Help-dark countertops vs light? Wear and tear...

[Govtgirl]

I am so thrilled, I will be getting new countertops, the all-in-one-piece kind, with the built-in formed sink. I want black, but then read on the brochure that dark colors show wear and tear sooner than light colors. To those of you who have dark Corian or Corian-type counters, has this been a problem? I think black will look better, but not if they get all worn-out looking real fast. Thanks!!!

 

[LaughingWater]

I wish I could help you, but I have light, laminate. I congratulate you on your new countertops though! They really do change up the kitchen.

 

[Gayle]

I would try asking (or try a search) about this over at the GardenWeb kitchens site.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/

Someone in the TKO (Totally Kitchen Obsessed) crowd should have an opinion.

Are you going with a solid color or one with a pattern? If it helps, I have dark soapstone countertops in my bathroom and the pattern/veining hides a multitude of sins.

 

[carres1973]

I am so thrilled, I will be getting new countertops, the all-in-one-piece kind, with the built-in formed sink. I want black, but then read on the brochure that dark colors show wear and tear sooner than light colors. To those of you who have dark Corian or Corian-type counters, has this been a problem? I think black will look better, but not if they get all worn-out looking real fast. Thanks!!!

I think this is one of those "six of one/half dozen of the other" situations. Light counters may not show the scratches as early but will show any dark marks (i.e. scuffs, burns, etc.). However, dark counters will show the scratches and crumbs. I believe most light scratches can be easily buffed out of the Corain or Corian-type material.

Carrie

 

[fit44]

I would try asking (or try a search) about this over at the GardenWeb kitchens site.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/

Someone in the TKO (Totally Kitchen Obsessed) crowd should have an opinion.

I agree!
When we refinished our kitchen, I decided to use granite.
I found a forum that discussed everything there is to know about granite!
I went with a dark color because the darker the granite, the more dense the stone. Black is not really granite I love the lighter granite, but darker was more durable. Anyway, I have dark counter tops and adore them! They are so shiny.
I never use windex on my granite(thanks to the forum) because it actually will take the shine off the stone, like etching. I use cleaner specifically formulated for granite tops.
Whatever you choose, follow the care guidelines.

 

[meowracer]

I have a dark granite too and love it. Cynthia - you are better than me. I did use a certain Windex that didn't bother it but now have gone completely to natural cleaners/animal friendly products and use a cleaner by Seventh Generation that works well. I am a bit of cleaning freak and clean my kitchen daily b/c I HAVE to have my countertops shining and my sink (it is a creme color) shining as well, and the rest of the house all cleaned up and in order, or my day just goes downhill Back to the color issue... - black is nice but shows water spots like crazy. Since your sink will be black, it won't show stains but depending on your water type, may get calcium/lime deposits on it. At my other house, I had a creme colored Corian and my MIL has white. Both also look great - just depends on your kitchen colors. What are those - paint, cabinets, accessories, appliances, etc?

 

[jodijodi]

We have a light colored Corian with the seamless built in ivory colored sink. The counters have a multicolor pattern on them (it is impossible to tell if there are crumbs on my countertop!) We've had it for a year and so far it still looks great. Before that we had light gray corian, and it also looked great after having had it for 8+ years. Shallower scratches can be sanded out, but we've never even needed to do that.

I've never had the dark color so I can't say for sure what's better, although I know someone who just got the darker corian a few months ago and hers already has some scratches showing. We've always been happy with our lighter colors.