Meganite Vs. Corian Countertops: What Are The Major Differences?
Choosing new countertops for your home is a big decision and one that can impact the overall look and style of your home. You want to find a countertop that looks great, lasts for years, and gives you endless design options. Many people will turn to a solid surface material, like Meganite or Corian, for their countertops because of the various associated benefits.
Both Meganite and Corian are solid surface countertop materials, giving you a lightweight and affordable countertop option. Meganite is made of acrylic and is a sanitary and nonporous option. Comparatively, Corian is made of an acrylic polymer that can stain and fade over time.
Although made by different manufacturers, Meganite and Corian are remarkably similar products that hit the same price point and have easy, seamless installation processes. Because solid surface countertops are lightweight and affordable, they can make an excellent option for a DIY project to help homeowners gain some installation experience and save some money on costly contractor costs.
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What Is Meganite?
Meganite is a solid surface countertop that is commonly used in the bathroom or kitchen. It can also be used for sinks, window sills, and shower walls. This solid surface material is an artificial creation made from acrylic. There are several benefits of Meganite countertops, and people like them for their lightweight and durability. Plus, this artificially created countertop offers endless design options at a lower price point compared to natural stone like quartz or granite.
What Are the Benefits of Meganite?
This solid surface countertop has several benefits that make it an attractive option in homes around the world. Some of the top benefits of Meganite countertops include:
- Seamless Installation – These solid surface countertops have invisible seams, which means that your countertops can look like a one-piece system.
- Easy Care – Simply wipe the countertops with warm and soapy water to clean. The nonporous surface will never need to be sealed to protect the finish, like granite and quartz countertops.
- Long-Lasting – Solid surface countertops are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Many of the countertops will look great for years without staining or fading.
- Endless Design Options – There are over 80 different color and pattern combinations to choose from, so you’ll have the ability to create a custom-designed solid surface countertop in your kitchen or bathroom.
Is Megantie Easy to Clean?
Meganite countertops are not porous, so liquids, dirt, and debris cannot penetrate the surface. This feature makes cleaning your Meganite countertops incredibly easy. Simply use a paper towel or clean cloth with some soap and water. Using an ammonia-based cleaner can help give your Meganite counter some extra shine. Although Meganite advertises its nonporous and stainproof design, it is always best to clean spills before they have a chance to adhere to the surface of the countertop fully immediately.
Can Meganite Stain?
One of the most attractive benefits of a Meganite countertop is its stain-resistant surface. Because the artificial surface is not porous like other countertop materials, food and liquid have difficulty penetrating the surface. This feature means that Meganite countertops are extremely sanitary since dirt, bacteria, and germs can’t live in the tiny pores of the material.
How Much Does Meganite Cost?
Meganite is a relatively affordable solid surface material that is a popular option. Expect to pay around $40 for the basic colors and patterns of Meganite and up to $55 per square foot for high-end and more detailed versions of Meganite countertops. Of course, it is always important to also factor in the installation cost and any necessary materials you’ll need for installation. In most parts of the country, contractors will charge between $7 and $10 per square foot for solid surface countertop installation.
What is Corian?
Created by DuPont, Corian is a popular brand for solid surface countertops that are commonly used in the kitchen or bathroom. The artificial surface is made of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate. The end product is lighter than natural stone but can mimic the look and pattern of granite or quartz. Corian is a brand name of solid surface countertops and is lightweight, durable, and long-lasting.
What Are the Benefits of Corian?
Corian is a popular countertop option for many reasons and is a go-to choice for many homeowners. There are several benefits of Corian that make them an excellent option for your kitchen or bathroom. Some of the benefits of Corian countertops include:
- Nonporous Surface – The nonporous surface means that you’ll have a solid countertop that can withstand spills from food and drink, preventing staining.
- Seamless Design – The delicate manufacturing process can create nearly seamless joints.
- Easy to Maintain – Simply clean this surface with hot and soapy water to prevent food stains. There is never a need to seal Corian countertops like quartz or granite.
- Design Options – Corian comes in over 100 different colors and patterns, meaning your imagination is the only limitation to creating a unique design.
- Lower Price Point – Compared to other countertop options, Corian offers a lower price point that is nearly half the cost of natural stone like quartz or granite.
Is Corian Easy To Clean?
Corian countertops are very easy to clean, making this an attractive benefit of a solid surface countertop. To clean your Corian countertops, you’ll need to use warm soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner. It is important never to use window cleaner for your Corian countertops because these tend to leave a waxy buildup that will make the surface of your countertops dull. Use a circular motion while cleaning to avoid long scratches that can become noticeable over time.
Can Corian Stain?
One of the main selling points for Corian countertops is the stain-proof surface. Although the countertops are regularly sold as a “technically” nonporous surface, it is possible to stain Corian. Food and drink spilled on the surface of the countertops can become stains if left to sit. When the food is left on the counter, it can either become absorbed into the surface or bond to the surface. This staining is more likely to happen with light-colored countertops. Always wipe up any drinks or food immediately to prevent staining.
How Much is Corian?
Compared to other countertop material options like quartz or granite, Corian is a far cheaper option. Most people can expect to pay about $40 per square foot for basic Corian and $65 per square foot for high-end Corian countertops. Compare this to quartz and granite, which can easily exceed $100 per square foot, and it is clear to see why Corian is such a popular countertop option.
What Color Options Are Available for Meganite and Corian?
Probably one of the biggest benefits of a Meganite or Corian countertop is the wide range of colors and patterns available. Not only will homeowners get to choose the color they like best for their solid surface countertop, but they’ll be able to select from several patterns and textures, many mimicking the look and feel of real natural stone.
Meganite comes in over 80 different colors and stains to choose from, while Corian will give homeowners the option of over 100 different designs and colors. Choose to match your cabinets, find a color and pattern that looks like granite, or choose something completely different to highlight your countertops. Some people even mix and match colors and patterns, opting for a different color on a center island.
Are There Downsides to Solid Surface Countertops?
While solid surface countertops are an excellent choice for many homeowners because they are durable and long-lasting, these countertops do have some downsides. Unfortunately, the artificial nature of these counters does not hold up well to heat and will melt if hot pots and pans are placed directly on the counter.
Further, these countertops can dent, chip, and scratch, especially with sharp knives and heavy objects. Lastly, although these countertops claim to be stain-resistant, they can develop staining as the counters age.
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Related Questions
How do solid surface countertops compare to quartz or granite?
Many people choose a Corian or meganite countertop because of the several advantages compared to a solid stone countertop like quartz or granite. Probably the most attractive benefit is the relatively low price compared to solid stone. Plus, many solid surface countertops are lightweight, making them the perfect option for any base cabinet. Solid surface countertops are long-lasting and durable and come in many colors and patterns, making them entirely customizable to your likes and style.
Can I install solid surface countertops myself?
Unlike heavy granite or quartz countertops, it is possible to install your own solid surface countertops yourself. Because these surfaces are much lighter in weight, navigating a solid surface countertop into place is much easier. Many people will choose to have solid surface countertops cut and designed professionally and then installed as a weekend DIY project. Installing your own solid surface countertop is a great way to save money on a new kitchen installation.
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