Choosing a countertop is as much about appearance as it is about function.
Beyond that, you will find that the two countertop materials vary greatly.
The difference between various brands lies in the specific blends of resins and the pigments used.
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Solid surface materials heavier in acrylic resins are usually considered superior products to those that have predominantly polyester resins.
Many, but not all, Corian styles have a speckled appearance similar to some forms of natural granite.
This gives the appearance of a huge, continuous slab of unseamed countertop.
Granite countertops come in many different colors and styles, depending on where the stone was quarried.
Many types of granite are blends of different colors.
Granite countertops are noted for having random graining patterns that make every countertop truly unique.
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Natural vs.
These are not the same as slab granite, which is solid stone without additional materials.
Solid surface materials come in many different tones.
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Many types are fairly solid colors, but newer offerings include some with quite dramatic granite- and marble-look patterns.
Unlike a solid surface material, every slab of granite has a one-of-a-kind appearance.
These countertops shine as designed elements, drawing attention to themselves.
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Colors can range from palest white to darkest black, with an amazing diversity of colors in between.
These people love the look of natural stone, with its color variation and deep luster.
But the drama of a granite countertop is not for everyone.
The mottled and often bold coloring of granite can be a bit too busy for many decorating schemes.
Water and Heat Resistance
Corian and other solid surface materials have excellent resistance to moisture.
As for heat-resistance, granite tends to do a bit better than solid surface material.
Corian and other solid surface materials arequite easy to cleanwith soapy water or an ammonia-based detergent solution.
You should not use glass cleaners, which can leave a waxy residue.
To avoid water spots, dry the countertop thoroughly.
No sealers are ever needed on a countertop made from solid surface material.
Do not place hot pans directly on a solid-surface countertop.
Staining agents should be wiped up immediately.
A simple soapy water solution is best for cleaning a granite countertop.
It can be stained, but discolorations are usually fairly easy to scrub out.
Granite is difficult to scratch or damage with knife blades.
But while granite is relatively scratch-proof, it is brittle and thus can crack quite easily.
Granite is susceptible to etching from acidic materials, such as lemon juice and vinegar.
Granite should be sealed every couple of years to minimize the risk of staining.
Installation
Both granite and solid surface countertops are usually professionally fabricated and installed.
Corian is a more forgiving material that is fairly easy to cut with ordinary woodworking tools.
Cost
The cost of solid surface countertops averages about $60 per square foot, installed.
Granite countertops are usually purchased with materials and labor as part of the same bid.
You may pay up to $200 per square foot for unique colors and styles of granite.
Keep in mind that this price is for slab granite, not granite tile.
Tile is much cheaper and offers the option of do-it-yourself installation.
Best for Cost: Solid Surface Material
Solid surface countertops are less expensive than granite countertops.
Scratches and burnsor simply the need to change stylesmay eventually make you want to replace these countertops.
But be aware that granite tile or modular granite does not have nearly as much prestige as solid slabs.
And many of today’s engineered stone countertops have almost the same real estate value as granite.
How to Choose: Corian vs. Corian is the heavier, solid-feeling alternative to laminate and tile.
Slab granite will always feel heavier and more solid than Corian.
