Hanex Solid Surface and Corian are popular solid surface materials used for countertops, sinks, and other surfaces in residential and commercial settings. Essentially Hanex and Corian are the same material (solid surface) but with a few key differences. In this blog, we’ll look closer at Hanex Solid Surfaces and Corian worktop materials to help you make an informed decision for your upcoming project.
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Is Hanex the same as Corian?
Hanex and Corian are both brands of solid surface materials. A lot of people still refer to solid surface material as Corian as it was the first brand on the UK market, but over the years there have been many new and exciting innovations to the solid surface industry, including Hanex soild surface.
Hanex Solid Surface is a brand manufactured by Hyundai L&C, whereas Corian is a brand of solid surface manufactured by Dupont.
All solid surface materials share the same similarities, such as ease of maintenance, repairability and the ability to be seamlessly joined. Solid surface is also non-porous and stain resistant which makes it ideal for healthcare environments.
What is Hanex Solid Surface?
Hanex Solid Surface is a type of material (referred to as solid surface in the industry) used for countertops, sinks, walls, and other applications in commercial and residential spaces. It is made from a unique blend of ⅔ Aluminum TriHydroxide (ATH) and ⅓ Acrylic Monomer Polymethyl and Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA/MMA), plus natural pigments for colour and aesthetic variations, giving it a high level of durability and the ability to be repaired.
Hanex Solid Surface is a great alternative to corian due to its non-porous properties, making it easy to clean and maintain. The material comes in a wide range of colours and designs, offering endless design opportunities for creating beautiful and functional spaces.
Hanex doesn’t emit any VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) or change the indoor air quality (for which Hanex is certified by GreenGuard and GreenGuard Gold) and has a Health Product Declaration (HPD) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
Fire safety is also important for any material being used on a project or in a residential setting. This is why all of the Hanex Solid Surfaces are fire rated to B – s1, d0. The B rating relates to the combustion of material and means that there is a very limited contribution to fire.
S1 is related to the smoke element and means that smoke emissions are absent or very little. And finally, d0 relates to burning droplets and the rating of d0 means that there are no burning droplets when exposed to fire.
What is Corian?
Corian is also an acrylic solid surface material that is used for countertops, sinks, and other surfaces. It is made from 1/3 acrylic resin (also known as polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA), and 2/3 natural minerals. It was invented and made by Dupont, in the USA.
Corian is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, and it is often used in both residential and commercial settings. Being the first brand on the market a lot of people still refer to solid surface as Corian but there are now a lot of other brands that are great alternatives, such as Hanex, on the market to choose from.
Hanex Solid Surface vs. Corian: Key Differences
While Hanex Solid Surface and Corian have many similarities, there are some key differences to consider when choosing between them. When it comes to considering alternatives to Corian, Hanex is a great option.
Price
All solid surface brands have colours that are similar to each other and when compared by the consumer’s eye, it is hard to tell the difference. The main difference between Corian and Hanex is the price. Hanex Solid Surface can give you the exact same desired finish as Corian, whilst also saving you a considerable amount of money on materials.
However, the overall cost of your project will depend on a variety of factors beyond just the cost of the material itself. For example, the size and complexity of your installation, as well as the cost of installation labour, can all influence the total cost of your project but all solid surfaces including Hanex and Corian are fabricated using the same methods.
The best route for you to take when discussing project pricing would be to speak to an approved Hanex Solid Surface fabricator. You can find one by clicking here or alternatively call 01329 888 365 where a member of our team can assist in finding a fabricator suitable to your project.
Colour and Pattern Options
Corian, Hanex Solid Surface and all other solid surface brands have colours that are very similar in appearance and aesthetic, but they also have colours which are unique to their own brand, View our colour options for Hanex Solid Surfaces here.
We also have launched some more new colours this year – find out more here.
The Hanex Solid Surface colour range prior to 2020 (the launch of Hanex UK) was very similar in range offering to Corian. However, since Hanex UK took over the distribution of Hanex Solid Surface in the UK, we have helped Hyundai L&C develop and create some truly unique colours to bring fresh colours to the Solid Surface industry.
These colours include Venato Marble, Cascade, Stratum and Bellasimo Collections. This forms part of Hyundai L & C’s philosophy of creating colours which stand the test of time rather than purely copying other brands’ colours.
All solid surface manufacturers have a standard white which is usually the cheapest colour option (and it was Corian’s first and only colour when it was invented in the 1960s)
Certifications and Ratings
All Hanex Solid Surface colours, finishes and thicknesses 6mm & 12mm have been tested and rated with the following fire rating:
B – s1, d0
- B relates to Combustible materials – and a B rating means that there is a very limited contribution to fire.
- S1 relates to smoke and an s1 rating means that smoke emissions are absent or very little
- d0 relates to burning droplets and a rating of d0 means that there are no burning droplets.
Other certifications, which Hanex has in common with Corian are:
It is important for you to know that despite the few minor differences between Hanex Solid Surface and Corian, they are both processed by fabricators and manufacturers in exactly the same way. With this in mind, Hanex is a great alternative to Corian countertops if you’re looking for certified and highly rated solid surface.
Repairability
When it comes to repairing solid surfaces, both Hanex Solid Surface and Corian follow the same processes. Solid surfaces can be sanded and polished to remove scratches, this means that even after many years of heavy use your solid surface worktop can be sanded and polished to look brand new.
Maintenance
When it comes to ease of maintenance, both Hanex Solid Surface and Corian are great options. Both materials are non-porous and therefore resistant to bacteria and mould growth, which makes them easy to clean and maintain.
This feature, which is unique to solid surfaces, means that solid surfaces are less likely to stain, which means that they may require less maintenance over time. Hanex Solid Surface has been tested against some common household stain culprits (including permanent markers, turmeric and coffee) along with some less common, such as iodine, for healthcare facilities.
Both Hanex Solid Surface and Corian are easy to clean and maintain, the superior stain resistance of solid surfaces makes them a great option for those who want a low-maintenance countertop that will look great for years to come.
For expert advice on how to maintain your solid surface worktops, view our article here.
What is the Best Countertop for the Money?
When it comes to choosing a countertop that offers the best value for money, Hanex Solid Surface is often the preferred choice. Hanex is a high-quality material that is known for its high quality, great colour range, versatility, and affordability.
Compared to Corian, Hanex is more cost-effective, and this is down to Hanex UK, holding the prices for our fabricators since 2021, making it a popular option for those who want a high-quality solid surface countertop without breaking the bank.
Hanex offers a wide range of colours and patterns to choose from, allowing you to fully customise your countertop/project to fit your specific design needs. If you are looking to use solid surfaces for your project and are looking for a solid surface material that is both cost-effective and high-quality, Hanex Solid Surface is an excellent option to consider.
What is the Most Durable Solid Surface Countertop?
Hanex Solid Surface and Corian are both highly durable countertop materials, made from a blend of natural minerals and acrylic resins. While both are non-porous, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. Ultimately, the choice between Hanex and Corian will come down to two things, colour choice and price.
What is a Cheaper Version of Corian?
A cheaper alternative to Corian is Hanex Solid Surfaces, which is a similarly durable and versatile solid surface material that comes in a range of colours and offers endless design opportunities.
Hanex worktops are generally less expensive than Corian. Other alternatives to Corian include LG Hausys HI-MACS Solid Surface, Lotte Staron and, Porcelanosa KRION.
However, the price of a worktop includes more than just the material, it comes from the skilled labour used to make the worktop, the skill the fabricator needs and has developed over the years, and the tools/facilities that they have invested in.
Which Solid Surface Countertops Are Best?
Hanex Solid Surface and Corian are both excellent choices for countertops, sinks, and other surfaces in both residential and commercial environments. While both materials have many similarities, there are also some key differences to consider when choosing between them.
Ultimately, the choice between Hanex Solid Surface and Corian will depend on your budget and colour requirements.
Where to Buy Hanex Solid Surfaces?
As the official distributor of Hanex Solid Surfaces in the UK, we provide exceptional service to fabricators, designers, shop fitters, and architects. This includes free samples which you can order on our website.
Simply browse our colour collection and click the order sample button to add your favourites to your basket. We offer a high-quality solid surface material in various colours, styles, and patterns to meet the requirements of your project.
Our network of solid surface fabricators and installers are available to offer professional advice and assist you in beginning your project with Hanex solid surfaces.
Contact us today to find out more or search for a local solid surface installer near you.
