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The Daily Insight

Is granite cheaper than Corian?

Author

Michael King

Updated on March 17, 2026

Corian costs between $45 and $65 per square foot. Granite costs between $50 and $200 per square foot. Corian offers superior const advantages over granite. However, the price difference is not as significant as it sounds.

Which is better Corian or granite?

Corian is fairly easy to scratch, can't withstand high temperatures, is almost impossible to stain, and requires no maintenance. Granite is hard to scratch, can handle extremely high temperatures, needs to be maintained with a yearly sealant application, and can stain if you're not diligent about cleaning up spills.

Which is cheaper Corian granite or quartz?

Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot. Corian will cost more over the long haul due to the material's fragility and poor resale value.

What are the disadvantages of Corian?

Cons: Disadvantages of Corian

  • Can be dented and scratched as it is a softer surface (but repairable)
  • Inferior heat resistance. Hot pans can burn Corian (often repairable)
  • Some cleaners and chemicals may cause discoloration.
  • Re-sale value is less than granite, marble, or quartz.

Is solid surface cheaper than granite?

Best for Cost: Solid Surface Material

Solid surface countertops are less expensive than granite countertops.

Corian vs Granite Countertops

What is the most affordable countertop?

Laminate Countertops

Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in a limited range of colors and patterns.

What is the cheapest countertop?

Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.

Is Corian outdated in 2020?

Corian. Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors.

Which is better quartz or Corian?

Quartz countertops are more scratch- and heat-resistant than Corian countertops. Quartz and Corian are both durable materials, but they differ in terms of heat resistance and scratch resistance. In fact, the biggest difference between these materials lies in their resistance to heat.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

Sometimes, granite will come out as the cheaper option. Other times, you may end up with a quartz countertop that costs less than granite. In a comparison of the per square foot price, quartz will usually cost more – averaging about 20 to 40 percent more.

What is the easiest countertop to maintain?

Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.

Which type of countertop is best?

Granite has been the number one kitchen countertop option for homeowners for several years. While it has more competition than in the past, granite remains to be a top choice among homeowners because of its natural composition, exquisite looks, and designs that cannot be replicated.

Is granite going out of style?

The short answer is NO: granite won't become dated because it's a 100% natural material. Wood, stone, plants–these things don't go out of style. The colors and pattern in each slab of granite were brought together without human intervention long before there were even such a thing as design trends.

What countertop is better than granite?

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.

Does Corian crack easily?

Corian is a resilient material that allows for small scratches and chips to be sanded out of your countertop. Cracks in Corian, however, are a different problem, one that most experts recommend leaving to a certified Corian repair specialist.

Is Corian cancerous?

What is known about the dust created by machining (routing, cutting, sanding) Corian® surfaces? The type of dust produced by fabricating Corian® surfaces is considered nontoxic and is referred to as nuisance dust. Inhalation of these nontoxic particles can cause irritation to the nose, throat and upper airways.

Which countertop is most durable?

Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.

How expensive is Corian?

Corian costs start at approximately $40 to $45 per square foot up to about $65, depending on the design and type. Prices vary by thickness and style. This does not include labor, which is approximately $75 an hour.

Do people still use Corian for countertops?

It's Popular. If kitchen trends are important to you, you'll be happy to know that Corian is still considered one of the most popular solid-surface countertop options by the folks at homeadvisor.com.

What are the problems with Corian countertops?

In terms of durability, Corian tends to be more easily damaged by hot surfaces than natural stone. It's also more prone to scratches than surfaces like quartz and granite. Laminate has been a widely used countertop material since the 1950s.

Can you use Windex on Corian countertops?

For most residues, all you need to clean your Corian® Solid Surface countertops is warm soapy water, ammonia-based household cleaner, or a dedicated countertop cleaner. Do avoid window cleaners, however, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface.

What is the average price for granite countertops installed?

Granite countertops will cost you around $40 to $60 per square foot, with the total price for installation and materials coming in between $2,000 to $4,500. Comparatively, marble costs around $75 to $250 per square foot, with the average cost around $75.

How do I change my kitchen countertops on a budget?

Use a Countertop Paint Kit

You can purchase paint kits that allow you to update the look of your countertops. The product is simple to use and can give you the look of stone for less than hundred dollars. If you want a new look, but don't want to spend a lot of money, painting your countertops is a great option.

Is soapstone cheaper than granite?

Soapstone costs roughly $70 to $120 per square foot installed, making it pricier than many other natural stone countertop materials. Also a high-quality natural stone, granite will not cost you as much soapstone. The material typically costs in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed.