When it comes to choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, you have a lot of options to choose from. But if you’re looking for something that’s both durable and stylish, you may want to consider Dupont Corian or Hi-Macs.
Dupont Corian is an artificial homogeneous, non-porous, and solid surface material. LG Hi-Macs is a solid surface material made from natural minerals and acrylics. These kitchen countertop materials differ in colors, patterns, and availability.
Although both Dupont Corian and LG Hi-Macs are made from acrylic, they are not the same. In terms of durability and variety, Dupont Corian is more durable as well as has a greater variety of colors and patterns.
This is just one distinction: to know more about Dupont Corian and LG Hi-Macs, stick with me till the end, as it helps you a lot before making any choice between the two.
What are Kitchen Countertops?
Your kitchen countertop is one of the most vital surfaces in your home. It’s where you prepare food, entertain guests, and do other daily tasks. So, it’s important to choose a countertop material that is both durable and stylish.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. What better way to make it your own than by choosing a countertop that reflects your personality? Choosing the right one in terms of quality and appearance can be difficult.
There are many factors to consider, including budget, space, and style. To help you narrow down your options, we have created this guide on how to choose the ideal countertop for your kitchen space.
There are three main types of countertops:
- Tile
- Quartz
- Granite
Tile is the cheapest option, with a range of price points and styles available.
Quartz is more expensive than tile but has a higher quality and durability rating.
Granite is an even more expensive option but has a timeless look that will never go out of style.
Budget considerations: Tile is the cheapest option of all three options. It has a wide price range and many styles to choose from at different price points. The downside is that it doesn’t last as long as compared to the other materials.
The Dupont Corian
Few countertop materials are as well-known or as beloved as DuPont Corian. This solid surface material has been used in homes and businesses for decades, and its popularity is only growing.
Corian was invented in 1967 by DuPont chemist Donald E. Slocum and introduced to the public in 1968. It was the first solid surface countertop material on the market and quickly gained popularity for its many benefits.
Corian is made from a durable acrylic material that is nonporous, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. It also has a seamless appearance that makes it a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
According to sources, a DuPont Corian is made by the combination of acrylic polymers with other minerals and stone-derived materials. This acrylic polymer mix is poured into molds to create half-inch-thick sheets.
The composition is consistent all the way; in other words, it is solid and is the same from inside and out. This results in “solid surface” countertops, which are considered a type of engineered stone material.
While Corian is most commonly used for countertops, it can also be used for a variety of other surfaces, including floors, walls, and even shower stalls.
In recent years, DuPont has introduced several new colors and patterns to the Corian line, making it even more versatile.
If you’re considering a solid surface countertop for your home, Corian is a great option to consider. It’s important to note, however, that Corian is not indestructible.
It can still be damaged by sharp objects or heat, so it’s important to use caution when using knives or hot pans on the surface. With proper care, however, a Corian countertop can last for many years.
The LG Hi-Mac
LG Hi-Mac is a type of kitchen countertop that has a unique history. It was first created in the 1970s by LG, a Korean company. The countertop was originally made from a material called Hymac, which is a type of plastic.
LG Hi-Mac kitchen countertops quickly became popular because they were easy to care for and came in a variety of colors.
In the early 2000s, LG Hi-Mac countertops began to fall out of favor and were discontinued in 2006. This was because they were made from a type of plastic that was not as durable as other materials on the market.
As a result, LG Hi-Mac countertops began to show wear and tear more easily than other types of countertops.
Like the Corian, Hi-Macs are also solid surface countertops, as they are primarily composed of acrylic, minerals, and natural pigments that combine to create a smooth, non-porous, thermoformable, and visually seamless surface.
If you’re looking for a new kitchen countertop, the LG Hi-Mac is an excellent option to consider.
It’s heat-resistant, durable, and comes in a variety of colors. Plus, it has a built-in sink and backsplash, so you won’t have to worry about installing those separately.
The LG Hi-Mac is a kitchen countertop that is made of a material called “high-density polyethylene.” This material is very strong and durable, making it a good choice for a kitchen countertop.
The LG Hi-Mac also has a built-in sink, which makes it a good choice for a small kitchen.
To learn more about the LG Hi-Macs, you can watch the following video:
Today, LG Hi-Mac countertops are making a comeback. This is because LG has redesigned its packaging and countertop variety to appeal to more sophisticated buyers.
Are They The Same?
When it comes to choosing a solid surface countertop, you may be wondering if Dupont Corian and LG Hi-Macs are the same. Both materials are made from acrylic, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Dupont Corian:
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-porous and easy to clean | More expensive than other countertop materials |
| Heat resistant | Can chip or crack if abused |
| Scratch-resistant | |
| Can be easily repaired if damaged |
LG Hi-Macs:
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-porous and easy to clean | Can chip or crack if abused |
| Scratch-resistant | |
| Available in many colors and patterns | |
| Less expensive than other premium countertop materials |
As you can see above, the two materials share quite a few similarities, namely:
- Both materials are made from acrylic
- Can be cut, shaped, and sanded like wood
- Non-porous and stain-resistant
However, the number of differences far exceeds the number of similarities.
Differences Between DuPont Corian and LG Hi-Macs: Colors, Finishes
The main difference between DuPont Corian and LG Hi-Macs is their color. While Corian has a pure white color, Hi-Macs has a white with a hint of grey. This color difference is not the only difference between these two materials.
They have different textures as well as different finishes. Corian is more glossy while Hi-Macs have more of a matte finish.
Sources provide other differences between the two, including:
- DuPont Corian is more scratch-resistant than LG Hi-Macs
- Corian is more durable and has a greater variety of colors and patterns
- Corian is more expensive than LG Hi-Macs
- LG Hi-Macs is less expensive than Dupont Corian
- Hi-Macs are easier to maintain as compared to Corian
- Hi-Macs are more delicate as compared to DuPont Corian
So no, DuPont Corian and LG Hi-Macs are not the same. They are both made from acrylic, but Dupont Corian is a solid surface while LG Hi-Macs is an engineered stone.
Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right material in terms of durability and appearance.
So, which one should you choose?
It depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a countertop. If you want more color options and don’t mind spending a bit more, then Dupont Corian would be the way to go.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or something simple and easy to manage, then LG Hi-Macs would be a better option.
Is Corian good for bathrooms?
Corian surface is nonporous which makes it easy to clean and does not allow stains to penetrate the surface. Further, its durable and beautiful waterproof construction surface makes it ideal for bathrooms.
With thorough cleaning, the material also avoids the growth of mildew, bacteria, and mold.
Is Corian more expensive than Quartz?
Compared to quartz upfront, Corian is considered a cheaper option.
The price range for Corian material ranges between $40 to $65 per square foot, whereas for quartz, the price range starts from $40 and reaches up to $200 per square foot.
Is Corian Eco-Friendly?
The pre-consumer waste of Corian material is recycled into new materials, which contribute to the elimination of landfill.
The material is also known to have a low content of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and has been found to be extremely safe in terms of the low effect on the indoor quality of air.
How Thick are HI-MACS Countertops?
The general thickness of popular HI-MACS sheets is found to be 12mm, and the material can be used outdoors and indoors.
Is a kitchen countertop necessary?
There are all sorts of debates about what is necessary for a kitchen. Some people say you need a certain type of stove, a dishwasher, or an island. But we’re here to tell you that a countertop is not necessary.
You can get by without one. Many people choose to do without a countertop in their kitchen. There are several reasons why you might want to go countertop-less.
Maybe you don’t like the way they look, or maybe you find them difficult to keep clean.
Whatever your reasons, know that you can have a functional kitchen without a countertop. So if you’re considering going countertop-less, go for it!
What type of countertop material is the best?
There’s a lot to think about when you’re choosing counter-top material for your home. You need to consider things like durability, cost, and maintenance.
And, of course, you want it to look good as well! With several options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
One popular option is granite. Granite is a durable material that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It’s also heat-resistant, making it a good choice for areas like the kitchen, where you might do a lot of cooking.
Another popular option is quartz. Quartz is also a durable material, and it’s non-porous, so it’s resistant to stains. Quartz comes in a wide range of colors, so you can find the perfect match for your home.
Is home renovation an expensive project?
Home renovation can be an expensive project, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several ways to save money on your home renovation, from choosing the right contractor to doing the work yourself.
If you’re planning a home renovation, here are a few tips to help you save money:
- Choose the right contractor: Not all contractors charge the same. Some may charge more than others, so it’s important to shop around and get quotes from a few different contractors before you make your decision.
- Do the work yourself: If you’re handy and have some DIY experience, you can save a lot of money by doing some of the work yourself. Even if you’re not an experienced DIYer, several home renovation projects are relatively easy to do, so it’s worth giving it a shot.
Conclusion
In conclusion:
- DuPont Corian and LG Hi-Macs are not two interchangeable brands.
- DuPont is more expensive, offers more color diversity, and is more durable compared to LG Hi-Macs.
- LG Hi-Macs are more affordable and easier to maintain as compared to DuPont Corian. However, they can easily crack or chip if abused, so be cautious when placing them.
- Since both countertop materials serve different types of customers, you should go for the brand you feel more comfortable with.