What Are The Pros And Cons Of Corian Shower Walls?
Corian has been around since 1964 and was first used for countertops and sinks. It’s been taking the design world by storm over the last couple of decades. Its clean, no-fuss style adds a touch of class without going overboard.
If you are looking to renovate your space or are building it from the ground up, Corian may be just the answer you have been looking for. It all started when a company called Dupont developed an acrylic resin by combining natural minerals with acrylic polymer. The result is a smooth and sleek material that is non-porous and can be used as flooring, countertops, or shower walls.
The advantages of Corian shower walls are that they offer a modern look, require low maintenance, are simple to install, and are waterproof. Some drawbacks to Corian shower walls are that there aren’t as many design options available, they can be cut or damaged with sharp objects or chemicals, and the price may be too high for some budgets.
Let’s examine the pros and cons of Corian shower walls to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages they offer.
Do You Need to Hire Shower Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
What Are The Pros Of Corian Shower Walls
While many bathroom upgrades are trendy and not in for the long haul, I think you will find that Corian is timeless. Your space will look clean, polished, and inviting for years to come.
Say Goodbye To Grout Lines
When you decide to go with a Corian shower wall, you will end up with no grout lines! The pieces of Corian are pre-cut and they fit together to create a beautiful and smooth finish.
This means you can forget about all of those harsh chemicals that are normally used to clean grout! This is a huge pro because scrubbing grout can get tiresome.
Reasons why not having grout is a benefit:
- No resealing – Due to the joints aligning the way they do with Corian, you won’t have to reseal anything. Once you put up the shower walls, you will get to enjoy them for a long time without worrying about a lot of maintenance.
- Easy to clean – You can simply use a soft, damp cloth and wash the walls with soapy water. Wash in a circular motion, repeat until clean, and then rinse. It’s that easy, and you only need to use dish soap or any other shower cleaner on the market.
- No discolored grout – Grout naturally becomes discolored after use and will need to be deep cleaned a minimum of two times a year. This can be a daunting task, so without it you will save time.
Waterproof
The sleek design of Corian shower walls is much more than a look, it’s a benefit too.
The finish is non-porous, so this means that stains and water aren’t going to penetrate into the surface. Water is going to glide down the sides and into the drain instead of becoming trapped in the tiny holes and grout.
There isn’t any way for dirt and grime to cause damage like it can from other finishes. Corian panels will help prevent mold, mildew, and other bacteria from growing.
Installation Is A Breeze
Whether you are hiring a professional or are interested in trying your hand at DIY, installing these shower walls is easy.
You will need some basic equipment and tools, but unlike tiling, there aren’t a lot of steps involved. Here is a short rundown on the installation.
- Prep work – The walls will need to be level, sound, and cleaned before you begin. This step is typically the longest part, especially when remodeling.
- Measure & Cut – The wall panels will need to be measured and cut if needed to ensure a snug fit.
- Silicone & Attach – Silicone will need to be added to the backsides of the shower walls. Then you’ll put the panels in place. Continue the process until all of the walls have been installed.
It’s worth pointing out that if you hire a certified fabricator to install the Corian shower walls, there is a 10-year manufacturing defect warranty. It doesn’t cover damage that is caused by chemicals or physical damage though.
Pre-Cut Panels
To save yourself (or the installer time) you can purchase pre-cut panels. This is especially helpful if you have tight corners or snug spaces. There may be some trimming involved, but as long as it was measured properly, it should go together easily.
Fantastic Colors & Patterns
There are many options when it comes to colors and patterns. Choose between a solid color or go with a pattern that has veins or swirls for a more sophisticated look.
Currently, there are over 100 different styles and colors to choose from. This may seem overwhelming at first, but ultimately having a lot of choices means that you can pick something that is more customized to your desired finished look.
Edge Options
There are three basic options you can choose for your Corian shower walls. They offer tongue & groove, straight edge, and a rounded edge.
Having a few options is helpful, so you can be sure to pick what fits your room. While a cookie-cutter style is helpful in some situations, bathrooms tend to vary a lot. This gives you the opportunity to choose what will work best for your bathroom and make the greatest impact.
Easy To Maintain
Other than cleaning the Corian panels, there isn’t much to maintain. If you have hard water, it will most likely build up, so cleaning the walls on a regular basis will cut back on that.
As it ages, you may notice small scratches and cuts. When this happens, you can sand those out, and it will look brand new again (or close to it).
Without much effort at all, the shower walls will last for many years. This is part of why they have become so popular.
What Are The Cons Of Corian Shower Walls
Even with the best quality material, you can expect to find a few flaws. Corian has a few disadvantages that may affect your decision. Let’s dive in and break those down for you.
Limited Design Options
While the colors and design options are stylish and sleek, there isn’t a lot of room for unique designs. When you go with tile, you can easily add different patterns or shapes, but you are limited with Corian.
With tile, you can add a one-of-a-kind design by adding in-lays, patterns, and borders. All of these fine details can make a huge impact on your room.
If you are looking for something super distinctive, Corian shower walls may not be the answer for you.
Durability
While the shower walls will last a long time, they can be damaged easily. Corian can be scratched or cut, so you will want to make sure to avoid touching it with sharp objects or harsh chemicals.
While you can sand out the scratches, it’s better if you can avoid them altogether. Consider these tips to limit harm to the panels.
- Don’t use window cleaner – Window cleaners can cause a wax-like build-up and this will make the finish dull and less vibrant.
- Never make long cleaning strokes – Instead use small circles to clean all over the walls with a microfiber or soft cloth.
- Avoid sharp objects – Whether you have hard water and lime buildup, or something stuck to the surface, avoid any kind of sharp object to remove it. Putty knives and other tools can cause deep cuts and scrapes that you may not be able to sand out.
Pricier Than Plastic or Fiberglass
Prices of Corian are cheaper than granite or marble, but they are more expensive than plastic and fiberglass. If you are on a super tight budget, there may be less expensive options out there such as plastic.
If you are having a contractor install the shower, or you are doing it yourself, be sure to check out the different options that are available. Compare prices, durability, and overall look to help you decide what is best for your style and budget.
It’s Slippery
If you use Corian as the flooring in your shower, you will find that the finish is smooth and can be slippery after it gets wet. You’ll need to take some extra precautions, to prevent anyone from falling.
It’s a good idea to apply some non-stick strips along the flooring. Add a strip every couple of inches to cover the entire floor of the shower. This will give your feet something to grip onto and will prevent slips.
Another option is to add a bath mat that has suction cups. If you add a bath mat, the suction cups are super important because they will prevent the mat from sliding.
Do You Need to Hire Shower Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Our Conclusion
While no material for your shower is going to be perfect, Corian has a lot to offer. The beautiful, elegant style will add charm to your bathroom while remaining completely functional. Now it’s your job to weigh the pros and cons to decide if this is the best option for your space. Be sure to take into consideration the installation, care, and price of the products you are choosing between.
Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.
More by Paige Hanawalt
![Standard Dining Room Table Dimensions [for 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 People]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9074335/standard-dining-room-table-dimensions-for-4-6-8-10-and-12-people.jpg?size=350x220)
