all worktops around it apart from 2 door ways!

Help_Wanted

Tracyk wrote:

i am looking for a black, non sparkly bits, worksurface for my kitchen.

Anyone used Corian or Zodiaq etc over Granite?

My friend has a Corian worktop and this is what she said, I quote;

"Well in the kitchen here we have a corian work surface, and it is speckled - not shiny though but very smooth. I can definitely say the corian surface is heavy duty - you can wipe anything of it".

Bear_family

Corian also has antibacterial properties built into the worktop unlike granite,Corian is seamless so you don't have to buy separate sinks, they can moulded from the Corian.Dupont's number is 0800 962 116 or you can look at their website https://www.corian.co.uk The cost will depend on what colour you choose, but it is very hard to estimate a price because of templating and fitting but if you have aplan of your kitchen you could fax it to them and they should be able to give you a quote.

windym_2

Tracy, I would go for granite every day of the week. I have the absolute black and it takes a battering but still looks as good as the day it was fitted. I can recommend a company called http://ukaffordablegranite.com/, who are very good value and did an excellent job.

With granite, you have the real thing. You can put hot saucepans or roasting dishes straight out of the oven onto the surface and not bat an eyelid. It is excellent for rolling pastry as it stays cool. On the downside, I would say that I wipe it with a soapy cloth and then wipe over with one of those micro cloths, just to get rid of the water marks, but I think that is more to do with having absolute black than actual granite.

Good luck with your hunting, whatever you chose, is better than normal laminated worktop.

nelly_2

I do the plastering for a kitchen installer called stuart frazer and they are megga expensive I'm talking kitchens starting at 40 grand and the corian seems to be the 'in' thing at the moment.

Tracyk_2

I had a look at UKaffordablegranite - they have a special offer on just now for the absolute black - will get in touch with them, thanks Windym.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

I dont know anything about the corian material but I got granite worktops several months ago.I got the blue pearl .I was terrified to spend so much money on it but wanted something durable.I can honsestly say I am so pleased I got the granite, it is so easy care and so happy to take what I can throw(not literally) at it.I think in the long term it will be a good investment.I am curious as to this other stuff though as I have never heard of this before.

greyteam1959

Word of warning re granite worktop....
They can both be marked very badly by oils and grease and in I my experience granite can chip fairly easily but not as easily as marble which will also chip quite badly.
Get a lamitate worktop from jolly old B&Q and change it in 5 years !!!!!!!!!!