A Comparison of Corian & Granite
Corian and granite are very popular kitchen worktop materials. So how do you choose between
the two types?
Here is the consumer research on corian and granite (see charts) this shows the features, benefits and potential drawbacks of each material. To help you select the worktop material that best satisfies your requirements, a comparison of corian and granite is outlined below.
Figure 1. How do you Rate CORIAN© and Granite?
Independent research shows that consumers rank Corian above granite for performance and value, consistently scoring Corian the highest for having the most desirable characteristics.
Figure 2.
The same research quoted in Figure 1 found that 98% of people who have Corian© surfaces
in their homes today say they’d buy it again. However, only 52% of people who have granite
surfaces would consider it again.
Characteristics of CORIAN Compared to Granite Appearance/Design Versatility
• CORIAN© surfaces have smooth, seamless joins that eliminate dirt-trapping grout lines.
Seams on dark granite also can be nearly invisible. However, seams can be obvious on light-colored granite worktops, similar to the grout joints associated with ceramic tile. In addition, seams in a granite surface can become stained and dirty with time.
• CORIAN© can be cut and formed to create unique shapes and curves, complex edge details, custom and drain boards. Corian© also can be inlayed with Corian© and/or other materials to produce surface effects.
Granite lacks the design versatility of Corian©. The edge details are limited, and adding inlays creates unsightly seams.
• CORIAN© is available in a broad range of colors and textures for today’s light and airy kitchen styles. Its colour, pattern and tone are uniform.
Granite offers mainly dark colors, no solids and a limited selection of whites. In addition, it varies in texture consistency and may or may not match the colour chosen from the sample.
• CORIAN© sheets can be combined with seamed undermount Corian© sinks for a smooth, one piece appearance. There is no lip to trap dirt eliminating a seam that is difficult to keep clean.
Granite countertops also can be installed with undermount sinks but matching granite sinks are
Not available. Also, the worktop typically overhangs the sink, creating a gap that can trap moisture and dirt.
• CORIAN© has a rich translucency. It’s smooth to the touch and presents a warm, inviting feel, much like wood.
Granite also is smooth, but sometimes feels cold and very hard to the touch, almost like glass.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
CORIAN© is extremely easy to clean using soapy water or a little abrasive cleanser. It resists stains because it is non-porous and liquids cannot penetrate. Mold, mildew and germs cannot live on it.
CORIAN© is used in hospital operating rooms.
Compared to CORIAN©, granite is a high maintenance work surface because of its porosity, granite requires application of a non-permanent sealant to prevent staining, in addition, granite is more difficult to clean. Small surface crevices are harder to keep free of bacteria. Most soap or abrasive cleansers cannot be used on granite as they can cause stains. Instead, granite must be cleaned carefully with chemicals. Hard water residue is difficult to remove from a granite surface
and will sometimes cause damage that requires costly professional attention. Once stains penetrate the surface coating, they can bleed into other areas of the worktop.
Because the porosity of granite can vary so greatly, consumers have no way of determining how well it will perform over time. CORIAN© surfaces are consistently non-porous.
Durability
CORIAN© is an advanced composite, created from natural minerals blended with pure acrylic polymer. It is extremely difficult to permanently damage. Because the color and pattern of CORIAN© run through its entire thickness, it is completely renewable. Cuts or scratches are easily removed with ordinary abrasive cleansers, a cleaning pad or fine sandpaper. More serious damage can usually be repaired to a like-new appearance by a Certified Corian Fabricator/Installer.
Granite is generally regarded as strong, durable and permanent, although weak spots may exist due to internal fissures, natural cracks and impurities. This can sometimes lead to cracking in granite worktops. Though granite is normally scratch-resistant, if nicks, cuts and scratches should occur, they are difficult to remove and usually require the attention of a professional. In many cases, more serious damage requires replacement.