Are you looking to revamp your bathroom and create a stylish, low-maintenance, and durable shower space? Then, Corian solid surface shower walls might just be the perfect solution! Corian is a popular material known for its versatility, seamless appearance, and resistance to mold and mildew. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about Corian shower walls, from their benefits and design options to installation and maintenance tips. So, let's get started and explore how Corian can transform your shower into a luxurious and functional oasis.

What is Corian Solid Surface?

Before we delve into the specifics of Corian shower walls, let's first understand what Corian solid surface actually is. Corian is a synthetic material composed of about one-third acrylic resin and two-thirds natural minerals. This unique combination gives it the look and feel of natural stone while offering superior durability and design flexibility. Developed by DuPont in the 1960s, Corian has become a popular choice for various applications, including countertops, sinks, and, of course, shower walls. One of the key advantages of Corian is its non-porous nature, which means it doesn't absorb water or harbor bacteria, making it an ideal material for wet environments like bathrooms. Additionally, Corian can be seamlessly joined, creating a smooth and continuous surface that eliminates grout lines and simplifies cleaning. This makes it a hygienic and low-maintenance option for shower walls.

Moreover, Corian is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to customize your shower space to match your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic white look, a modern gray tone, or a bold and vibrant color, Corian offers endless design possibilities. It can also be fabricated into various shapes and sizes, making it suitable for both small and large shower enclosures. The ability to thermoform Corian into curved or sculpted designs further enhances its versatility and allows for the creation of unique and eye-catching shower walls. In terms of durability, Corian is resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts, ensuring that your shower walls will maintain their beauty for years to come. While it's not completely indestructible, minor scratches can often be easily repaired, restoring the surface to its original condition. Overall, Corian solid surface is a high-performance material that combines aesthetics, functionality, and durability, making it an excellent choice for shower walls.

Benefits of Corian Shower Walls

Corian shower walls offer a plethora of benefits that make them a standout choice for bathroom renovations. Let's explore some of the key advantages:

• Seamless Appearance: One of the most appealing features of Corian shower walls is their seamless appearance. Because Corian can be joined seamlessly, there are no grout lines to worry about. This creates a clean, modern, and visually appealing look that's easy on the eyes and incredibly simple to maintain. Say goodbye to scrubbing stubborn grout!
• Hygiene and Cleanliness: Thanks to its non-porous nature, Corian is highly resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. This makes it a hygienic choice for shower walls, as it prevents the accumulation of harmful microorganisms that can thrive in damp environments. Plus, the smooth surface is easy to clean with just soap and water, keeping your shower fresh and healthy.
• Durability and Longevity: Corian is a durable material that can withstand the rigors of daily use. It's resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts, ensuring that your shower walls will maintain their beauty for years to come. While it's not completely indestructible, minor scratches can often be easily repaired, restoring the surface to its original condition.
• Design Flexibility: Corian is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, offering endless design possibilities. Whether you prefer a classic white look, a modern gray tone, or a bold and vibrant color, Corian can be customized to match your personal style. It can also be fabricated into various shapes and sizes, making it suitable for both small and large shower enclosures.
• Easy Maintenance: Maintaining Corian shower walls is a breeze. The non-porous surface prevents the absorption of water and stains, making it easy to clean with just soap and water. Unlike tile, there are no grout lines to scrub, saving you time and effort.
• Repairability: While Corian is a durable material, it's not completely immune to damage. However, one of its unique advantages is its repairability. Minor scratches and stains can often be easily repaired by a professional, restoring the surface to its original condition. This can save you money in the long run, as you won't have to replace the entire shower wall if it gets damaged.

Design Options for Corian Shower Walls

When it comes to designing your Corian shower walls, the possibilities are virtually endless. Corian offers a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to suit any style and preference. Here are some popular design options to consider:

• Solid Colors: Solid-colored Corian shower walls offer a clean, modern, and minimalist look. White is a classic choice that brightens up the space and creates a sense of openness. Gray tones are also popular, offering a sophisticated and contemporary feel. For a bolder statement, consider using vibrant colors like blue, green, or red.
• Patterned Designs: Corian is available in a variety of patterns, including marble, granite, and stone-like designs. These patterns add visual interest and texture to your shower walls, creating a luxurious and spa-like atmosphere. You can choose a subtle pattern for a more understated look or a bold pattern for a dramatic effect.
• Textured Surfaces: Corian can be textured to create a variety of different looks and feels. You can choose a smooth, polished surface for a sleek and modern look or a textured surface for a more rustic and natural feel. Textured surfaces can also add slip resistance, making them a safer choice for shower walls.
• Custom Designs: One of the great things about Corian is that it can be custom-fabricated to create unique and personalized designs. You can incorporate your own patterns, logos, or artwork into your shower walls. You can also create curved or sculpted designs, thanks to Corian's thermoforming capabilities.
• Accent Walls: Consider using Corian to create an accent wall in your shower. This can be a great way to add visual interest and create a focal point. You can use a different color, pattern, or texture for the accent wall to make it stand out.

Installation of Corian Shower Walls

Installing Corian shower walls is a job best left to the professionals. While it may be tempting to DIY, proper installation is crucial to ensure a seamless, watertight, and long-lasting result. Here's an overview of the installation process:

1. Measurement and Cutting: The first step is to accurately measure the shower area and cut the Corian sheets to the required sizes. This requires specialized tools and expertise to ensure precise cuts and minimal waste.
2. Wall Preparation: The walls need to be properly prepared before the Corian sheets can be installed. This may involve removing existing tiles or wall coverings, repairing any damage, and ensuring that the walls are smooth, level, and plumb.
3. Adhesive Application: A special adhesive is applied to the back of the Corian sheets and to the walls. This adhesive is designed to create a strong and durable bond between the Corian and the wall surface.
4. Seam Joining: If multiple Corian sheets are required to cover the shower walls, they are joined together using a special seaming process. This involves applying a color-matched adhesive to the edges of the sheets and clamping them together until the adhesive cures. The resulting seam is virtually invisible, creating a seamless appearance.
5. Sealing: Once the Corian sheets are installed, the edges and seams are sealed with a waterproof sealant to prevent water from penetrating behind the walls. This is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth.
6. Finishing: The final step is to finish the installation by adding any necessary trim, fixtures, and accessories. This may include installing showerheads, faucets, and shelves.

Maintenance and Care for Corian Shower Walls

One of the biggest advantages of Corian shower walls is their easy maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your Corian shower walls looking their best:

• Daily Cleaning: After each shower, rinse the walls with water to remove any soap scum or residue. This will prevent buildup and keep the walls looking clean and fresh.
• Regular Cleaning: Once a week, clean the walls with a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch the Corian.
• Stain Removal: For stubborn stains, try using a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for solid surfaces. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Scratch Removal: Minor scratches can often be removed with a specialized scratch removal kit. Follow the instructions carefully and test the kit on an inconspicuous area first.
• Preventative Measures: To prevent water spots and mineral buildup, consider using a squeegee to dry the walls after each shower. You can also apply a sealant to the walls every few years to help protect them from stains and water damage.

Cost of Corian Shower Walls

The cost of Corian shower walls can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your shower, the color and pattern of the Corian, and the complexity of the installation. On average, you can expect to pay between $30 and $70 per square foot for Corian shower walls. This price typically includes the cost of the materials and installation.

While Corian shower walls may be more expensive than some other options, such as tile, they offer a number of advantages that can make them a worthwhile investment. These include their seamless appearance, hygiene, durability, design flexibility, and easy maintenance.

Conclusion

Corian solid surface shower walls are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to create a stylish, durable, and low-maintenance shower space. With their seamless appearance, hygiene, design flexibility, and easy maintenance, Corian shower walls offer a multitude of benefits that make them a standout option. While they may be more expensive than some other materials, their long-lasting beauty and performance make them a worthwhile investment. So, if you're planning a bathroom renovation, be sure to consider Corian shower walls for a shower that's both beautiful and functional!