Granite Vs. Corian for Laundry Rooms

Granite

• Granite is a natural material that consists of a rock that has crystals big enough to be visible to the naked eye. (The crystals are either feldspar or quartz.) This rock includes granite, syenite, granodiorite, anorthosite and gneiss. Because it comes from many quarries, it can exhibit many colors including gray, black, green, pink, brown, red and white. Contractors typically install this heavy material in slabs, using specialized equipment for cutting and two or more workers for handling. Increasing demand for this product has actually reduced installation costs, according to Geology.com.

Corian

• Corian is a solid surface material created by DuPont from plastic resins. Because a factory creates this synthetic product, it has a wider range of styles and designs than granite. Contractors can cut, drill, bend, route or work Corian as if it were wood. The company recommends that only workers with the DuPont Certified Professional designation install the product, due to its special nature. But it does offer a limited 10-year warranty on such installations and will, at its option, repair or replace any products that fail within this period.

Granite Characteristics

• Because granite is a natural material, the actual appearance of the countertop may differ from the samples viewed in the store. It requires periodic resealing for stain protection, but is otherwise impervious to moisture, laundry chemicals and soap powders. It is also unaffected by heat and scratching. Long installations may divide granite slabs into multiple sections, with visible seams that can harbor dirt particles and bacteria.

Corian Characteristics

• Corian countertops delivered to the home will match store samples, since the factory can control their exact appearance. The material requires no resealing, and yet remains resistant to moisture and stains from laundry chemicals because it is not porous. Unfortunately, the surface can scorch or burn and show scratches, so hot irons must not touch the naked surface, and heavy metal baskets or appliances must be lifted and set carefully to avoid gouging. Because even large surfaces lack seams, even with backsplashes, no mold or dirt remains trapped in joints . In addition, this countertop costs less than most of its natural alternatives.