Corian vs. Granite

While granite is unlikely to ever go out of style, the choice for countertop surfaces extends far beyond granite and includes synthetic surfaces like Corian, natural rocks like marble, and engineered quartz like Silestone. Granite, a natural rock, is extremely hard and durable, despite being porous. Corian is a homogenous, nonporous surface that is manufactured by DuPont; it is stain resistant and available in over 100 different colors. 

This comparison examines the differences between granite and Corian in terms of cost, durability, appearance, maintenance required, installation and other pros and cons.

Origin DuPont, a company known for construction products like nylon, invented the material used in Corian in the 1960s. Corian is made from a combination of natural minerals and high quality acrylics. Acrylic resin is combined with aluminum trihydrate in the manufacturing process used to make Corian. 


Granite, a type of igneous rock, is formed when molten lava cools under the Earth’s surface. It contains minerals, like quartz, biotite mica, feldspar, and occasionally amphibole. The stone is blasted out of quarries as huge blocks of rock and then taken to a facility where the blocks are polished and cut into slabs for countertops. 


Corian is nonporous and can be fabricated to achieve a seamless look. There are no spaces or nooks in the material to catch liquid spills or dirt, a fact that makes Corian countertops both durable and easy to clean. Moreover, the material is resistant to stains and often relatively easy to repair. 


Though granite is a very durable and solid rock, it is naturally porous, meaning it can absorb spills in a way that can cause permanent damage. Still, it is not particularly easy to damage granite. Granite is more porous than the nonporous Corian, but it is less porous than some other natural materials, like marble. 


Health Hazards 
Corian meets all the emissions guidelines for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). It is also Greenguard certified. Corian is non-allergenic to humans, nontoxic, and free of heavy metals. The material also complies with EU Directive 2002/95EC on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, naturally-occurring radioactive elements occur in granite and can decay over time to produce a colorless, odorless gas known as radon. Long-term exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. However, the EPA says most all granite is safe in homes and cause for little, if any, concern; EU regulatory bodies have come to similar conclusions. The notion that granite is dangerous is persistent, though, so much so that the Marble Institute of America keeps a collection of erroneous granite reporting.

Bacterial Resistance 

Corian does not harbor bacteria and is therefore a very hygienic surface; moreover, any spills are easy to wipe off. This makes Corian a convenient countertop surface for kitchens, hospitals, and laboratories. Granite is said to harbor bacteria over time, but at least one study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management suggests otherwise.

 According to the study, granite was actually the easiest surface to thoroughly disinfect using only soapy water, plain water, and vinegar. It should be noted that vinegar should not generally be used on granite surfaces, as it can cause permanent damage; however, it was used in the study for the purpose of disinfecting.

Maintenance 

Corian countertops can be cleaned with soapy water or ammonia-based solutions. Once cleaned, the countertops need to be dried thoroughly to prevent hard water stains. Over time, countertops that are not cared for will appear dull and blotchy due to hard water stains. Heavy duty stains can be cleaned with Deep Cleaner for DuPont Corian. Granite should be with soapy water on a daily basis. Cleaning solutions that contain vinegar, ammonia, or citric acids (e.g., lemon or lime) should not be used because these can dull a granite's surface with their acidity. If spills are not immediately cleaned, staining can occur. Some water-based stains can be removed with a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solution, while water and baking soda can help remove oil-based stains. 

For regularly used granite countertops, resealing is recommended at least once every two years to help keep the stone resistant to stains. 

 Countertops 

Corian is used to make kitchen and bathroom countertops, as well as sinks, in residences and businesses like restaurants, hotels, and hospitals. 

Corian is easy to clean, and with proper care it does not promote the growth of mold and mildew. Its nonporous and seamless designs make it a good choice for bar counters, tabletops, and solid surfaces in healthcare settings. The strong, heat resistant, and sanitary qualities of granite, along with its elegance, make it ideal for classic kitchen countertops. 

Granite is also commonly used in bathroom vanities for the same reasons. Granite backsplashes are now becoming fashionable in modern kitchens, too, and granite flooring may appear in offices. 

Other Uses The use of Corian does not just stop at kitchen and bathroom countertops. It can be used in very creative ways to make furniture, lighting, flooring, and interior and exterior wall cladding. Its nonporous nature makes it resistant to bacteria and ideal for all sorts of decor in healthcare and laboratory environments. With a recently invented process called dye sublimation, images can be embedded into Corian surfaces and cut out to create a permanent piece for use in interiors.