Has anyone had Corian counter tops installed. If so how has it worked out and was it worth the cost?
thanks
Howard
thanks
Howard
Corian Counter Tops
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Corian was standard in my 2004 Hunter 33- and probably is still standard - most likely in most sizes. I think it is great. No problems to date.
Michael
Michael
There were several reports of cracked Corian a few years back. I would suggest that you look at some of the new products too.
I think if you go to a shop that specializes in this stuff, you can probably get a deal on remanants (left overs from a job). The counter tops on most boats are small and would not required large pieces.
The most important thing when installing new tops is to have a substancial backing to mount the materials on. Either the existing formica or new plywood which the solid surface material will be glued to.
I think if you go to a shop that specializes in this stuff, you can probably get a deal on remanants (left overs from a job). The counter tops on most boats are small and would not required large pieces.
The most important thing when installing new tops is to have a substancial backing to mount the materials on. Either the existing formica or new plywood which the solid surface material will be glued to.
If you are thinking to do Corian yourself, when looking for a 2'x2' piece of Corian a few years back for my boat, I found that distribution is tightly restricted by the manufacturer to authorized dealers, who generally only supply to the trade. As an individual consumer I could not find a source. Eventually, I was able to get a lead from a local kitchen remodel showroom/contracter about their Corian supplier/fabricator. When I showed up at their door, then they were happy to let me take a look at their remnant area (which was over-flowing). When I did buy I was amazed at how subtle differences in color/tone/pattern affected the appearance once in the boat. Eventually, I unscrewed a piece of fiberglass gelcoat from the boat's interior and brought it with me for color matching. If you find a piece you like, be sure that the shop will let you exchange if the color doesn't work.
I'm probably going to be re-doing the counters on a friend's boat with Corian. I've managed to get my hands on a big sheet of it and will have to rip it down to size, but the sheet should be enough to do the entire galley and a bit more.
I use a piece for the top of my router table. I wouldn't be concerned with it cracking if you are using 3/8" thick. I jsut read an article about someone getting "professionals" to install corian on their boat. A woman came out and made templates. The pieces were cut in a shop somewhere. Then a different crew came out to install them. It was wrong a few times in a row. Finally the company had a Corian-Jedi come out to solve the problem and he was able to do it. I know some one who has a few big pieces that I am going to buy. But I want new sinks first that mount underneath. I redid mine with formica on plywood. I want to be sure I like the configuration of my galley before I spend the money on corian.
cutting and leaving 90 degree cornes will cause cracking. the easiest way to do it is to make a GOOD plywood template that fits EXACTLY and route it out . do not cut or file inside corners square. fasten in place with silicone.
good to know. I take it that corian doesn't deal with cut corners well and forms stress cracks at them?
I remodeled my galley 4 years ago, installed corian tops myself, Template fit all your work,set tops with clear lexal adhesive,shimmed as required,refit mahoganey trim to
top. worked out great, with all the pounding sea conditions, havn't had any problems.
top. worked out great, with all the pounding sea conditions, havn't had any problems.
I remodeled a kitchen a few years ago and the man that measured for the granite counter top, placed coded tapes on each edge and corner. front and back for all of the pieces and then stood back with a compact digital camera and took pictures. He then cleaned up his work and told us that the pieces would be ready in two weeks. Delivery day came and three men carried the pieces in and set them in place and finished the job before noon. I never did see a tape measue.
Corian and cast acrylic share many qualities including notch sensitivity, cornes should have a good radius.
Corian and cast acrylic share many qualities including notch sensitivity, cornes should have a good radius.
Believe me, cracked corian has been a problem for many years!
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=535106&highlight=corian
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=534761&highlight=corian
I suspect that the material that they used to support the solid surface may not be as strong as it should have been.
This has NOT been a problem that has been posted in the last couple of years on the newer boats. They may also be using thicker material too.
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=535106&highlight=corian
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=534761&highlight=corian
I suspect that the material that they used to support the solid surface may not be as strong as it should have been.
This has NOT been a problem that has been posted in the last couple of years on the newer boats. They may also be using thicker material too.
Steve,
I think most of the problem is that these boats flex a lot more than many owners realize. Catalina for example uses a "Corian like" product that is actually cast into a mold for the counter tops. My 2005 310 had cracked counter tops after the first season. Push these boats hard and they will move and flex just the nature of the construction and really should be somewhat expected. Corian and Corian "like" products don't like to move and are rather brittle. On a heavier built boat I doubt you'd see the issues like you do on Catalina's, Hunters or other lightly built boats where most of the cabinetry & bulkheads are simply screwed into place....
I still think that if installed like in a home with separate pieces for back splash etc. using 3/8" Corian this would be less of an issue than with a cast or molded product that covers a large area in one piece.
I think most of the problem is that these boats flex a lot more than many owners realize. Catalina for example uses a "Corian like" product that is actually cast into a mold for the counter tops. My 2005 310 had cracked counter tops after the first season. Push these boats hard and they will move and flex just the nature of the construction and really should be somewhat expected. Corian and Corian "like" products don't like to move and are rather brittle. On a heavier built boat I doubt you'd see the issues like you do on Catalina's, Hunters or other lightly built boats where most of the cabinetry & bulkheads are simply screwed into place....
I still think that if installed like in a home with separate pieces for back splash etc. using 3/8" Corian this would be less of an issue than with a cast or molded product that covers a large area in one piece.
MS: I agree that the boats do flex, but there were many complaints several years ago regarding this issue. We really have not had anyone doing much complaining about it any more.
I think if it was a MAJOR problem for the mfg, they would have discontinued the solid surface materials altogether.
This is similar to the "roll bars" on the mid-90's Hunters. There were complaints about them and all of a sudden they were being made of stainless. Most of the problem was solved. (other than banging your head on the damn thing)
I think if it was a MAJOR problem for the mfg, they would have discontinued the solid surface materials altogether.
This is similar to the "roll bars" on the mid-90's Hunters. There were complaints about them and all of a sudden they were being made of stainless. Most of the problem was solved. (other than banging your head on the damn thing)
Corian
When I re-did our Hunter30 galley 5 years ago we installed Corian and have had no problems. Took the old counter tops and they used them as a template. Made sure there were lots of cross supports and just a thin bead of silicone which (I assume) allows for some movement. It was about $700......
When I re-did our Hunter30 galley 5 years ago we installed Corian and have had no problems. Took the old counter tops and they used them as a template. Made sure there were lots of cross supports and just a thin bead of silicone which (I assume) allows for some movement. It was about $700......
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