Corian vs granite: Which one should you choose for your next kitchen remodel?

If you’re on the lookout for a high quality kitchen worktop it can easily be a case of Corian vs granite. Both offer durability and longevity, but at the same time a sense of style, in different ways.

Corian can offer a lot of choice when it comes to colour, but granite offers patterns that you won’t find elsewhere. Both can be an integral part of a kitchen remodel and with the help of a kitchen design app, find the perfect place in the heart of your home.

Here the pros delve in to the differences to help make the best decision for you.

Corian vs Granite: What's the difference?

Both Corian and granite are well liked options for worktops and the key difference in a nutshell is their composition as Camilla Lesser, property development manager at Essential Living shares, “The primary difference between Corian and granite is their composition.” She adds, “Corian is a synthetic solid surface material made from a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals. Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth.”

Lesser continues, “Corian is fully synthetic and offers seamless integration and uniformity. Granite is 100% natural with unique variations in colour and pattern.”

Camilla Lesser

Camilla has extensive experience in property development and interior design, ensuring that residents enjoy high-quality, stylish, and functional living spaces tailored to modern needs.

Pros and cons of Corian

Being a synthetic material Corian has downsides, but it also has many upsides. Here Debra Hutt, Kitchen expert at Wren offers up its plus and minus points.

• + Seamless designs
  Hutt says, “One of Corian’s standout features is its ability to be seamlessly joined, meaning no visible joins, just a beautifully smooth and continuous surface.” She adds, “This creates a hygienic, easy-to-clean worktop.” But, it's not just its invisible joins that are a winner, “Its versatility allows for bespoke design touches such as seamlessly integrated sinks, elevating both style and functionality.”
  
• + Repairable
  “A key advantage of Corian is that minor scratches and surface damage can often be sanded out, helping to extend the lifespan of your worktop," points out Hutt. “This is a huge benefit compared to some other materials, where damage can be more permanent or costly to fix.”
  
• + Design flexibility
  Hutts says, “Unlike many other worktop materials, Corian can be moulded into curved shapes, offering exceptional design flexibility.” She adds, “This makes it a fantastic option for bespoke kitchen islands or unique statement features.”
  
• - Heat sensitive
  “Corian is a durable material, but it is more susceptible to heat damage than granite,” points out Hutt. “We always recommend using heat protectors, such as trivets or pan stands, to keep your worktop looking its best.”
  
• - Prone to scratching
  Hutt says, “Although surface scratches can often be buffed out, Corian is generally more prone to scratching compared to granite.” She adds, “ It’s worth considering how your kitchen will be used daily to determine if this suits your lifestyle.”
  
• - Cost
  “Corian is a premium option, and depending on the specification, it can be comparable to – or even exceed – the cost of some granite worktops.” says Hutt. Expect to pay around £800-£1000 for a 3m Corian worktop, but prices will vary depending on thickness, quality and other factors.

Debra Hutt

Debra has over five years of experience in kitchen design and her expertise lies in storage solutions, maximising space in homes of all sizes. She also has a focus on quality, accessibility, and sustainability, providing timeless kitchen designs that work for everyone.

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Pros and cons of granite

Granite is a natural material and is often an option for higher quality kitchen remodel ideas and projects. Like Corian it has its plus and minus points as Lesser shares.

• + Highly durable
  Lesser says that granite is, “Extremely hard and scratch-resistant,” She adds, “This makes it ideal for high-traffic kitchens.”
  
• + Heat and stain resistant
  Granite is a tough and durable material and one of its key plus points. Lesser says, “It can handle hot pots and spills with ease.”
  
• + Natural beauty
  Being a natural stone material you are unlikely to get the same look. Lesser says, “Each slab is unique and it provides a luxurious and timeless aesthetic.”
  
• - Requires sealing
  Granite needs a little assistance to stay in good condition. Lesser says, “Being porous, granite needs periodic sealing to prevent stains from kitchen spills.”
  
• - Not easy to fit
  Granite is a heavy material that isn’t easy to install. Lesser says. “It requires professional installation due to its weight.” She adds, “In larger kitchen spaces, seams may be noticeable.”

What finishes are Corian and granite available in?

As you might expect the finishes differ as one is a natural product and the other synthetic. Hutt says, “Wren offers a huge selection of colours and styles, from classic neutrals to bold contemporary shades.” She adds, “Corian offers a more consistent, modern aesthetic.”

Lesser adds her thoughts, “Corian is available in a wide range of colours and can be seamlessly moulded into various shapes and it comes in matte, satin, and gloss finishes." She adds, “Granite comes in polished, honed, and leathered finishes, with an array of natural colours and unique veining to suit any kitchen style.”

To fully appreciate the different options I recommend visiting a local showroom to see what's available, especially granite as it has a unique pattern.

How long do Corian and granite worktops last?

Both Corian and granite are durable materials that should last for years if looked after. Lesser says, “Granite has superior durability and offers higher resistance to wear and tear in a busy kitchen environment.” She adds, “Corian is more prone to scratching and requires regular maintenance.”

But while more prone to scratching it does have the bonus of being easier to repair as Hutt shares, “Corian has the advantage of being repairable.”

What are the costs for Corian and granite?

The costs will vary depending on the finish and colour, and you will need to think about installation as it's not always a DIY job. Both are more expensive than laminate worktops and typically wooden worktops.

Lesser says, “Corian typically costs between £300-£600 per square metre, while granite ranges from £400-£1200 per square metre, depending on quality and rarity.” She adds, “Corian is generally the more budget-friendly option, while granite is an investment in luxury and durability.”

Which is easier to install: Corian or granite?

It is much easier replacing kitchen worktops made from wood or laminate than Corian or granite. Lesser says, “Corian can be installed by skilled DIYers,” But, she adds, “Professionals ensure a seamless finish.” And the same principle applies to granite worktops, “Granite requires professional installation due to its weight and cutting process.”

I recommend that you call in a pro if investing in either Corian or granite. Neither are cheap options and if you mess up installing yourself, it could be an expensive mistake.

A new kitchen worktop can make a difference to any kitchen. Check out our kitchen worktop ideas and kitchen buyers guide to help give a kitchen a smart new look. Read our cost of replacing kitchen worktops guide to help you sort your budget.