For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's a gathering place where kids do homework, events of the day are discussed, and meals are prepared and shared. Because we spend so much time in our kitchens, investing in kitchen home improvement can have a positive impact on our daily lives. High quality and energy efficient appliances can help ease the business of living, while Corian style counters can add both beauty and functionality to the space where we spend so much time.

The Advantages of Corian Style Counters

Corian counters, also known as solid surface kitchen tops, offer a number of advantages over plastic laminate or ceramic tile countertops. Although plastic laminate countertops are fairly durable and inexpensive, they consist of only a single surface layer of color. This surface can fade over time, and can be damaged by cuts from knives or other sharp objects. They can also become damaged from direct heat. Although laminate countertops may look nice when they're first installed, they're not easily repaired and can begin to look worn relatively quickly.

Tile countertops are heat resistant, but using tiles and grout means that the countertop is often uneven. In addition, it can be difficult to clean the grout lines, which can become stained over time. Furthermore, ceramic tile can crack and chip, and replacing damaged tiles is a daunting tasks.

Corian solid surface counters, on the other hand, are nonporous, and so are both heat- and water-resistant. They're smooth for easy cleaning, and generally have no visible seams. Furthermore, because the color goes all the way through the material (instead of a single layer, as is the case with plastic laminate) scratches can be buffed or sanded out. They can also have resistance to mold and bacteria, which ensures that your family isn't inadvertently exposed to illness.

Corian Colors and Corian Pricing

While it's true that plastic laminate countertops come in virtually limitless colors and designs, there are a myriad of Corian colors that are sure to complement your kitchen design. The best way to choose Corian colors is to obtain samples, and then to coordinate with the colors of your cabinets, appliances and walls.

Traditionally, Corian pricing has been high when compared to other types of kitchen tops. However, if you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, there are now Corian style counters available that you can install yourself. These kits consist of prefabricated elements based on the design of your specific kitchen, and can contain everything from your Corian style counters to glue to an instructional DVD on installation. Corian solid surface kits cost about half of what you'd pay to buy Corian and have it installed by professionals.

Every home should have a kitchen that reflects the family's lifestyle. Corian style counters can add a beautiful appearance and the type of functionality that today's family needs.