Scientists from DuPont first developed Corian, a one-of-a-kind material, in 1967. What’s interesting is how this has evolved into a process that consider sustainability and a circular economy, to reuse the raw materials that were made into a finish product. Many home builders, developers and technology companies like Apple have adopted principles of the circular economy. Read about how Daisy at Apple helps with recycling later.
Since Dupont’s invention, home builders and homeowners have benefited from the use of Corian in their countertops over the past five decades, and they have been custom fitted and designed based on a homeowner’s kitchen space. Besides hiring professionals, what happens if you need to learn to do this yourself? Friends have asked how to cut Corian countertops in the past. Would you know? I’ll tell you how to go about this.
The good news is that cutting Corian countertops for stoves doesn’t take rocket science, and all you have to do is prepare the materials you’ll need, measure the area, cut from the back, and finish the edges.
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The surface of Corian is made from a mixture of an alumina trihydrate and an acrylic polymer that produces a beautiful appearance. It also comes in many exceptional colors and designs. The synthetic materials are also notably easy to clean and maintain and exceptionally durable.
Most importantly, Corian countertops can also add significant value to homes, making them popular in high-end kitchens worldwide.
Read below to know more about the process involved in cutting Corian countertops for your stove.
How do you cut Corian for a cooktop
While there are several ways of cutting Corian countertops, you might want to stick with the easiest and simplest method that only requires some power tools and can be easily performed by do-it-yourselfers.
Prepare the tools
Before anything else, start by preparing the tools you’ll need first, which include:
- Circular saw
- Pencil
- Saw horses
- Straightedge
- Tape measure
- Triple chip grind blade
Safety First
Corian’s popularity is mainly because the material is to handle and customize. You can use the same tools for cutting wood when cutting Corian, which you won’t be able to do with granite or other similar materials.
Cutting Corian involves less risk than cutting countertops made with other materials. However, wearing a pair of safety goggles is still recommended when making the cuts.
Ensure you also work with a partner who can help you move and lift the Corian slab. The last thing you want is to drop the material and break a corner while you move around or cut the material. Otherwise, hire a professional team if you are not confident enough to do this yourself.
Get Ready to Cut
It is necessary to avoid any rush to cut the Corian slab, or you could have an accident or make an expensive mistake. Measure the area where the countertop will be installed first, and use these measurements afterward to measure and mark the Corian slab.
Mark the cutline on the rear part of the countertop. Cutting from the backside of the slab is recommended to avoid chipping. Place the slab on a workbench, two sawhorses, or any similar sturdy spot where you can easily make a full cut.
Switch on the circular saw blade with the triple-chip grind blade. This unique blade features rounded teeth that help reduce chipping when cutting.
Cut from the Back
As mentioned earlier, lay the Corian countertop with its backside facing up. Start the Cut with slow and gentle moves through the cutline using the circular saw with its TCG blade. Be sure to move as slowly as you can throughout the Cut. You can tell if you’re already moving too fast when the blade begins to smoke, and once it happens, it means you should move slower.
Finish the Edges
If you follow all the steps above, chances are your Corian countertop will be ready for installation once you are done cutting. But if you want the edges to have a smoother or rounded finish, you can achieve this with sandpaper.
Just sand the edges to your preferred roundness or smoothing. Finish the job using 220-grit sandpaper to eliminate sanding lines for a more polished look.
Alternative Ways to Cut a Corian Countertop
One of Corian’s most remarkable qualities is that you can cut it using the methods or tools used for cutting wood. It means that a circular saw is not the only tool you can use for the process. A router, beam saw, and radial arm saw are other options you can consider.
You can also use a belt sander if you only need to make small cuts. It is a highly accurate power tool that can shave off smaller portions at a time.
But while it is true that you can use other types of power tools for the task, DuPont highly suggests using a circular saw as much as possible. If no circular saw is available, you can find one at most home improvement stores.
Can you cut through Corian
Yes, you can cut through Corian and use different saws and blades. Just ensure you only use the recommended tools to lower the chances of leaving unnecessary marks on the material or breaking it.
See that you also choose the suitable tool size that matches the thickness of the material you plan to cut. Once again, always wear protective eyewear and a mask when cutting Corian since the dust produced during the process may irritate your eyes and lungs.
Will heat damage Corian countertops
No, the heat won’t damage your Corian countertops. These materials are meant to be resistant to heat, with the ability to tolerate a maximum temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit without incurring any damage. However, please note that temperatures above this will still damage your countertop because it will flame.
It means that these materials are not invincible even if Corian countertops don’t get damaged because of heat. To prevent unwanted problems, don’t forget to use trivets or hot pans under baking dishes and hot pans.
Let your cookware cool down first before you place it on the countertop. Put trivets under electric skillets and other heat-producing appliances. If a kitchen accident causes heat that can mar or discolor your countertop, you can consider hiring a Corian technician who can buff off and repair the affected area.
Can you cut solid surface countertops by yourself
Yes, you can easily cut solid surface countertops yourself, and it is a straightforward task that all DIYers of all skill levels can carry out. Solid surface countertops are popular as a versatile and attractive alternative to traditional laminate materials. You can also shape or form them using the tools often used for wood-related projects.
Here are the steps involved in cutting solid surface countertops:
Getting ready to cut
Cover the surface of the work area with some plastic sheets. The process produces lots of dust; a plastic sheet can catch most of them. Placing it beforehand can help simplify the clean-up afterward.
Set the countertop
Prepare two sawhorses and place these on the plastic sheet. Lay out the solid surface countertop on top of them. Ensure there is a small area of overhang on both ends to prevent the countertop from falling when you cut it. If it is too heavy, you can ask a helper to lift the countertop onto the sawhorses.
Measure
With a tape measure, determine the dimensions of the solid surface countertop and use a piece of wood with a straight and long edge and a pencil to mark off the size you need. It will serve as your guide for cutting. Don’t forget to wear your safety gloves and a dust mask before you start.
Cut
Use the circular saw to cut the solid surface countertop. Your cutting tool should be made from carbide with at least 40 teeth to achieve an accurate and smooth edge. Run the saw slowly along the straight edge to prevent heat build-up. Too much heat will scorch the countertop’s surface, ruining its looks.
Repeat the process
After finishing the cut, mark off the other edge of the countertop similarly and repeat the process until you achieve the desired size. Clean up immediately after using a circular saw to minimize the dust.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of material, revamping your kitchen with a brand-new countertop is one of the best home investments you can make that can pay off in the long run. If you plan to install a new Corian countertop, it is not enough that you know how to secure it in place; you also need to learn how to measure the material and cut it using the correct dimensions.
Corian has long been known as a functional and practical material that is easy to work into a renovation project. However, you wouldn’t want to waste your money making too many mistakes when cutting this countertop material.
You can enjoy admiring your new kitchen by learning how to correctly cut the Corian countertop for your stove. All you have to do is prepare the tools, ensure your safety, get ready for the Cut, cut from the Back, and finish the edges. Like that, you can showcase your new countertop for everyone to admire!
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John Thompson, Writer and Commentator, EvolutDesign.com
Soldier, writer, researcher, consultant, and bon vivant, John Thompson is the author of numerous columns, op-eds, reports, briefs, short stories and books as the “Felicity Files” and “Spirit Over Steel: A Chronology of the Second World War” (version III). Often found hunched over his computer, or in his garden, and now often found doing both. His diverse talent has led him to work in industries and projects such as energy, security and home construction and renovation.
