There’s been a recent gap between Corian and granite countertops. For decades, Corian was the top alternative to granite for high-end homes and businesses. Today, granite still reigns supreme in luxury reviews. It wasn’t too long ago that Corian held its own– there’s certainly still a strong customer interest in Corian, but it has seen a recent decline in popularity.
Key Differences
Materials Composition
Corian is a brand name for the original solid surface countertop material. In the early 1970s, DuPont combined resins, epoxies, natural limestone and pigments to create an attractive alternative to other limited countertop options available at the time. Today, the Corian name is often mistakenly used to refer to any solid surface countertops since the 70s. But many manufacturers have developed similar products under different brand names. It now comes in varying qualities and price points
In the 1800s and 1900s, granite dominated as the material of choice for the manufacturing industry. It continued to become popular in the 1970s and 1980s thanks to its unique qualities.
Maintenance
Building a solid surface countertop? You’ll need virtually no maintenance as long as you stay away from cooking, broiling, and keeping them outside in the sun. The resins and epoxies create a non-porous surface that can’t be scratched or burned on.
Granite often requires some maintenance and sealing, but it can be done with chemicals you already have in your kitchen. Keep it clean to avoid rare scratches. For tough cleaners, you need a mild detergent and plenty of water. And remember – harsh cleaners are not worth the risk seeing as granite is a natural stone that grows over time.
Design Choices
Solid surface countertops are versatile because they come in a wide variety of forms, from the traditional to geometric. Most designs match conventional symmetrical shapes, but new technologies allow for more elaborate patterns that mimic anti-granite and marble.
There are many types of granite patterns. Making the right choice is really up to you, so choose wisely. We offer a variety of available colors, but you’ll want to fontify what you like best since they’re all unique with their own personality and style.
Key Differences
| SOLID SURFACE | GRANITE | |
| Material Composition | Resin, epoxy, bauxite, pigments, fillersMan-made product | Natural stone |
| Maintenance | None | Seal annuallyKeep clean |
| Design Choice | Many color optionsGenerally uniform patternsVersatile | Many options, but limitedPatterns can be simple to complexEach is one-of-a-kind |
Which Countertop Material Is Best?
Appearance
Solid Surface
Corian, a type of durable, solid-surface countertop, has had a monochromatic appearance for years. This plays well to its subtle look because it’s attractive and doesn’t get in the way of other design features found on some high-end kitchens. Recently, it has undergone upgrades with more intricate designs that catch the eye.
Granite
No man-made product has ever been able to re-create the unique character of granite. Unlike other materials, each piece is unique in color, pattern and grain. While they can be used as a design feature in any room of your home, they’re particularly popular with kitchen countertops due to their natural beauty.
Maintenance and Care
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are incredibly durable and require no maintenance. They lock in great design and can resist moisture, stains and scratches from everyday tasks such as cutting a food. They only need to be polished or cleaned occasionally. Many standard cleaners can handle their unique surface, but you should use caution if using sharp kitchen tools to prevent scratching.
Granite
Granite is relatively low-maintenance and lasts for a long time – however, it must be sealed every year to keep it from staining. Granite sealers are available for this purpose. It’s naturally strong surface resists scratching and can last for years if cleaned with mild soap and water on a regular basis. Avoid using harsh chemicals; they may cause surface etching.
Lifespan
Solid Surface
Warranties of 10-20 years are common for solid surface countertops. In practice, 30-50 years is the expected length of time before they need to be replaced. But, being easy to repair and with a multitude of advantages, solid surface tops could theoretically last for the lifetime of the home.
Granite
Granite countertops are durable and designed to last 100 years or more. Depending on how you care for them, they might last longer than your house does!
Repair
Solid Surface
For a durable product, some repairs may be needed. Chipping or staining are rare but they can happen. The product is uniform and solid all the way through, so scratches are easy to repair by simply buffing them out with abrasive materials or even a scouring pad. Chip and cracks can easily be filled by matching epoxy. Some repairs can even fall into the DIY category.
Granite
If a granite countertop is stained, it’s most likely caused by water and soap residues. These stains are preventable if you use a stain remover on daily basis, though there may be times where the surface can’t be saved. Professional repairs should be performed when needed for the best results.
Cost
Solid Surface
Counters made of solid surface are easy on your wallet when compared to having a granite top or quartz tiled underneath.
Solid surface counters will start at about $50 per square foot installed and go up to about $140. With some planning, installing it yourself can keep the cost even lower.
Granite
Granite is on any countertop. The price for granite tops can range from $80 to $180 per foot installed, but the average price is $130 per square foot. There are a lot of market factors that will fluctuate prices and make decisions difficult.
Installation
Solid Surface
Installation of solid surface countertops requires the skills of a professional. They use the tools they need to create nearly invisible seams and make beautiful work in any kitchen. DIY installation can sometimes be appropriate; some applications, such as cutting new bathroom vanity shelves or straight runs for kitchen tops, are possible using the same tools used for woodworking.
Granite
Granite is heavy and bulky. It can be difficult because it cracks easily if not supported, which means installation should only be done by trained professionals with careful attention to detail. New installers must undergo training before setting foot on your kitchen’s new granite countertops. Mistakes are costly, and the cost of installation is typically included in the purchase price.
When it comes time to water and heat homes, you are in a tough spot. As an HVAC company, we do both work for you!
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are manufactured with a synthetic composition, which provides them with their superior water-resistance and resistance to heat damage. Nevertheless, it is important not to set hot pans directly on the surface. Hot pads, trivets and cutting boards can protect the surface from heat damage.
Granite
Granite is a hard but absorbent kitchen countertop. It requires lots of water to clean, so it’s important that you dry your counters properly so they won’t be damaged by moisture. If you’re going to seal your granite countertops, be sure to protect new sealants from the bottom of hot pans. It’s also important to keep the countertop itself clean at all times and wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt or other particles.
Environment
Building materials can pose a pollution threat to the environment. And this is especially true for older homes that haven’t been updated with more environmentally-friendly materials. Progress in the field has been slow, but it is better than it was in previous decades.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops rely on manufacturing processes to make them. In some cases, these manufacturing processes are very complex, and it’s necessary for a number of chemicals and other agents to be mixed together in order to create the right product. Their absence of toxicity and development over time have made them a big hit in today’s society.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that has no manufacturing and uses little to no carbon to produce its output. While quarrying, shipping, cutting, and polishing all contribute to the environmental impact this product can have, it’s always made from a natural source with no volatile chemicals involved.
Resale Value
Solid Surface
Solid surface is a popular material for counters, but it lacks the maintenance necessary to keep its red carpet status. The popularity of it has started to dip, and resale values have plummeted in the past 10 years.
Granite
Granite countertops consistently enjoy a resale value of about 25% of their retail value, which is why they’re a popular option for those looking to invest in a high-end, trendy home. They also provide a great selling point when you’re trying to sell your house.
Bottom Line
The appeal of granite has always been undeniable and continues to be so. It is a distinct option for any homeowner’s kitchen in terms of what it offers, but also in terms of investment.
Solid surface counters offer the best of both worlds; they’re beautiful and high-quality, but aren’t at the expensive end of the counter spectrum.
Leading Brands
The most common names for solid surface countertops are raised under brand names whereas granite is typically falls under supplier names. Here are some examples for both.
Solid Surface
Dupont
Staron
Wilsonart
Granite
AGM
Daltile
Leventina