At Apollo, we often use Corian as part of our interior design schemes – but what exactly is it and how is it used?  Here’s our quick guide…

What is Corian?

Corian samples

Corian is the brand name of a solid surface material developed by American manufacturer DuPont in the 1960s.  It is often used as an alternative to other conventional surfacing materials such as stone, wood, glass or steel.  Corian is suitable for all sorts of applications due to its unique properties:

• Non-porous
• Stain-resistant
• Thermoformable: Corian is flexible when heated and can be readily shaped and moulded, making it ideal for commercial and artistic projects
• Seamless appearance: Making it excellent for large area applications
• Hard-wearing: Should Corian get marked, you can simply buff out any scratches
• Heat resistant: Corian is heat resistant up to 100 °C

Decorative Corian wall panels

So, what does Corian look like?

This is the real beauty of Corian – it is available in a huge range of colours and textures, from wood and stone finishes, natural enough to fool anyone, to brightly coloured and futuristically textured designs.
It can also be used as a translucent layer which glows beautifully when backlit.
A true artistic medium, Corian can be carved, shaped, inlaid or printed – the possibilities are endless!

Why use Corian?

With a price point comparable to premium natural materials such as granite and marble or recycled glass and stainless steel, what are the advantages to using Corian over other solid surface materials?

White Corian sink

The fact that it can be easily shaped and moulded, makes Corian ideal for creating surfaces which can be both functional and decorative.  Due to its non-porous and seam-free composition, it inhibits the growth of germs, mould or fungi.  This makes Corian ideal for use in healthcare settings – from dental surgeries and aesthetic clinics to scrub rooms and operating theatres.  Its hard-wearing nature also makes it ideal for high-traffic commercial properties such as offices, restaurants or shops.  The possibilities for incorporating Corian into commercial, residential and public settings really are limitless.

Corian’s eco-friendly credentials

The Ovo Wroclaw Centre clad in white Corian

Corian is also an environmentally-friendly choice.  Manufactured in accordance with strict guidelines on waste production and energy consumption, both Corian and the adhesives and sealants used to install it are certified as producing low VOC emissions.  Its durable nature also means it is less likely to need replacing over time, thereby reducing waste.

What is Corian commonly used for?

Corian is often used for creating work surfaces, but it is used to create all sorts of things from the exterior cladding on buildings to decorative lamps.  Mario Romano is a specialist artist who has created some inspiring and spectacular installations using Corian.  When it comes to Corian, your limitation really is only your imagination!

How can I incorporate Corian into my design scheme?

For advice on how to incorporate Corian into the interior design scheme for your clinic, office or home, contact Apollo Interiors.

For more information on Corian, visit www.corian.uk.