alan0043 Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Hi Everyone, I am asking the question. Is Corian counter tops worth the cost or extra cost to have them. I have my own thoughts about Corian. I have a 5th wheel trailer with Corian counters. I opened up my trailer last year and found an 8" piece that broke off the edge with part of the bull nose. Just the other day I opened up the trailer and found another piece that broke off the counter. This piece is about 6" long by the stove. Some people would say it is stress that causes the problem. I do not see where the stress would come from. The trailer has not been moved for more that 1 1/2 years. Two winters and 2 broken pieces of counter top. If the trailer sits for a 3rd winter I would bet that a 3rd piece would brake off. If I were to buy new and the trailer had Corian, I would pass on the sale. I am not a fan of Corian. Has anyone else have problems with Corian cracking and braking off ? Why would the winter cause such problems ? Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxCowboy Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 We have corian in our Greystone and like it. Looks much better than the old laminates that used to come in RVs. I've never heard of the issue you described with chunks of the corian breaking off but this has been an unusally harsh winter, particularly if your RV was in storage during the winter. I would think that corian could resist cold temperatures. Can we assume you are in the far north of the US? My only real complaint with corian is repairing the scratches that occur. The surface is not quite as strong as I had hoped and the countertop scratches fairly easily. The repair process that I have seen involves multiple passes with different grades of sand paper using a circular sander followed by a sealant. Needless to say, the circular sander turns your RV into a real mess. Found this old thread from a search. Not sure it's still valid but it does discuss corian. https://www.heartlandowners.org/showthread.php/2253-corian-counter-tops Jeff & Laurie South Texas Hounds: Auggie (beer drinking English Cocker Spaniel) Angus (five pounds of bad azz chihuahua) Homebase: 2015 Heartland 365 Key West -- The "Uno Mas" The Office: 2016 Crossroads Hill Country 26RB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFchap Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 13 years and 96k miles on ours ...no problems at all Paul (KE5LXU), former fulltimer, now sometimer... '03 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage 40E '05 Honda Odyssey Escapees, FMCA, WIT, SMART http://www.pjrider.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce t Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Corian is a trade mark brand. Many other products on the market 'look' like Corian but are far inferior. We had the genuine one in one motorhome and it was great. In another one we had a look alike and is was fragile rubbish. regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 I installed Corian in 60+ yachts, from 32' to 60'+. Never an issue with the flexing and vibration. Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 We have corian in our Greystone and like it. Looks much better than the old laminates that used to come in RVs. I've never heard of the issue you described with chunks of the corian breaking off but this has been an unusally harsh winter, particularly if your RV was in storage during the winter. I would think that corian could resist cold temperatures. Can we assume you are in the far north of the US? My only real complaint with corian is repairing the scratches that occur. The surface is not quite as strong as I had hoped and the countertop scratches fairly easily. The repair process that I have seen involves multiple passes with different grades of sand paper using a circular sander followed by a sealant. Needless to say, the circular sander turns your RV into a real mess. Found this old thread from a search. Not sure it's still valid but it does discuss corian. https://www.heartlandowners.org/showthread.php/2253-corian-counter-tops Use a DA sander with a sandpaper that will hold up to water. We wet-sanded and did a light buffing for a "Matt" finish. For a deep shine, high speed polishing with very light pressure and a good quality finishing compound. All is available at any real automotive part and paint store. Can a Mod fix this and post my comment outside of the quoted area?? Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zulu Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 If you're not brand loyal, look at Corian alternatives. I had a non-dorian countertop installed in a computer desk -- looks exactly like Corian & it's cheaper. SKP #79313 / Full-Timing / 2001 National RV Sea View / 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubiconwww.rvSeniorMoments.comDISH TV for RVs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave O Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Any counter top is only as good as its installation and support. I have had actual Corian in three Motorhomes over the last twenty years with NO problems. If the counter top is breaking off like OP sez than I would bet it is not actual Corian. I am active on a number of RV boards and have NEVER heard anything even close to this. Dave O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 I have had Corian snap on me, every time it happened it was due to stress on it, either improper mounting or something shifted and the mounting was being twisted. Installed wrong it usually snaps as soon as the glue/silicone set up or at the first movement over a rough spot. Since it has been many months since you moved the rig I'd look carefully for settling issues that may be providing the stress. First rule of computer consulting: Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day. Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted April 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 I installed Corian in 60+ yachts, from 32' to 60'+. Never an issue with the flexing and vibration. Jim, Are you going to the ECR this year ? If you are there I can show you the two problem areas. Extra set of eye's can always help. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dzwiss Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 I personally do not see any advantage to Corian. I have had it for over three years in my trailer and although it is holding up well it's finish is a bit dull and scratched up. More so than Formica would be. I guess there is some maintenance to it which I have not done and would not be necessary with Formica. I would not pay extra to have it. 2019 Airstream Flying Cloud 27FB 2011 Ford F350 CC SRW "Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for." Will Rogers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirakawa Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 My experience: Formica is more durable, Corian is more attractive. Everybody wanna hear the truth, but everybody tell a lie. Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody want to die. Albert King Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxCowboy Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 ^^^^ Chirakawa sums it up very nicely. Jeff & Laurie South Texas Hounds: Auggie (beer drinking English Cocker Spaniel) Angus (five pounds of bad azz chihuahua) Homebase: 2015 Heartland 365 Key West -- The "Uno Mas" The Office: 2016 Crossroads Hill Country 26RB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wa_desert_rat Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Corian on all the counters in my 1993 Foretravel U225 and it's still beautiful. No scratches, smooth finish. I have to admit that I really like the stuff. WDR 1993 Foretravel U225 with Pacbrake and 5.9 Cummins with Banks 1999 Jeep Wrangler, 4" lift and 33" tires Raspberry Pi Coach Computer Ham Radio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted April 7, 2015 Report Share Posted April 7, 2015 I wouldn't go Corian again, there are a lot of different products out there that sound better and may be less prone to wear. I'd day Corian wears better than real Formica, a lot better than some of the clones but you can also replace your Formica several times for the cost of Corian. Google: corian alternatives First rule of computer consulting: Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day. Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted April 7, 2015 Report Share Posted April 7, 2015 Jim, Are you going to the ECR this year ? If you are there I can show you the two problem areas. Extra set of eye's can always help. Al We'll be there sometime Friday (10th). We're planning on spending 2 weeks there. Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docj Posted April 7, 2015 Report Share Posted April 7, 2015 My experience: Formica is more durable, Corian is more attractive. Unless you get ColorCore Formica where the color goes all the way through, I can't imagine how anyone can think laminate is more durable than Corian (or other solid surface materials). Formica has a hard outer surface, but once you scratch through it, the underlying material has none of the color or texture of the surface. Solid surface materials are the same all the way through and nicks, minor burns, etc, can easily be polished out. All you need is a buffing kit like this http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Mesh-Corian-Countertop-Repair-Kit/dp/B0033REUBC and you can restore a solid surface counter (Corian or not) and make it look as good as new. Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirakawa Posted April 7, 2015 Report Share Posted April 7, 2015 Unless you get ColorCore Formica where the color goes all the way through, I can't imagine how anyone can think laminate is more durable than Corian (or other solid surface materials). Formica has a hard outer surface, but once you scratch through it, the underlying material has none of the color or texture of the surface. Solid surface materials are the same all the way through and nicks, minor burns, etc, can easily be polished out. All you need is a buffing kit like this http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Mesh-Corian-Countertop-Repair-Kit/dp/B0033REUBC and you can restore a solid surface counter (Corian or not) and make it look as good as new. I did say "my experience". I've had formica all my life and never scratched the surface. I've had genuine Corian in one home, my present RV. It is beautiful, but scratches easily just by sliding a pan across it. I have a coffee maker with rubber feet. Just sliding it across the countertop scratched the Corian. I agree that it can be restored, but I'd have to restore it once a year to keep it looking nice. Everybody wanna hear the truth, but everybody tell a lie. Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody want to die. Albert King Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted April 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2015 We'll be there sometime Friday (10th). We're planning on spending 2 weeks there. Thanks Jim. I hope to get my stuff together Maybe we can talk about this problem. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted April 8, 2015 Report Share Posted April 8, 2015 I've used all these product extensively including Color Core which is very brittle. There is nothing wrong with Corian, a Dupont product. Temps are not going to be a problem either. My 40' -01 Travel Supreme has Corian thruout. -35c in Calgary and in storage for 2 yrs. Trailer was taken into a heated shop prior to a trip south in the Winter. It took 2 days for the trailer to give up the -30c cold. If ever there was an opportunity to crack, that was the time. Scratches can be dealt with by filling if you can get the resin or sanding with an orbital starting with 100 or 80 grit and working down to 1000 wet and dry. Using water will give a higher sheen. Also will give off no dust. Use a shop vac on the sander to reduce dust. Sound like the material had stress or was not supported properly or took a hit. All the other solid surface materials are treated/ fabricated basically the same way. If you look on the bottom of the counter, somewhere there will be a code# and name. It's put on by a roller, same as found on the back of a sheet of laminate. You may be able to contact a Corian fabricator and get a quantity of resin to fit pcs together. I'd get a pro. Don't gish all the resin out or it won't stay together. You may have a standard drop lip like mine, in that case add sone under the broken area and overlap on both sides for additional support. We use packing tape over a piece of 3/4" material to apply stretch pressure. Put a 3/4 x 3/4 pce of wood or whatever on either side of the break and tape from counter over top of both blocks and down to the counter again. That is enough pressure. Clean off excess. For a dull and or scratched surface, again sand with wet and dry, using water or not. Buffing will add xtra shine but you want to match to what is adjacent. Using an orbital or block. There are 3 sizes of Orbits, 3/8", 3/16", 3/32" go for 3/16", its the most common. I put Corian in my 34" Uniflite 40 yrs ago, been thru 10' seas crossing Georgia Strait from Powell River to Silva Bay. Took most of the clag quartering off the Port bow but turned into the 10 footers slapping the bow pulpit on the wave after the big one. Lots of opportunities to break. Corian stood up but all the wine glass stems snapped off. No point in badmouthing the product, the product is not the problem. I's either fabrication or installation. Find a Corian dealer and ask them. Read you post again, did it break on a seam or joint? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce t Posted April 8, 2015 Report Share Posted April 8, 2015 Something yet to be mentioned is the weight. Corian is heavy. regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted April 8, 2015 Report Share Posted April 8, 2015 Bruce, weight is relative.... I downgraded from the heavy quartz that came std with our unit to Corian to save weight.... 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted April 8, 2015 Report Share Posted April 8, 2015 Corian is heavy but you have to compare it to the Formica or other laminate plus the support layer they need. Comes out pretty close in weight. First rule of computer consulting: Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day. Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted April 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2015 Hi Roger, The pieces that broke off have no seam in them. I like the look of the counter tops but I don't care for this problem. I don't think anyone will find the cause of the problem. It seems like my problem is not common at all. This is my first experience with corian. That is why I would rethink using corian again is because of what has happened to me. Do you get the counter repaired and hope that it won't brake again. This is a frustrating problem. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 Alan, do you still have the pieces that broke off? If so, if you can bring them with you to the ECR. Corian can also be ordered in different thickness. Just because the face edge looks 1" or 1 1/2" thick, don't believe it. It can be stacked, glued, routered, and polished for a seamless look. The breaks I have seen were not at the glue lines, but next to a seam. The glue is an epoxy base that is stronger than the Corian itself. Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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