Granite vs Quartz vs Corian Countertops: Pros & Cons of Each

Granite Countertops: Pros & Cons

If you want to remodel your kitchen in a way that evokes the natural beauty of the beach, with its random striations of tans, blues, soft whites, and shadowy grays, you'll love the look of granite countertops.

Here are the pros and cons of granite as a countertop material: 

Pros:

• Clear winner for natural beauty. Every slab of granite is unique because it’s mined from naturally occurring stone. 
• Very scratch- and heat-resistant. You can place hot pans directly on the countertop for a short period of time, and it’s difficult to scratch or scuff. 

Cons:

• It’s durable but porous. Granite countertops crack and stain easily because they can absorb acidic liquids like wine, so you’ll need to clean up spills quickly. There’s a lengthy list of “Don’ts” you’ll need to follow to maintain granite countertops. 
• Few color options available. The color of granite depends entirely on where it’s mined. 
• You have to seal them occasionally. Sealing granite countertops is a relatively easy task, but it’s important to do it regularly to keep them in good condition.

Quartz Countertops: Benefits & Drawbacks

Quartz countertops are a favorite among homeowners and investors who need a simple yet durable solution. This makes quartz countertops a great choice for beach cottage kitchen remodelers because they come in a wide variety of light color variations and are low-maintenance. 

Benefits:

• Extraordinarily durable. It takes conscious effort and heavy tools to scratch or stain quartz countertops. 
• Variety of colors. Quartz countertops consist of about 5% manmade materials which allow for light color variations to match your kitchen design—perfect for light greens or blues in a charming beach cottage kitchen. 
• Sustainable. Quartz is a common material found in quarries all over the world and can be assembled with pre- and post-consumer recycled content. 

Drawbacks:

• Expensive. Quartz countertops cost far more than Corian or granite because of their high durability. When you decide to install quartz countertops, you’re making a long-term investment. 
• Not very unique. Compared to other options, all quartz countertops tend to look similar.

Corian Countertops: Positives & Negatives

For beach house owners who want uniquely colored countertops, consider Corian. Corian countertops are made from a blend of natural minerals and acrylic polymer, which gives them a consistent matte finish.

Positives:

• No visible seams. Unlike quartz and granite countertops, Corian countertops are seamless. 
• Durable and repairable. If your countertops get damaged, you can buff out scratches with a special abrasive pad. 
• Available in a wide range of colors. You’ll have more fun customizing the color of your Corian countertops to match other details in your kitchen, like cabinet hardware. 
• Most affordable countertop type. Standard, solid-color Corian countertops are generally one of the least expensive countertop options. 

Negatives:

• Very consistent color. You won’t see the natural striations of granite or even the more uniform patterns of quartz on Corian countertops unless they’re specifically created to mimic stone. 
• Soft material that scratches easily and quickly. You can buff scratches out of Corian countertops, but you’ll need to do this often. This also means that you should install Corian countertops last—after refacing or refinishing your cabinets and flooring—to prevent damage. 
• Doesn’t add as much value to a home as granite or quartz. Although Corian countertops are generally more affordable than other types of countertops, they don’t increase the resale value of a home as much as some might hope.

Which Type is Best for a Beach House Kitchen?

Of these three types, many homeowners and investors are happiest with quartz countertops for beach house kitchen remodeling projects. They’re easy to maintain and can be customized to match a variety of light color palettes. 

The biggest downside to choosing quartz is the price, but quartz countertops are almost indestructible and often come with a lifetime guarantee. This makes them worth the additional cost — in our opinion.

New Jersey’s Top-Rated Kitchen Remodeling & Cabinet Refinishing Contractor

The team at Oceanside Painting & Refinishing is honored to help homeowners and investors create beach house kitchens that fit their unique needs and aesthetics with our kitchen remodeling and cabinet refinishing services. We’d be happy to offer you a free estimate and answer any questions you have as you continue your research. 

Call Oceanside Painting & Refinishing today at 732-818-0092 or fill out the quick form below for your free estimate!