Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot. Corian will cost more over the long haul due to the material's fragility and poor resale value.
In fact, the biggest difference between these materials lies in their resistance to heat. While quartz is not completely heat-resistant, it does perform better than Corian—hot pots and pans won't damage the surface of quartz if they're put down for a few seconds.
A Corian countertop is significantly less durable than a Quartz alternative. If you are looking for something extremely tough, you may wish to further explore your options. The large amounts of acrylic polymer and resin used to construct Corian countertops makes them more susceptible to scratches and heat marks.
Cost. Corian brand products tend to be priced between $40 to $140 per square foot. Quartz is around $50 to $120, while granite is $35 to $100. All three are similar in cost and will carry a higher price tag based on the appearance of the material.
Visible Seams
The bonding adhesive inherent with Corian creates a seam that is all but invisible. Seams in quartz surfaces are covered but visible.
In terms of durability, Corian tends to be more easily damaged by hot surfaces than natural stone. It's also more prone to scratches than surfaces like quartz and granite.
Durability, ease of maintenance, cost, the environment, and project limitations are all reasons why granite is preferable over quartz countertops.
Slate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, with an approximate cost of $20 to $60 per square foot. It is a stunning countertop material that offers a variety of colors including blacks, greys, blues, greens, browns, and even reds. And because each slab is uniquely made, it provides uniform countertops.
Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level.
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
With a long-lasting and robust material, you can be sure that you won't need to make another large investment anytime soon. Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation.
Many consumers look to Swanstone as a less expensive alternative to Corian or Avonite. One benefit of Swan's diversified product lines is that they are a good source of solid surface integrated sink countertops, especially bathroom vanity tops. Swanstone stands up well against high heat.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a synthetic countertop material made from natural quartz, other minerals, and binding resins. Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it's non-porous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Both quartz and Corian solid surfaces are non-porous, stain-resistant and extremely sanitary. Granite is also durable, but can still be prone to cracking, fissures and staining. And granite requires simple, but regular, sealing to maintain.
For many years solid surface (Corian) countertops were considered a high-end alternative to granite tops. While granite consistently enjoys the top spot in luxury reviews, solid surface has declined in popularity. It's not dead yet though.
Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
The nominees for “best kitchen countertop” in selling homes are… Drum roll, please (or rolling pin, since we're in the kitchen)! Without a doubt, quartz, marble, and granite each have redeemable qualities. You'll find passionate loyalists for each of these kitchen countertop materials.
When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design. One of the most appealing features of granite countertops are their beauty.
Synthetic materials are typically less expensive than natural stone, with laminate and acrylic being the most cost-effective choices. "Soapstone and tile are also lower-cost options for countertop materials, but they come with some weaknesses like low durability and limited color options," says Carson.
While quartz countertops may add more value to a home than laminate countertops (and they're more durable), laminate countertops are more affordable to install, among other characteristics in their favor.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.