How Much Do Granite Vs Corian Countertops Cost?

Last Updated on October 9, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

When renovating their dream kitchen, one of the most important decisions homeowners face involves choosing the ideal countertop materials to match their budget, lifestyle and design aesthetics.

Two popular options—granite and Corian—both offer high-end looks and lasting durability, but at noticeably different price points. But what exactly accounts for this considerable difference in upfront costs and long-term value between these two premier surfaces?

From material grades, fabrication requirements, and professional installation processes to longevity, maintenance needs, and potential for customization, we will compare their costs in detail.

How Much Do Granite Vs Corian Countertops Cost?

The costs start from $50 to $250 per square foot installed for quality granite countertops, while Corian typically ranges $70 to $150 per square foot installed. Based on crowd-sourced data, homeowners report investing:

$2,000 to $8,000 for basic granite countertop installation – Covers mid-grade stone for most standard kitchens, including all fabrication and professional installation. Higher grades can easily double costs.
$5000 to $20000 for high-end granite surfaces – Includes premium materials, intricate edge details, and ornate accents like medallions and inlays. Bespoke kitchens with exotic imported stone.
$1500 to $5000 for standard Corian countertops – Encompasses commonly requested color patterns, edge profiles, and standard sizing needs. Quality materials and fabrication.
$4000 to $15000 for designer Corian installations – Incorporates thicker slabs, rich marbling, specialty backsplashes, built-up edges, and added decorative ornamentation. For luxury modern interiors.

Regardless of materials chosen, applying prudent budgeting, seeking professional guidance, and smart planning ensures your new countertops enhance lifestyle without breaking the bank. Invest wisely.

According to House Digest, Corian countertops typically range from $70 to $130 per square foot, making them a more affordable option compared to granite, which averages between $40 and $150 per square foot. This price difference can make Corian an attractive choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

In another comparison, Angi reports that the cost of Corian countertops for materials alone is about $26 to $65 per square foot. When installed, the total cost can range from $2,200 to $5,000 for an average-sized kitchen, highlighting that while Corian is generally less expensive than granite, installation costs can still add up.

A detailed overview on Marble.com indicates that granite countertops are priced between $35 and $100 per square foot. This pricing reflects granite’s status as a natural stone, which can be more labor-intensive to quarry and process compared to the manufactured Corian. The article emphasizes that while both materials are durable, granite requires periodic sealing to maintain its appearance and prevent staining.

According to H.H. Ross, Corian is often considered a budget-friendly alternative due to its lower cost and ease of maintenance. The article notes that because Corian is not mined like granite, it generally incurs lower material costs. However, granite is praised for its longevity and resistance to heat and scratches.

Countertop Cost Considerations

Several universal factors affect overall countertop costs regardless of materials:

Countertop dimensions – Bigger countertop surface square footage requires more materials and installation labor time. Gauge every inch.
Layout complexity – Simple square or rectangular layouts cost noticeably less than intricate curved shapes or specialty cutouts. Limit ornate features.
Edge profile details – Built-up edges with detailed profiles demand more materials and fabrication time versus flat polished edges.
Demolition requirements – Removing and disposing of old countertops adds $100 to $500+ to budgets, but improves installation results.
Cabinet interface – Meeting cabinets cleanly and sealing edges adds labor compared to freestanding island setups.
Regional labor rates – Installer hourly charges range $50 to $150 nationally based on local wages and company overhead. Shop around.

Granite Countertop Cost Factors

Natural granite has long been prized for its timeless beauty, strength, and premium luxury appeal. However, it comes at a cost:

Stone grade and quality – The highest quality granite with few imperfections costs exponentially more than lower mid-range grades. Inspect slabs in-person before committing.
Color patterns and consistency – Rare or unique granite colors and flowing consistent veining patterns command premium pricing. Understated is cheaper.
Source quarry origins – Exotic imported granite from distant regions costs more than domestic sources due to import fees and transport. Ask your supplier.
Slab sizes – Larger slabs mean fewer seams but require greater extraction efforts and special handling. Measure carefully.
Edge profile details – Elaborate finished edges like ogee, bevel, dupont, and waterfall styles add fabrication time and materials costs. Simplify when possible.
Seam placement – Skillful seam placement minimizes obvious joints while maximizing structural stability. Experienced pros know best practices.
Installation expertise – Precise cutting, polished finishing, and proper support for heavy granite requires specialized skills that come at a premium cost.

Corian Countertop Cost Factors

Corian, as an engineered solid surface material, offers competitive durability and contemporary appearance while avoiding some granite cost pitfalls:

Brand specified – Leading brand DuPont Corian costs $10 to $20+ more per square foot than economy solid surface options that mimic appearances while cutting corners on quality assurance. Research product warranties.
Thickness dimensions – 1⁄2-inch-thick Corian lasts for decades but costs over 30% more than standard 1⁄4-inch-thick versions. Consider sizing up for heavy usage areas.
Intricacy of color patterns – Lifelike imported natural stone-mimicking veining and elaborate visual designs demand skilled fabrication expertise that shows in the pricing. Simple uniformed hues cost less.
Backsplash configuration – Corian’s seamless integral backsplash designs can reduce installation costs but require precision design and communication between phases.
Edge buildup choices – Thicker edges add material usage but enable ergonomic shaping. Communicate edge preferences early in the templating process to avoid change fees.
Seam placement – Keeping required seams evenly spaced and avoiding high-traffic zones takes planning. Seams guarantee processes also provide peace of mind against gaps over time.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Labradorite countertops, Cambria Countertops, or Formica Countertops.

Granite Countertop Installation Costs

To capitalize on granite’s unrivaled visual impact, specialized stone working skills and precision processes are required demanding premium pricing:

In-home measurement consultations – Precision 3D laser or physical templating ensures accuracy capturing every nuance. Typical costs range $150 to $400.
Digital rendering approvals – After digitizing measurements, CAD renderings allow virtual previews of the finished project to confirm fit, edges, seam placements, and sink/stove cutouts before irreversible cutting. Minor mods still possible. $200 to $500 per phase.
Custom slab fabrication – Using advanced waterjets or blade saws, computer-guided machines expertly cut slabs to exacting specifications. Fabrication typically runs $50 to $200+ per linear foot depending on edge profile details and any ornamental features like inlays or special cutouts. Significantly more labor-intensive than modular Corian fabrication.
Transportation logistics – Carefully transporting the fragile finished slabs to installation sites and staging materials adds $200 to $1,000+ depending on distances involved and special equipment needed for maneuvering.
Seamless installation – Skilled professionals carefully inspect, trial fit, shim, secure, glue, color-match, and polish seams for imperceptible joints. More preparation than Corian needs. Typical labor runs $50 to $150 per hour.
Post-installation sealing – To protect natural stone pores from staining, multiple layers of penetrating sealers are applied. Sealing averages $300 to $1,000 for full kitchens depending on materials used. Ongoing sealing every 1-3 years should be budgeted.

Total installed price for granite averages $4,000 to $12,000+, with economy options starting around $2000 for basic surfaces and $30,000+ bespoke designer projects at the high end.

Corian Countertop Installation Costs

Thanks to its engineered composition and modular design, Corian enables more streamlined installation:

In-home measurements– Corian templates faster with fewer specialty tools needed. Site visits run $75 to $200 per phase.
Modular fabrication– Pieces are precision-cut by automated saws and individually edged/finished offsite in controlled environments to speed production time and decrease errors. Fabrication runs $20 to $60 per linear foot based on edging.
Seamless bonding options– Corian can be inconspicuously fused into continuous surface appearances in-home at the seams and backsplashes with specialized adhesives. Less noticeable than granite seams. Minimal dust.
Integrated cutouts– Cuts for sinks and cooktops get finished edges onsite rather than being outsourced. Greater quality control.
No sealing required– Because Corian is non-porous when properly formulated and installed, unlike natural stone it never requires regular sealing. Saves hundreds of dollars over granite every few years.

Total installed Corian costs, on average, range $2000 to $5000 for standard kitchens and up to $15,000+ for intricate designer projects requiring premium-grade materials, complicated edges, and ornate inlay details.

Maintenance Cost Comparison

Both granite and Corian deliver decades of beauty and enjoyment when properly cared for:

Granite requires periodic sealing every 1 to 3 years to maintain water-resistance and prevent staining. Resealing covers scratches accumulated over time as well. Budget $300 to $1000 per application.
Corian never needs sealing to retain its non-porous properties. However, scratches and cuts may require polishing or refinishing by a pro costing $100+ hourly.
Heat tolerance – Granite better withstands hot pots and pans. Corian can be damaged by excessive localized heat from cookware. Always use trivets.
Cleaning needs – Both require prompt cleaning after food prep and use. Sealed granite repels stains with quicker wiping. Corian remains prone to permanent staining if not promptly cleaned.

While granite carries higher periodic maintenance expenses, its unparalleled strength and resistance minimizes DIY repairs needed versus Corian’s more delicate surface. Weigh their cost-benefit tradeoffs.

Customization Cost Impacts

Personal customization allows personalities to shine but adds costs proportional to their complexity for both materials:

Granite edge profiles – Elaborate edges like ogee, triple-eagle, bevel, and dupont add $15 to $50 per linear foot in fabrication expenses and material waste. Simplify when possible unless ornate styling is a must.
Granite embedded accents – Intricate mosaics, metal inlays, stone medallions, and artistic carvings require master stone working skills. Expect to add $100+ per square foot.
Corian solid colors – Single hue solid Corian avoids costly patterned slabs but any repairs stand out more. Colors are limited compared to real stone visuals.
Corian exotic designs – Special order marbling, swirls, and luxury aggregate patterns add $30+ per square foot yet still fall below natural stone grades in most cases.
Corian custom edge profiles – Built-up Corian edges add $10 to $30 per linear foot but enable ergonomic shaping tailored to uses like bar seating vs. sinks.

Minimizing customization helps offset higher costs of designer-grade base materials for cost-conscious renovators. Prioritize designs that offer the most enduring benefits. Added style comes at a steep premium for both granite and Corian.

Final Words

While granite and Corian each offer compelling and lasting benefits in the kitchen, by understanding their unique cost structures, homeowners can make the most informed countertop investment aligned with their budget and priorities.

With granite costing $50 to $250 per square foot installed compared to Corian at $70 to $150 per square foot installed on average, both enable renovating kitchens beautifully within suitable budgets when planned smartly.

Comparing initial costs, maintenance needs, customization potential, and long-term durability between these exceptional materials paves the way to making your dream kitchen a reality. Choose wisely and you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for decades to come.

Answers to Common Questions

Does Corian need to be sealed?

No, Corian does not need regular sealing because it is non-porous. However, it should still be cleaned promptly after spills to prevent permanent staining from highly pigmented liquids.

Does Corian stain easily?

Corian is less stain-resistant than granite since it is porous, but stains can still be removed or minimized through prompt cleaning. Using sealers and avoiding prolonged exposure to pigmented spills reduces risks.