Corian Solid Surface vs. Granite Countertops: Which is Best For You?

Last Updated on June 5, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are a lot of options to choose from. Two of the most popular choices are Corian solid surface and granite. Both have their pros and cons, so how do you decide which is best for you? In this blog post, we will compare and contrast Corian solid surface vs granite countertops, so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for your home.

In this article

Corian solid surface countertops.

What is a Corian solid surface countertop?

Corian is a brand of solid surface countertops that are made from acrylic and polyester resins. Corian countertops are non-porous, stain resistant, and heat resistant, making them a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Pros of Corian solid surface countertops:

They are seamless and non-porous, making them easy to clean.
They resist staining and can be renewed by sanding or buffing out scratches.
Corian is a heat resistant material, making it ideal for placing hot pans on.
There are many colors and patterns to choose from.
Corian countertops can be made to look like other materials, such as marble or granite.
They are less expensive than natural stone countertops.
Corian is a durable material that will last for many years.

Cons of Corian solid surface countertops:

They’re not heat resistant. If you place a hot pot on a Corian countertop, it will scorch.
They’re also not scratch resistant. You can easily scratch the surface with a sharp knife.
Corian countertops are also susceptible to staining. If you spill something on them, it’s likely that the stain will never come out.
They’re also quite expensive. Corian countertops can cost up to twice as much as other countertop materials.

Granite countertops.

What are granite countertops?

Granite countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are beautiful and durable. Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth, so each piece is unique. Granite countertops can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

Pros of granite countertops:

-Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, making it an ideal material for countertops.

-Granite is heat resistant, so you can place hot pots and pans on it without fear of damaging the surface.

-Granite is stain resistant and easy to clean, so you won’t have to worry about spills.

-Granite is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen.

Cons of granite countertops:

-They can be expensive.

-They require regular maintenance.

-They can be susceptible to staining and scratching.

-They can be difficult to repair if damaged.

-They are not heat resistant and can crack if exposed to excessive heat.

Corian solid surface countertops vs. granite countertops

Appearance.

When it comes to appearance, both Corian and granite countertops have their own unique looks. Granite countertops have a more natural look with their mottled patterns and flecks of color, while Corian countertops have a more uniform appearance with fewer patterns and colors.

Color.

When it comes to color, Corian solid surface countertops give you more options.

With granite countertops, you’re limited to the colors that occur naturally in stone. But with Corian, you can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and even textures. That means you can match your countertops to your cabinets, floors or backsplash.

And if you change your mind down the road, Corian countertops can be refinished to look like new.

Hardness.

Corian is harder than granite, but both are very strong and durable. Corian will not scratch as easily as granite, but both can be scratched with a sharp object. Granite is more heat resistant than Corian, but both can withstand high temperatures.

Cost

When it comes to cost, Corian solid surface countertops and granite countertops are about equal. But keep in mind that granite is a natural stone, so it may be more expensive depending on the type of granite you choose.

Installation costs for Corian are usually lower because it is a man-made material, while granite is a natural stone that needs to be cut and polished. Corian can also be installed by a do-it-yourselfer, which can save you even more money.

So, when it comes to cost, both Corian and granite countertops are good choices. It really comes down to personal preference when deciding which one to choose for your kitchen or bathroom.

Composition.

Corian is made of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH), while granite is a natural stone.

Acrylic polymer is a man-made plastic that can be molded into any shape. It’s heat resistant and non-porous, so it doesn’t stain easily. Alumina trihydrate is a naturally occurring mineral that gives Corian a flecked appearance.

Granite is a 100% natural stone that’s mined from quarries. It’s then cut into slabs and polished. Granite is heat resistant and non-porous, but it can stain if not sealed properly.

Seam Visibility.

When two pieces of Corian are joined together, the seam is nearly invisible. With granite, the seams are more visible because the material is not as consistent in color and pattern.

Durability.

That’s what you want in a countertop. You want something that will last through the years, without showing its age. When it comes to durability, both Corian and granite countertops are excellent choices. But which one is better?

Let’s start with Corian. Corian is a man-made material, created by DuPont. It’s made of acrylic and polyester resins, which makes it extremely durable. In fact, Corian is so durable that it’s often used in commercial applications, like hospitals and restaurants.

As for granite, it’s a natural stone that has been used in homes for centuries. Granite is incredibly hard, and it’s resistant to scratches, heat, and staining.

So, when it comes to durability, both Corian and granite countertops are great choices. But if you had to choose one, we think Corian is the better option. It’s more versatile and easier to care for.

Repairs And Replacements.

When it comes to repairs and replacements, Corian solid surface countertops are much easier to work with than granite countertops.

With Corian, you can simply sand down the damaged area and then buff it out to make it look like new again. With granite, however, you’ll need to have the entire countertop replaced if there is any significant damage.

Maintenance.

When it comes to maintenance, Corian is definitely the winner. You can pretty much use any cleaning product on it without worry and it doesn’t require any sealing. Just remember to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as they can damage the surface.

As for granite, you need to be a bit more careful. You’ll need to use a mild soap and water solution and avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners. You’ll also need to seal your granite countertops every six months to keep them looking their best. So, when it comes to maintenance, Corian is the clear winner.

Heat Resistance.

Corian solid surface countertops are heat resistant to the point where you can place a hot pot or pan on them without worry. Granite countertops, on the other hand, are not as heat resistant. If you place a hot pot or pan on them, you run the risk of damaging the countertop.

Water Resistance.

When it comes to kitchen countertops, water resistance is an important consideration. Granite is a natural stone that is highly resistant to water damage, while Corian is a man-made material that can be damaged by excessive exposure to water.

Scratch resistance.

When it comes to scratch resistance, Corian solid surface countertops are far superior to granite countertops. Corian is made of acrylic, which is a very strong and durable material.

It is also non-porous, so it will not absorb stains or spills. Granite, on the other hand, is a porous natural stone that can be easily scratched and stained.

Stain resistance.

Corian solid surface countertops are less likely to stain than granite countertops. This is because Corian is non-porous, meaning that it does not have tiny holes that can trap dirt and spills. In contrast, granite is a porous material, which means that it can absorb stains more easily.

Chip resistance.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a countertop material is chip resistance. Corian solid surface countertops are incredibly resistant to chips and scratches, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas in your home.

Granite countertops, on the other hand, are slightly more susceptible to chips and scratches. However, if you seal your granite countertops regularly, you can help prevent these types of damage.

Crack resistance.

Both materials have their own pros and cons, but one of the key differences between them is crack resistance.

Granite is a natural stone that is formed over millions of years. It is incredibly strong and durable, but it is not immune to cracking. Corian, on the other hand, is a man-made material that is designed to be resistant to cracking and chipping.

Sealing Needs.

When it comes to sealing, Corian solid surface countertops don’t need to be sealed at all. Granite countertops, on the other hand, need to be sealed yearly or every few years depending on how often they’re used. If you don’t seal them regularly, they can stain and become damaged.

Lifespan.

Corian solid surface countertops can last for 20 years or more with proper care, while granite countertops usually need to be replaced after about 15 years.

Home Resale Value.

When it comes to home resale value, both Corian and granite countertops can give your home a nice return on investment. However, granite countertops tend to have a higher resale value than Corian solid surface countertops.

If you’re looking to get the most money out of your home when you sell it, then installing granite countertops may be the way to go.

Fabrication.

When it comes to fabrication, Corian solid surface countertops are much easier to work with than granite. For one thing, Corian can be cut and shaped with regular woodworking tools, whereas granite must be cut with diamond-tipped saws and other specialized equipment.

What’s more, because Corian is a man-made material, its edges can be seamlessly joined together with no visible seams.

Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone that must be cut into pieces and then fitted together like a puzzle. The end result may be beautiful, but the process is definitely more difficult.

Installation.

Corian can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer with some basic woodworking skills, while granite must be installed by a professional.

Environmental Issues.

When it comes to Corian vs. granite countertops, both have their pros and cons when it comes to environmental friendliness.

Corian is made from acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH), which is a mined mineral. The manufacturing process for Corian emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. However, Corian is a non-porous material, so it doesn’t require sealing like granite does.

Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. The process of quarrying and transporting granite can have a significant impact on the environment. Granite countertops also require sealing with a product that often contains VOCs.

So, when it comes to environmental friendliness, Corian has the edge over granite. However, granite is a natural product that will eventually break down and return to the earth, while Corian will last indefinitely.

Corian is also easier to recycle than granite. If you decide to replace your Corian countertops, the old ones can be melted down and reformed into new countertops. Granite countertops, on the other hand, must be landfilled.

Corian solid surface countertops vs. granite countertops: Final Verdict.

If you’re looking for a new countertop, you’ve probably considered both Corian and granite. But which one is the better investment?

Corian is a man-made material that was first introduced in 1967. It’s made from acrylic resin and minerals, so it’s nonporous and stain-resistant. And because it’s man-made, it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone that’s quarried from the earth. It has a slightly rough surface and is also heat-resistant. Granite comes in many different colors and patterns, but because it’s a natural stone, each piece is unique.

Countertop Comparisons:

FAQs

Is Corian more expensive than granite?

Granite is less expensive than Corian, but both materials have a wide range of prices. The cost of Corian can vary depending on the quality and type of granite you choose. For example, engineered stone countertops can be more expensive than natural stone countertops.

When comparing the two materials, it’s important to consider the cost of installation and maintenance. Corian is a solid surface material that can be easily repaired, while granite is a natural stone that requires more care.

Is Corian as durable as granite?

This is a question we get asked a lot. And, the answer is yes! Corian is just as durable as granite, if not more so. Here’s why:

Corian is made of acrylic, which is a strong and sturdy material. In fact, it’s one of the strongest materials used in countertops.

Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone. While it’s strong, it’s also porous. This means that it can absorb liquids and stains.

Corian is non-porous, which means it won’t absorb liquids or stains. So, if you spill something on your Corian countertop, you can simply wipe it up with a cloth.

Do Corian countertops need to be sealed?

No, Corian countertops do not need to be sealed. They are made of solid surface material, which means that they are non-porous and resistant to staining. However, you may want to apply a sealant to your countertop if it is exposed to direct sunlight or if it will be used for food preparation. Sealants will help to protect the countertop and keep it looking new.

Does Corian crack easily?

Corian is a solid surface countertop material made by DuPont. It is durable and heat resistant, but it can crack if it is hit hard enough. While Corian is not as susceptible to cracking as other materials, such as granite or marble, it still can happen. If your Corian countertop does crack, don’t panic. In most cases, the crack can be repaired easily.

If your Corian countertop cracks, the first thing you should do is assess the damage. If the crack is small and barely visible, you may not need to do anything at all. If the crack is large or deep, however, you will need to take action to repair it.