What's the Best Kitchen Countertop Material: Corian, Quartz, or Granite?

Kitchen countertops are one of the most-used features of a home, yet they also must provide a fabulous backdrop for kitchen area decor. 

Fortunately, it is possible to find beautiful countertop options that stand up to the most demanding cooks and kitchen tasks. 

Still, the question many homeowners continue to ask is, "What's the best kitchen countertop material: Corian, Quartz, or Granite?" We're here to help you answer that question.

Corian Countertops

Corian is the brand name of a solid-surface product made by DuPont. Corian countertops are made by blending certain minerals and other stone-derived materials with acrylic polymers. 

Maintenance — Corian is very easy to clean and maintain. It is non-porous which means it will never require any sealing treatments. Its seams are nearly invisible which is a plus since Corian can be fashioned into virtually any shape. If a scratch or dent does occur, it typically can be repaired fairly easily. Two caveats — owners are cautioned not to set hot pans on their Corian countertops, and some cleaners/chemicals may cause discoloration.

The Look — Since Corian is created through an artificial process, it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. In fact, DuPont offers 100+ colors that include a broad range of both solids and color variations with interesting "textures".  As mentioned, it can be fashioned into a variety of shapes, making it a great option for unusual kitchen layouts. 

Granite Countertops

Granite is still one of the most popular high-end options for kitchen countertops. Granite countertops are a natural material and are fashioned from blocks of quarried stone. 
 

Maintenance — This popular product is relatively maintenance-free, although it does require periodic re-sealing in order to retain its stain-resistant qualities. Granite is known for being very durable and easy to clean. It thankfully resists scratching, since repairing granite after a scratch is best accomplished by hiring a professional.  

The Look — Granite is considered one of the most natural-looking, inspiring options for kitchen countertops. Each slab is completely unique and offers rich variation, both in veining and coloring. Granite countertops are available in just about every color — from rich blues, golden browns, and gold-veined crèmes, to dark gray, black, and much more.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a popular countertop material for those who love a natural look in their kitchen with a slightly sophisticated edge. Technically, quartz is an engineered stone, although it is made up of a high percentage (93%) of natural materials, along with added color pigments and polymer resins that bond all the materials together.

Maintenance — One of the great features of quartz countertops is that, unlike granite, quartz doesn't require any sealing. In addition, the resins in quartz make it less porous, which means it resists taking on bacteria and stains.    

The Look — Quartz is definitely one of the more beautiful materials available. It is available in a wide selection of colors ranging from pristine white with diamond-like sparkles, to cool, sophisticated grays, and dramatic black countertops. Solid colors are available, as well as options that include veining, which gives a quartz countertop a look very similar to marble.    

Summary

Corian countertops are generally the most budget-friendly. Both quartz and granite start out with comparable pricing, although there are some types of granite that out-price quartz. Of course, when it comes to resale value, both quartz and granite will rate higher than a Corian countertop. Still, Corian offers a wide variety of colors and styles, making it a great option for those who prefer to create their own unique style.  

If you'd like to know more about countertop materials and which one is the perfect material for your next kitchen remodeling project, contact us!