Corian vs. Granite — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Corian is a solid surface material made by DuPont, while Granite is a natural igneous rock used for countertops and other surfaces.
Difference Between Corian and Granite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Corian and Granite both serve as popular choices for countertops, but they hail from different origins. Corian, a brand-name product by DuPont, is a solid surface material synthesized from a combination of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, primarily derived from aluminum trihydrate extracted from bauxite ore. Granite, in contrast, is an entirely natural stone that's been formed over millions of years from cooled magma.
Granite is prized for its durability and unique, natural patterns. Each slab has a distinct mineral pattern, ensuring no two Granite countertops look exactly the same. Corian, though artificial, offers a smooth and seamless appearance, which can be manufactured in a wide range of colors and patterns, some even mimicking natural stone.
In terms of maintenance, Corian has a non-porous surface, making it resistant to stains and easy to clean. Granite, while robust, is porous and might require sealing to prevent staining and bacterial growth. When it comes to heat resistance, Granite is naturally resistant to high temperatures, whereas Corian can be susceptible to heat damage.
In the realm of customization, Corian offers a notable advantage. Being a man-made material, it can be formed into virtually any shape or size, allowing for integrated sinks or unique design features. Granite, though versatile, has limitations in terms of shaping and might have visible seams if the countertop requires multiple slabs.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Man-made, by DuPont.
Natural stone.
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Composition
Acrylic polymer and minerals.
Igneous rock.
Appearance
Uniform, various colors/patterns.
Unique patterns, natural variations.
Maintenance
Non-porous, easy to clean.
May require sealing.
Heat Resistance
Can be damaged by high heat.
Naturally heat-resistant.
Compare with Definitions
Corian
Made from acrylic polymer and natural minerals.
Corian's composition ensures a consistent and non-porous surface.
Granite
Requires occasional sealing to maintain its appearance.
To keep the Granite surface stain-free, they sealed it annually.
Corian
Can be molded into various shapes and sizes.
The seamless integration of the sink was possible because of Corian's malleability.
Granite
A natural, igneous rock.
The Granite mountains stood tall, reflecting their ancient origin.
Corian
Offers a wide range of colors and patterns.
She chose a Corian countertop that resembled natural marble.
Granite
Has unique patterns with natural variations.
Each Granite slab was different, showcasing the beauty of nature.
Corian
A brand-name solid surface material by DuPont.
The kitchen had countertops made of Corian, offering a sleek look.
Granite
Popularly used for countertops due to its durability.
Granite countertops were her choice because of their longevity and timeless appeal.
Corian
Resistant to stains and easy to clean.
Spilling wine on the Corian surface was no cause for alarm, as it wiped right off.
Granite
Naturally resistant to heat and scratches.
Placing hot pans on the Granite countertop caused no damage.
Corian
Corian is a brand of solid surface material created by DuPont. Its primary use is as a countertop and benchtop surface, though it has many other applications.
Granite
Granite () is a coarse-grained igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase. It forms from magma with a high content of silica and alkali metal oxides that slowly cools and solidifies underground.
Granite
A common, coarse-grained, light-colored, hard igneous rock consisting chiefly of quartz, orthoclase or microcline, and mica, used in monuments and for building.
Granite
Unyielding endurance; steadfastness
A will of granite.
Granite
(rock) A group of igneous and plutonic rocks composed primarily of feldspar and quartz. Usually contains one or more dark minerals, which may be mica, pyroxene, or amphibole. Granite is quarried for building stone, road gravel, decorative stone, and tombstones. Common colors are gray, white, pink, and yellow-brown.
Granite
Toughness; the quality of having a thick skin or being rough.
Granite
A crystalline, granular rock, consisting of quartz, feldspar, and mica, and usually of a whitish, grayish, or flesh-red color. It differs from gneiss in not having the mica in planes, and therefore in being destitute of a schistose structure.
Granite
Plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz
Granite
Something having the quality of granite (unyielding firmness);
A man of granite
Common Curiosities
Is Corian cheaper than Granite?
Typically, Corian tends to be less expensive than Granite, but prices can vary based on design and installation.
How resistant is Corian to scratches?
While Corian is durable, it's softer than Granite and can be prone to scratches, but many can be buffed out.
How do I maintain my Granite countertop?
Clean regularly with mild soap and water and consider sealing it annually to prevent stains.
Is Granite safe for food preparation?
Yes, Granite is safe for food prep, but it's essential to keep it clean and sealed to prevent bacterial growth.
Can Corian mimic the look of natural stone?
Yes, Corian comes in patterns and colors that can resemble various natural stones, including Granite.
Can Corian handle hot pots and pans?
Directly placing very hot items on Corian can damage it; using trivets or hot pads is recommended.
Does Granite come in different colors?
Absolutely! Granite is available in a wide range of colors due to its natural mineral composition.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
