Quartz Vs Granite Vs Corian
The countertop is one of the first things you’ll notice in a kitchen. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for choosing the material for your countertop project. When it comes to choosing a kitchen countertop, however, there are a number of factors to consider in addition to appearance. There are a lot of things to think about.
Every project has its own set of requirements. Knowing the physical properties of each material can help in your decision-making. In the end, the finest kitchen countertop material is the one that makes the most sense for your household, budget, and style preferences.
Which is better for you between granite, quartz, and Corian? Continue reading to find out!
Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertop
Quartz, granite, and Corian (also known as solid surface) can be made into a variety of countertop shapes and sizes to fit practically any kitchen. Each one offers different benefits in terms of utility and aesthetic, such as look, durability, maintenance, and total value.
Quartz Countertop
Quartz is an engineered stone. Although raw quartz is available, quartz used in countertop applications is made up of 90% quartz and 10% polyresin with colors added.
The exact percentages vary depending on the brand. Natural quartz can be found in quarries all over the world. This mixture of natural materials is poured into a mold and sold as a slab, which is frequently cured by the manufacturer.
- Appearance
Quartz is a man-made stone that has been combined with polymer resins and colors. The ultimate result is a sophisticated surface that seamlessly integrates utility and style. To match your quartz countertop to any kitchen design, you may choose from a choice of finishes, colors, and patterns.
With quartz, you can match your countertop to your kitchen’s intended color scheme. You can select to have specific colors incorporated into the quartz surface. This is ideal for homeowners who want their countertops to match their cabinetry or wall colors that aren’t nearly as dark as granite.
ProTip Takeaway. It also has a three-dimensional, lustrous, and deep appearance. If required, the surface can be sharpened to have a high gloss.
- Maintenance
Quartz countertop surfaces have the appearance and feel of stone but require very little upkeep. The longevity of the surface can be extended by cleaning it with soap and warm water on a regular basis. This helpful list of dos and don’ts will assist you in giving your countertop the proper care it needs.
Quartz countertops are a great choice for families who can maintain a consistent cleaning schedule. Keeping a quartz surface in pristine condition is simple with a little discipline and effort.
- Durability
Quartz is one of the world’s hardest minerals. Quartz is said to have aided in the development of modern civilization. This tried-and-tested material can withstand the strains of everyday life in any home.
A scratch and heat-resistant quartz countertop have a naturally long lifespan provided you take proper care of it. It resists bacteria growth and stains thanks to its non-porous surface. It can also withstand a significant level of heat damage.
- Cost
Quartz countertops are a terrific long-term investment. They are also slightly more expensive than other manufactured surfaces. Quartz will cost $65 – $85/ per square foot on average (range is $45 – $120).
Quartz has many of the advantages of Granite and Corian making it superior in quality and justifying the higher material cost. While Quartz is more expensive than Granite and Corian, we believe it provides the best overall value for money.
Granite Countertop
Natural igneous stone slabs are sawn from enormous blocks of mined granite to create pure granite countertops. The polished slabs are sold and sent to fabricators. They in return use the stone to create personalized countertops with different colors and designs. These slabs can also be used to make with other building materials such as tiles.
- Appearance
Depending on where the stone was quarried, granite countertops come in a variety of colors and patterns. Pinks, greens, yellows, browns, and even blue tones are possible. They also have colors ranging from virtually entirely black to practically pure white.
Granite has a rich, lustrous, and crystalline appearance. It can also be polished to achieve a high sheen. You will notice it has a chaotic aspect that contrasts sharply with the homogenous appearance of quartz countertops. Granite countertop surfaces will have visible seams after installation.
ProTip Takeaway. The appearance of granite isn’t uniform. So any samples you see will differ significantly from the stone you receive. This is because they are naturally occurring slabs that aren’t exactly formed.
- Maintenance
Because granite is a natural stone, it requires significant upkeep to prevent stains and damage. It is also porous (having small pores and crevices that allow liquid, gas, or particles to seep through). It must be properly sealed on a regular basis (typically once every few years), which you may do yourself or hire a professional to do. Granite is more vulnerable to germs and bacteria as a result of this, making it critical to clean it often and thoroughly.
- Durability
Granite is a material that may last a lifetime, outlasting other countertop materials. It is extremely stain-resistant and heat-resistant making it a great option for a kitchen. It is also resistant to scratches, water, and pressure, making it an excellent alternative to wood and steel.
For people that load their countertops on a regular basis, a granite surface is ideal. A high-performance granite countertop may serve as a shelf, a table, and a food prep area in every setting.
- Cost
Granite countertops are sometimes purchased as a package deal that includes both materials and labor. The cost of the materials can range from $40 to $100 per square foot for the granite slab.
Labor will cost an average of $35 to $85 per hour which is calculated by the installer. On the low end, a granite countertop might cost between $70 and $100 per square foot to install. Unique granite colors and patterns can cost up to $200 per square foot.
Corian (Solid Surface Countertops)
Corian is a brand name; the phrase is often used to describe any solid surface made of polymer and natural minerals. It is a less expensive alternative to quartz and other high-end surfaces like granite.
Figure 3: Three glass jars standing on Corian kitchen countertop
Mineral dust is mixed with pigments and bound with a variety of resins to create this product. The material was and continues to be a welcome alternative to the popular plastic laminate countertops of the 1970s. Corian is made up of approximately 33% synthetic polymers and 66% natural materials, resulting in a reduced cost.
- Appearance
Corian, like Quartz, has a far more constant color and design than Granite. This provides you with more ability to tailor the design for a uniform pattern and aesthetic. Corian countertops also have a more matte (less bright) appearance. This makes it soft to the touch and is more prone to scratches, which can degrade the appearance with time.
Corian and other solid surfaces come in a wide range of colors and designs, allowing for complete kitchen customization. A smooth Corian surface can match any design you can think of. This all-synthetic material opens up a world of design possibilities.
Corian has a uniform appearance having a matte finish. Solid surfaces can be buffed to a glossy sheen. This is not recommended by manufacturers because it exposes scratches quickly. Corian countertops are a favorite because they can be fitted without visible seams, it is known as a seamless countertop design.
- Durability and Maintenance
Solid surface materials like Corian are susceptible to stains and scratches. These minor flaws can be quickly removed with an abrasive pad.
Solid surface materials are softer than granite, making them more difficult to break. They are also resistant to acidic etching. Although it can be discolored, discolorations are usually easy to remove.
Your Corian surface, like the rest of your nice furniture, is not indestructible. Fortunately, damage may be avoided, and any scrapes or scuffs can be repaired.
- Cost
Solid surface countertops cost around $60 per square foot when installed. These solid surfaces can also cost up to $120 per square foot if the manufacturing is complex or if unique colors and patterns are chosen. The material costs $35 and above per square foot when purchased in sheet form, plus the cost of the epoxy glue used to join seams.
Which countertop Should You buy?
|
Countertop |
Reason to Buy |
|
Corian (Solid surface) |
When you want a simplistic, no-nonsense countertop with a uniform appearance and cheap pricing. |
|
Granite |
When you want a solid, natural stone-like countertop with a uniform appearance that requires almost no upkeep |
|
Quartz |
When you want a one-of-a-kind stone countertop and don’t mind some maintenance. |
ProTip Takeaway. Homebuyers believe granite and quartz countertops are luxurious and more appealing than Corian surfaces.
It’s time to give your kitchen that much-needed makeover
To finish your kitchen, you’ll need to add sleek and smooth kitchen countertops.
Get your one-of-a-kind countertop with help from Smart Remodeling LLC. We are based in Houston, Texas, and have the best contractors to help you in every step. Our knowledge and experience have established us as a reliable resource for a wide range of households. Contact us today for a free consultation.
