FAQs

What is Corian®?

Corian® is a Solid Surface Material invented by DuPont™ in the mid 1960’s. It is made with 1/3 Acrylic (also known as PolyMethyl MethAcrylate or PMMA) and 2/3 natural mineral (also known as Aluminium TriHrydrate (ATH).

What benefit is there in using Corian® as my kitchen bench top?

Corian® is a non-porous surface material, meaning no bacteria can live on the surface or in the joins.

Corian® can be joined in such a way that ensure your bench top is elegant and seamless, with no noticeable joins. This Solid Surface Fabrication is ideal for endless islands and benchtops, enabling you to create long and wide continuous surfaces.

This solid surface is also much warmer to touch than stone, it is not as noisy or as hard on glasses and crockery, making it the perfect material for your kitchen benchtop.

Will I see the join in my bench top?

Inconspicuous is the best way of describing a Corian® join, meaning that it will be near impossible for you to spot where the join is.

We at Cook and Nation also use a technique we call the ‘wave join’, which helps make the joins blend into the top. We also rebate the edges to 6mm which is very effective in hiding the veins. Feel free to come down and visit our showroom to view a larger sample of a ‘wave join’.

Can I cut on my solid surface bench top?

We don’t suggest cutting on any bench top. We recommend using a chopping board, or the complimentary solid surface chopping board you will receive when you purchase a bench top from Cook and Nation

Is Solid Surface Heat Resistant?

We don’t recommend placing hot pots or pans on your solid surface bench top. High heat and flames will damage your surface, so we recommend using a trivet or the solid surface chopping board supplied by our company to place your hot pots and pans on.

Are solid surfaces repairable?

Yes, cracked or heat damaged surfaces can be repaired no matter how big or small. Cook and Nation provides you with a chopping board which is an exact replica of your bench top, that can be used in event your bench top needs repairing.

Does Solid Surface stain?

No, our solid surfaces are all stain-resistant. Corian® is non-porous, which means nothing can permanently stain, and also makes cleaning and maintaining your surface easier than ever. Soapy water or an ammonia based cleaner is all that is needed to remove any marks.

What is the maximum overhang we can have on our bench top?

The maximum overhang will depend on the weight that will be placed on the overhang. A good ‘rule of thumb’ is 152mm for a 12mm thick bench top and 300mm for a 39mm thick bench top. 39mm is the standard thickness, if you require a larger overhang you will need to increase the thickness of your bench top up to 80mm and steel will need to be incorporated into the bench as a sub frame.

How thick are our bench tops?

The standard bench top thickness is 39mm, however your surface can have anything between 12mm and 80mm. Your bench top can be thicker however overhangs will need to considered.

How can I get a quote?

To acquire a quote from Cook and Nation, simply fill out the form on our quote page, attaching any diagrams with dimensions of your bench top requirements. We will then endeavour to get back to you with a quote within 24 hours. Remember, the more information you can supply us the more accurate your quote will be.

Get your quote!

How do I order a bench top?

After accepting our quote, we will arrange a time to come out to your site and check measurements. If you have a cabinet maker involved, he may supply us with a template or pattern of the bench top. Templating by our company can also be incorporated in the quote if necessary. These templates should have cut outs for sinks, cook tops, bbq’s etc. and made out of 3mm MDF.

How long is the installation process

After templating, your bench top will usually be ready for install within 7 – 10 business days. On the day of installation, it can take anywhere between 2 – 7 hours, depending on the amount of joins.

  • No join – 2-3 hours
  • 1-2 joins – 4-5 hours
  • 3-4 joins – 6-7 hours

Do you recommend any colours?

Colour is generally personal choice, however Cook and Nation does recommend you use lighter colours in heavily used areas such as kitchens. This is because darker colours tend to show scuff marks and fine lines more clearly, and will require extra care to maintain.

How should I care for my solid surface bench tops and integrated bowls?

An easy way to keep your solid surface bowl clean is by using Gumption or Jiff on a wet microfibre cloth. Wipe marked area, then rinse clean. For stubborn stains fill your bowl with hot water from the tap and add bleach. Leave for a couple of hours, then drain and rinse the sink thoroughly. We have tested both these methods and have received the required result.

To avoid water marks left on your bench top, we recommend you wipe up spills immediately. If this is not possible simple use a damp microfibre cloth and a little gumption or jiff and wipe the water marked area. You will find that it may leave a dull spot, in time the dull spot will blend away into the bench top. Solid Surface is made to be self maintained by the owner.