When it comes time to remodel your home, particularly your kitchen or bathroom, one thing you need to think about is countertops. While color matters, what you really need to be concerned about is material. Here, you will discover how corian and granite countertops differ from one another. Although these are only two of the many countertop materials, it may help you decide which one is right for you.
What is Corian?
Corian is a solid surface countertop that is created in a lab. It is a combination of alumina trihydrate and an acrylic polymer. Corian is available in three different thicknesses, including just under ¼ inch, just under ½ inch, and ¾ inches. The one benefit you have with corian vs granite countertops is color. Because it is a manufactured countertop material, you can get just about any color you want, which will perfectly match the design of your kitchen or bathroom.
What is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone that develops under the earth’s surface. Although colors are limited to the pressure and depth at which the granite develops, there are still many options available. One of the major benefits of granite over corian is that no two countertops will be the same. This is because there are different types of rock, including quartz, feldspar, and mica that create the granite. It forms in a variety of different patterns, striations, variations, and has many different swirling and veining patterns running through it.
Corian vs Granite – Cost
When you are trying to decide between corian countertops and granite countertops, cost is often a big factor. Aside from the cost of material, both of these types of countertop are best installed by a contractor, which can add to the cost. In most instances, granite is slightly more expensive, but the cost is often dependent upon where the granite is harvested from, and how close the contractor or supplier is to your home. Talking with a contractor who installs granite or corian countertops will give you the best estimate as to which will best fit your budget.
Corian vs Granite – Beauty
The debate over which countertop material is more beautiful is most often won by granite as opposed to corian. Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertops chosen by homeowners and designers. It has a natural luster and depth that corian can only dream of providing your kitchen or bathroom. Furthermore, if you factor in the uniqueness, granite wins when it comes to beauty when compared to corian countertops.
Corian vs Granite – Return on Investment
Return on investment has a lot to do with cost. As you learned earlier, granite countertops are slightly more expensive per square foot compared to corian countertops. However, granite has a very high return on investment, meaning the value of your home will increase at least – if not more – than the amount you will spend on the material itself. With that said, it is important that you understand that granite slabs provide a higher return on investment than granite tiles or modular granite.
Corian vs Granite – Durability
Yes, it is true that granite does need to be resealed, typically once per year. While granite countertops are naturally resistant to bacteria, heat damage, scratches, and chipping, the sealant is very important. Because corian is manufactured, it does not need to be sealed, and scratches and dents can be easily buffed out. However, the durability winner is granite, due to the hardness of the material. They are, however, fairly evenly matched when it comes to routine maintenance. Both countertop materials need to be wiped down with a soft cloth and mild dish soap. It is recommended that you do not use harsh chemicals on either, and that you wipe spills up immediately to prevent staining or damage to the countertop material.
Corian vs Granite – Maintenance
Corian countertops and granite countertops are however, fairly evenly matched when it comes to routine maintenance. Both countertop materials need to be wiped down with a soft cloth and mild dish soap. It is recommended that you do not use harsh chemicals on either, and that you wipe spills up immediately to prevent staining or damage to the countertop material.
Corian vs Granite – Installation
As was mentioned earlier, both granite countertops and corian countertops require professional installation. With that said, corian does weigh less, so it is easier for installers to move around your kitchen and fit into place. However, there are many contractors and granite installation companies who complete granite countertop installations on a regular basis and find it very easy to install. Essentially, as long as you use a professional installation company, this debate ends in a tie.
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a countertop material for your bathroom. You need to think about cost, ease of installation, color options, durability, maintenance, return on investment, and of course beauty. Now that you know the facts, the final decision is up to you. Which will you choose?