With that in mind, Corian and granite seem to fit the kitchen. But the question remains: Which one provides better value for money?  We will see that in this article.  

Corian Countertop

Corian is a commercial name for solid surface patented materials manufactured by a company called DuPont. In fact, Corian is the oldest of all solid surface materials available in the market since 1967. It is often considered to be a better alternative than laminate. 

DuPont produces Corian materials by blending acrylic polymers with stone-derived materials and minerals to create the desired surface in various parts of the household. 

Top Features of Corian Countertops 

• Non-porous
• Stain resistance
• Seamless joints
• Available in a variety of colors and designs 
• Easier to resurface the scratches
• No regular sealing is required. 

Granite

Granite materials are derived from natural igneous materials by customizing the natural stones found under the surface of the earth to countertops and other building products. 

One of the best aspects of these natural stone materials is that they come in almost endless patterns and styles. This makes a kitchen countertop different and unique from any other options made out of the same material. 

Beyond its unique design, granite countertops are incredibly strong and long-lasting. If annual requisite sealing is done, it can have a lifespan of a century. However, one of the drawbacks of granite is that it is porous to some extent, making it susceptible to staining and discoloration. Therefore, occasional sealing is necessary to keep the countertop in good order.

Top Features of Granite Countertops

• Endless colors and patterns
• Sling prone to staining
• Require resealing after every 12 month
• Heat resistant
• DIY repairing is quite difficult
• Not pliable
• Slightly porous

Cost of Corian Countertops

The price of Corian countertop materials and installation can vary a lot based on several factors such as thickness, special color, pattern, fabrication, etc. Despite differences in pricing, Corian remains the most economical option when compared to granite.

On average, a Corian countertop can cost $60 to $140 per square foot, including installation. If you choose a specific design, colors, and customization, the price per square foot can rise even further. 

For an average-sized kitchen, the cost of Corian countertops can range from $1800 to $4200, including installation. This estimate is based on the average countertop size of 30 square feet and the average cost of solid surface materials. 

Cost of Granite Countertops

Granite comes in different types and varieties. Even for kitchen and bathroom countertops, you have different granite options to choose from, such as white granite, black granite, and gray granite. Within this particular category, there are subcategories as well. All these variations affect the cost of granite countertops substantially. 

In general, the cost of granite countertops, including installation, can start from $70 per square foot and become as much as $180 per square foot. With this huge range in price tag, it is quite obvious to understand its wide variations and types. 

At the lower of this price range, you find the most basic granite with a straight edge profile, which only costs around $60 to $70 per square foot.  

In the middle of the price range, you’ll find a wider variety of colors and patterns, which can range from $90 to $130 per square foot installed. Then comes the premium quality Granite, which usually falls into the range of $120 to as much as $200. Eventually, you can expect the total cost for an average-sized kitchen to fall within the range of $2,100 to $5,400.

Besides, other factors such as intricate pattern and design, thickness of the material, and edge profile may also change the estimated cost. Even the installation cost is not the same in different locations. To get a more accurate estimation of cost. You can contact your local granite supplier and installer.

Apart from the cost, you should also look for the quality comparison of both countertops, which may help make a better judgment.

When Should You Choose Corian Countertop?

Corian is the way to go if you’re looking for an easy and budget-friendly choice for a countertop that combines appealing design and color options with a seamless look. 

However, Corian is not a cheap product, rather moderately priced compared to high-end countertops like Granite and Quartz. There are specific areas where Corian performs better than Granite. 

For example, Corian is non-porous, which resists staining, moisture, and water penetration better than Granite. This makes Corian more hygienic and germ-free as well. In contrast, the Granite countertop is porous and easily susceptible to staining and moisture.  

If you’re on a tighter budget and can’t afford Corian or granite, you might want to consider a hardwood butcher block counter, which is even more cost-effective.

When Should You Choose Granite Countertop?

Granite countertops are the epitome of luxury, aesthetics, and timeless elegance. If the budget is not an issue for you, then natural stone countertops like granite should be your cup of tea. As each slab of granite is unique in pattern, no household will replicate the pattern and design of your kitchen countertop.

Apart from the beauty and appearance, Granite countertops are extremely durable and don’t easily get scratched or damaged. If properly maintained and sealed from time to time, it can even last as long as 100 years. 

Besides, Granite countertops are comparatively more heat resistant than Corian countertops. It can withstand the moderate heat of pans, woks, and other cookware. On the other hand, placing hot pans directly on Corian can cause scorching or surface damage. Keep in mind that Granite requires occasional sealing, which you may take into consideration.

In terms of desire and customer demand, Granite countertops outperform Corian. While you might perceive them as costly, their higher initial investment translates into prolonged durability and longevity, resulting in substantial long-term savings.

Which are the Top Brands Selling Corian and Granite Countertops?

As far as Corian is concerned, it is a single brand-associated product in the solid surface category. The brand that manufactures Corian products is Dupont. While other brands also produce solid surface materials, Dupont’s is almost synonymous with solid surface material. 

However, there are other brands as well which produce and sell similar products, such as Swanstone and Wilsonart. 

Granite, a natural stone material, is devoid of proprietary patents. That’s why numerous brands engage in the manufacturing and distribution of Granite countertop materials. Among the pioneering entities in this field are AGM, Daltile, and Leventina.

Conclusion 

Corian is a good fit for you if you want an attractive and modern countertop on a limited budget. But, in case money is not an issue for you and you want to take your kitchen’s decor and appearance to the next level, the granite countertop is a wise move.

On a serious note, even though granite countertops are expensive, they deliver better value for money in the long run if you properly take care of them. The high-end granite countertop has longevity of almost as much as 100+ years. 

However, in the end, the choice is yours. You have all the relevant factors and information regarding the quality of both countertops at your disposal to make a well-considered choice for your kitchen.