The Pros & Cons of Solid Surface (Corian) Countertops For RV Use

Corian countertops are often used in RVs because they offer a blend of style, durability, and functionality. But what exactly is Corian, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using it in an RV? Are there other types of solid surface countertops used in RVs? In this post, we take a look at Corian, including the pros and cons of using it in an RV.

What Are Corian RV Countertops?

Corian is DuPont’s brand name for solid surface countertops. Dupont originated the product, and now there are many other competing brands and manufacturers. The word “Corian” is often used to refer to a range of solid-surface countertop brands. It’s similar to how all adhesive bandages are “Band-Aids,” any tissue might be called a “Kleenex,” and all cotton swabs are known as “Q-Tips” even though those are all brand names.

“Corian” has become the de facto term for solid surface countertops, even though not all solid surface countertops are Corian brand.

Corian and other solid-surface countertops offer a nice upgrade from the Formica/laminate countertops that once dominated the kitchen countertop market. But like anything else, Corian (and other solid surface materials) has pros and cons.

What Are the Advantages of Corian RV Countertops?

Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of Corian countertops in an RV.

Aesthetic Appeal

Corian countertops are known for their sleek, modern, seamless appearance. They come in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns to match the decor of any RV’s interior, from classic to contemporary to avant-garde.

Corian RV countertops (and other solid surface countertops) offer a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns to match the decor of any RV. This is the Corian kitchen counter in our former Newmar Mountain Aire.

Seamless Integration

The lack of visible seams is one of the features of solid surface countertops that makes them such an attractive option. Corian countertops can be seamlessly integrated into an RV’s kitchen or bathroom because it’s a manufactured material that can be designed in many different shapes, with curves and without seams. This contributes to a clean, polished, cohesive appearance.

Durability and Resistance to Staining

Corian and other solid-surface countertop materials can withstand most of the rigors of life on the road… without showing much wear and tear. If Corian stains or discolors over time, it can be cleaned. And minor damage can often be repaired.

Because Corian is a solid material, it’s more resistant to scratches and stains than some other countertop materials. This doesn’t mean that Corian and other solid surface countertops can’t scratch or stain at all — they can. In fact, we wrote an entire post on how to clean a stained Corian sink, because light-colored solid surface materials can yellow and stain over time, especially white kitchen sinks.

If white Corian sinks yellow over time, removing the staining is easy, restoring an almost new appearance. Check out the video at the bottom of this post to see how we’ve done it.

Lighter Weight

Since weight is often a consideration in an RV, a significant benefit of Corian and other solid-surface materials is that they weigh less than natural stone surfaces such as granite. High-end diesel pushers may opt for granite, as their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) often allows it. But smaller rigs usually don’t have the luxury of including such heavy items.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning Corian is easy because solid surface countertops are non-porous, so they don’t easily absorb spills. This makes them easy to wipe down with just a damp cloth. As mentioned above, stains are possible. But they’re far less likely to set in quickly, making the low-maintenance requirements of solid surface countertops great for RVers.

Customization

Corian countertops can be shaped and formed into nearly any configuration to fit an RV’s unique layout. This ability to customize makes solid-surface countertops an excellent choice for the often-odd-shaped counter spaces common in RVs.

Our former rig, a Newmar Mountain Aire, came with Corian countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. We loved them and they held up very well for us during more than 18 years of full-time use.

In the bathroom, the sinks were molded seamlessly into the counters with no lip, making it easy to wipe down the counters by sweeping water (and anything else) right into the sink. Having sinks molded into the counter is one of the design benefits of solid surface materials (as you can see in the photo above, our Mountain Aire’s kitchen sinks were also made of Corian, but they were the under-mount style, rather than a single piece molded into the counters).

What Are the Disadvantages of Corian RV Countertops?

Now, let’s take a look at a few drawbacks of Corian countertops in an RV.

Cost

One of the most significant drawbacks of Corian countertops is their price. Solid surface countertops are more expensive than some other RV countertop options. That’s one reason why more cost-effective alternatives, such as Formica, are used in many RVs.

Vulnerability to Heat

Corian isn’t as heat-resistant as some other countertop materials, such as granite. Placing hot pots or pans directly on a solid-surface countertop can cause damage, including discoloration or cracks. For this reason, it’s essential to use a trivet or pot holder to protect Corian countertops from high heat. That said, newer versions of solid surface countertops, such as Corian Endura, are much more heat-resistant.

Vulnerability to Scratches

While Corian is generally very durable, it can still be susceptible to scratches or stains, particularly from sharp objects. The best ways to prevent scratches and marks on Corian countertops are to use a cutting board and to be careful with sharp knives. Should light scratching occur, it can usually be buffed out. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your brand of solid-surface RV countertop.

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Weight

Yes, we mentioned the lighter weight of Corian as an advantage above because solid surface countertop materials are lighter than natural stone, such as granite. However, Corian countertops are heavier than Formica and other laminated materials, so it’s only fair to point it out as a disadvantage from that perspective.

Corian is in the middle weight-wise: heavier than Formica, but lighter than granite. If weight is a significant factor in your rig, it needs to be taken into consideration during any remodeling project.

Is Corian a Good Choice for RV Countertops?

Corian and other solid-surface countertop brands are excellent choices for RV countertops. They offer style, durability, and seamless integration. However, they’re both heavier and more expensive than some other options and do require precautions, such as protection against high heat and sharp objects.

While Corian may not be the right choice for every RV owner, solid surface countertops are an excellent choice in terms of aesthetics, easy maintenance, and overall durability. We loved the Corian countertops in our Mountain Aire for over 18 years, and think they make the rig look great!

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