Corian or Granite

I'm just starting to think about redoing our kitchen. YAY!! The project is about a year away, but I like to have my ideas and research in order.

Which is better quality for a counter top... Corian or granite??

Thanks!

Re: Corian or Granite

Every contractor I have spoke with told me that if I can afford it, I should go with Granite b/c its more durable than Corian. And from what I see, there really isnt much of a price difference. The only 'drawback' is that granite doesnt have the same color choice as corian nor is it perfectly consistent thru-out. (although i wouldnt necessarily say thats a drawback, but some may)

I also much prefer the way it looks but that is really a preference thing. (Corian looks too 'plastic' for what I have in mind for my kitchen..so it may be different for you)

Another option like corian is quartz. Its another 'solid surface' material like corian. About the same price but a slightly different look. But i still like the granite.

Re: Corian or Granite

Well, if for nothing else, I'd choose granite because of the durability factor.

I have no problem spending money, as long as I'm getting something of high quality that will last if I want it to.

Thanks.

Re: Corian or Granite

I have heard similar things, granite is more durable but there is that silestone stuff that looks pretty interesting. I personally dont like the matte finish of corian granite is a must for my kitchen.

Re: Corian or Granite

Hey Jenn,

Definitely go with the granite - my dad is a contractor and he said granite is definitely better and more durable. Remember that you will have to treat it so it does require some work.

Take a look at silestone - its 97% rock, 3% manmade......great stuff and cheaper than granite and just as durable w/o needing to be treated. Its really nice.

Consumers in Commack has a great selection of solid surfaces - Dad said they are great to deal with and highly recommends them.

Any questions let me know - I'll pick Dad's brain for you :)

Re: Corian or Granite

I have Granite and my MIL has Corian. Guess What? It scratches! Granite is the bomb! We have the undermount sink and it makes clean up a breeze! It always looks clean and shiny. I love granite.

I don't know where you live but FMI Granite and Marble in Valley Stream has great prices!!!

Re: Corian or Granite

If I had it to do over again I would not get Corian. It is labor intensive and I have become a complete lunatic about water spots on my countertop. I have the high gloss finish and it is very shiny. It shows every single water spot and I have to take care of every single day! I really wanted Silestone and that is what we were going to get but then the Corian went on sale and DH wanted it badly, so that's what we ended up with.

The one complaint I have heard about granite is that it has to be resealed ever year or two and it is expensive. Other than that everyone I know who has it loves it.

Re: Corian or Granite

my aunt had corian and didnt care for it,
i like the look of granite

Re: Corian or Granite

Wow! I knew there was a wealth of info here, and I am not disappointed!

Thanks for your help everyone! You've made things MUCH easier for me!

Re: Corian or Granite

I don't think granite needs to be resealed every two years. I don't think my Mom ever had it resealed and she's had her kitchen for at least 10 years. I'll ask tho' ... I have family in the granite business.

Jenn ... my opinion may be biased ... you saw my pics ... but I love granite and it's just so beautiful and low maintenance. You just need to be careful about oil stains but even then, most of the stain will come off with talc.

Re: Corian or Granite

Cira, your pictures are a DEFINITE selling point for granite. Your kitchen is SO beautiful!

Re: Corian or Granite

We also have granite in our kitchen, and we love it. THe granite has such a nice shine to it and looks so clean!

Go to Consumers kitchens and baths (there's a few locations, I've only been to the one in Holbrook). They have a ton of 'sample kitchens' set up with all types of countertops, and I just love all the different samples of granite. It's much better than just seeing a small sample of the granite.

Re: Corian or Granite

We have silestone (installed by the previous owners). It looks great and is low maint. Personally I love the look of granite but I think Im stuck with the silestone for the next 10 years or so.

Re: Corian or Granite

DEF granite!!

Re: Corian or Granite

Jenn, thanks for posting this question!! We are lining up some kitchen work and we are going to replace appliances and put in new countertops. I love Granite as well!!

Re: Corian or Granite

I LOVE granite. When we redo our kitchen that is what we are going to get

Re: Corian or Granite

Granite definitely - it is so gorgeous! My parents recently redid our kitchen - granite floor and granite coutnertop! Looks so beautifuL!

Re: Corian or Granite

We're doing our kitchen over right now. We're doing granite counter tops. Make sure you pick your slab of granite if you do granite. If you get a sample, it may not be exact to the piece that you get for your counter.

Re: Corian or Granite

From the 'in the business' standpoint granite is #1 right now for all of the reasons everyone here has listed. Corian is an outstanding product-but is not as esthetically pleasing.
The fastest growing trend in kitchen design is concrete countertops-here's a pic

Here's another concrete countertop

I haven't worked with concrete personally yet, but all of our trade shows & industry magazines are going nuts about it.

My personal favorite is Soapstone-it's truly magnificent in person & has all the qualities we love about granite-but with a matte finish


Here's a great pic of a soapstone sink & counter


Combining more than one surface is a great idea too-butcher block countertop sections are regaining their popularity because they are so functional.

Re: Corian or Granite

when...and it wa big on when...we redo our kitchen I definalty want the concrete countertops!! I hear now they can be made in an array of colors!!

I just keep dreaming!!