Which is better, Corian or Melamine?
Question:Which is better and where can I find a couple pieces about 18" x 24" or a bitt bigger for cheap?
Answers:
Corian and melamine are two very different products.
Corian is a brand name that covers several different products, but commonly refers to a plastic "solid surfacing" material often used for counter tops.
Melamine is a coating that is applied to surfaces either as a thin sheet or a thin coat sprayed on to make them water and chemical resistant. It would be used for the interior and exterior of cabinets, some wall panelings and the like.
If you are looking for something to make a counter top out of, anything coated in melamine will not work. It will not hold up to normal wear.
If Corian is what you need, any company that sells counter tops may have a piece or two that would fit your needs. Small pieces are often left from a large job. Also, Corian is just one brand of solid surface. There are several other brands, and in my opinion most are just as good.
Actually, you can use concrete. They have countertop molds. It's MUCH cheaper, can be stained any color you like, finished to a high or low gloss (whatever you prefer), and is VERY durable. Look into it.
Corian
Corian is a superior product compared to melamine, but they can both be used successfully depending on their application. Corian can easily be repaired if marred, and it comes with it's own repair kit to " do it yourself". If damaged, marks can be easily buffed up so appearance retention is great. It has an excellent warranty ( 10 years I think ), but price wise, it does cost considerably more.
Melemine if you are talking about the sheet material, is like a plastic laminate ( Arborite etc.) but has a thinner wear layer. You shouldn't cut on it, it does not repair well. It will scratch and burn, and won't buff or sand away. But if handled properly, will give you a useful surface. If you are talking about a melamine paint, this is usually used only on vertical surfaces ( door, drawer faces ). As a paint finish, it is hard wearing, extremely durable and scrubbable, but I would not use it on a horizontal, counter surface.
If you only need a small piece, ask any home reno store for discontinued, roll end or miscuts. If colour isn't an issue, you will probably find sme scraps cheap. You could also check with a millwork shop or two ( yellow pages ) because they may have sink cut out pieces in your size, that they may throw away, or sell as cutting boards.
Good luck, hope this helped..
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