Compare Granite vs Corian Countertop Costs

Granite Countertops Overview

Granite is a wildly popular countertop material, particularly in high-end homes. Granite, a natural stone, is beautiful, durable, heat resistant and scratch resistant. It is available in a variety of colors.

There are two types of granite countertops: engineered and slab. Engineered granite is a mix of natural stone, pigments and resin. Slab granite is 100 percent natural stone. Here, we’ll focus on the pros and cons of slab granite.

How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?

Granite countertops usually cost about $50 to $100 per square foot, including installation. If you have 30 square feet of counter space - which is fairly standard - the total cost would be $1,500 to $3,000. Optional features like fancy edges or backsplashes cost extra.

Granite Countertops Pros

• Better resale value - Granite will bring a higher return on investment when it comes time to sell your home. Particularly with high-end homes, granite ranks very high on the typical buyer’s wish list.
• Price - You can purchase granite for about the same price as Corian, despite the fact that it is a natural stone, not a man-made product.
• Unique look - Because granite is a natural stone, no two countertops are alike. Your countertop will have a distinct design and pattern.

Granite Countertops Cons

• Requires sealing - Granite is porous, so most countertops need to be sealed to prevent stains. Often, the countertop is already sealed when it arrives. But granite does need to be resealed every so often.
• Has seams - With granite, the seams are not invisible. But a skilled contractor will be able to minimize the appearance of seams, making them less noticeable.

Corian Countertops Overview

Corian by Dupont is a man-made, solid surface countertop material. It is made using primarily polymer, or plastic. Corian is considered more attractive than cheaper countertop materials such as laminate or tile, but it is not as luxurious as granite.

Some homeowners prefer Corian to granite because of the uniform look and the ease of maintenance. Corian is also stain-resistant, easy to repair and available in a wide variety of designs and colors.

How Much Do Corian Countertops Cost?

Corian countertops vary widely in price, depending on the design and color. They begin at around $50 per square foot and range all the way up to $150. Sometimes Corian is cheaper than granite; sometimes it is more expensive. But as a general rule, it’s safe to say the two are comparable in price.

Corian Countertops Pros

• Greater selection - Because Corian is man-made, it is available in a wider variety of styles and colors than granite, which is a natural stone.
• Non-porous - Corian has a solid surface that is non-absorbent and highly resistant to stains. It does not require sealing or resealing to prevent stains.
• Seamless - With Corian, seams are invisible. They are sanded and polished to create the look of a single surface. This isn’t possible with granite due to the irregularities in pattern of natural stone.
• Easy to install/repair - Corian is less prone to breaking and cracking during the installation process. Because of the uniform texture, it is also easier to repair when chipped or cracked.

Corian Countertops Cons

• Artificial - Corian is attractive, but it is never going to look like a natural stone surface.
• Won’t appeal to everyone - When it’s time to sell your home, Corian won’t be as appealing to some buyers. Some won’t be happy with anything other than granite.
• Damaged by heat - High heat or flames can damage the surface of Corian counters. At high temperatures, it can scorch or melt.

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