| When it comes to upgrading your kitchen, you don't | | | | available to answer questions throughout and after |
| want to skimp on your countertops. Much more so | | | | the installation process. |
| than appliances, poor quality countertops will | | | | 4. Shipping: The shipping charges should be based on |
| prematurely age your kitchen. But if you've been | | | | your location, and be shipped using a dependable and |
| shopping around and looking at Corian pricing, you | | | | reputable carrier. Your Corian style counters should |
| may be put off by the expense of Corian solid | | | | be packed in a wooden pallet that is fully enclosed |
| surface kitchen tops. What you may not know is | | | | and covered with top boards, plywood ends, and |
| that you can save thousands of dollars by installing | | | | cross-bracing on each side. The crate should have a |
| your Corian counters yourself. In fact, there are kits | | | | form core that will absorb any shocks encountered |
| available that make it relatively easy for the | | | | during shipping. |
| do-it-yourselfer to install high quality Corian style | | | | 5. Instruction: While installing Corian style counters isn't |
| counters. But how do you gauge reputable | | | | exceptionally difficult for a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, |
| companies? Here are five tips for picking a winner: | | | | it does require precise instructions. Ideally, the |
| 1. Customization: The company you choose should | | | | company you choose should provide written |
| make your Corian style counters to fit your kitchen's | | | | instructions (either on their website or in a booklet), |
| specific size and shape. They should come with a 1-1 | | | | as well as a DVD demonstration video. The best |
| 2 inch front edge, and be prepared and ready for | | | | companies also hold Web seminars to help you learn |
| joining at the intersecting corners. | | | | how to install your solid surface kitchen tops. |
| 2. Selection and Pricing: The company should have a | | | | 6. Warranty: The company you choose should offer |
| wide variety of Corian colors from which you can | | | | a ten-year warranty, providing you install the |
| choose, and should offer samples at a minimal cost | | | | countertops according to their instructions. Most |
| so that you can make your final selection. The pricing | | | | companies require that you keep leftover material |
| should run about 50 to 60 percent of what you | | | | from the installation, since replacement material won't |
| would pay to buy Corian counters and have them | | | | be an exact match to the Corian colors you chose. |
| professionally installed. | | | | 7. Testimonials: Corian style counters are a big |
| 3. Communication: You should be able to send the | | | | investment, even if you choose to install them |
| company a drawing of your kitchen layout and the | | | | yourself. Look for testimonials from the company |
| dimensions of your countertops by fax or email. The | | | | you're considering, as well as any media coverage |
| company should then review your information and | | | | they may have received. If they have a solid track |
| provide you with a list of the materials you will need | | | | record of satisfied customers, chances are you'll be |
| to install your Corian style counters. They should be | | | | able to count yourself among them. |