Designing your kitchen is a timeless debate. There's no denying that durable and impressive countertops are a critical aspect of cooking cuisine for your friends or family. There are two worthy contenders: solid surface vs granite. Out of the two countertop materials, which is better for your kitchen?
Choosing the right kitchen countertop material is crucial for day-to-day living. Let's delve into the key differences between solid surface and granite countertops, guiding you through the decision-making process. Discover the benefits, and drawbacks, and make an informed choice that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Solid Surface Countertops vs Granite: Know the Differences
Appearance & Design
Solid Surface
- Colour Options: Boasting an extensive palette, solid surface countertops can match any kitchen aesthetic. From vibrant hues to subtle tones, the choices are practically limitless.
- Pattern Variety: The man-made nature allows for diverse patterns, including veining and marbling, providing a modern and sleek appearance.
- Seamless Integration: Solid surface materials excel in creating a seamless look by allowing sinks and backsplashes to be seamlessly integrated. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also simplifies cleaning.
Granite Countertops
- Natural Patterns: Granite, being a product of nature, offers one-of-a-kind patterns and textures. No two slabs are identical, providing a unique touch to each countertop.
- Limited Customization: While the natural patterns are exquisite, customization options are relatively restricted compared to a solid surface countertop. Matching specific colour schemes might be challenging.
Durability & Maintenance
Solid Surface:
- Stain Resistance: Solid surface countertops are highly resistant to stains, making them an excellent choice for busy kitchens where spills are inevitable.
- Scratch Resistance: The composition of solid surface materials provides good scratch resistance, ensuring a long-lasting and pristine appearance.
- Easy Maintenance: Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is typically sufficient, simplifying maintenance routines.
Granite:
- Sealing Requirement: Granite countertops need periodic sealing to maintain their durability and resist stains. Failure to do so can result in the stone absorbing liquids and potentially causing discoloration.
- Chipping and Cracking: While durable, granite can be prone to chipping or cracking under certain circumstances. Careful handling and professional installation are crucial to mitigate these risks.
Cost & Installation
Solid Surface:
- Affordability: One of the primary advantages of solid surface countertops is their affordability. With various price points, they offer a cost-effective solution without compromising quality or aesthetics.
- Installation: Solid surface countertops are lighter than granite, making them easier to handle and install. This not only reduces installation costs but also opens up possibilities for more creative and intricate designs.
Granite:
- Natural Origin Premium: The unique patterns and natural origin contribute to the higher cost of granite. It is considered a premium material, often chosen for its luxurious appearance.
- Installation: Due to its weight and the need for precise cutting, granite countertops require professional installation. This expertise ensures a proper fit and finish, but it can add to the overall project cost. The intricate cutting is necessary to accommodate sinks and appliances accurately.
5 Reasons to Choose Solid Surface Material over Granite
1) Versatility
When it comes to customization, solid surface countertops take the lead over natural stone.
Crafted from roughly 2/3 of man-made materials like acrylic or polyester, Corian solid surface offers a broad spectrum of colours and patterns. The flexibility allows for easy, seamless integration with sinks and other design elements, creating a flush, cohesive look.
Granite, on the other hand, relies on its natural stone formation. This limits the extent to which it can be cut and customized. While the innate beauty of any natural granite countertop is undeniable, those seeking a tailored and unique aesthetic may find solid surface options more accommodating.
2) Durability
Solid surface countertops excel in durability, being inherently resistant to stains and scratches. This resilience ensures a long-lasting surface that can endure the demands of a busy kitchen. In contrast, granite, although durable in its own right, necessitates periodic sealing to maintain its longevity and prevent stains. The vulnerability engineered stone has to chipping or cracking also requires careful handling, making the durability aspect a point to consider in the decision-making process.
3) Ease of Maintenance
The ease of countertop maintenance is a significant factor influencing the choice between solid surface and granite. Solid surface countertops simplify your cleaning routine, requiring only regular cleaning with common household cleaners. Their resistance to stains and scratches adds to the convenience. Granite, however, demands more attention. Periodic sealing is essential, and cleaning must be approached with care to prevent potential damage. The ease of daily maintenance may be a deciding factor for those seeking a hassle-free countertop experience.
Read Also: How to Clean Solid Surface Countertops?
4) Price & Budget-Friendly Options
For budget-conscious consumers, solid surface countertops offer a diverse range of price points. Thankfully, affordability does not compromise quality or aesthetics, making it an attractive option for most budgets. Their synthetic composition makes the price point very stable.
Corian Countertops vs Granite Pricing:
Granite Countertops: $130 per square foot (average).
Corian Solid Surface Countertops: $85 per square foot (average).
Granite surfaces tend to be pricier due to their origin. Being a natural resource, prices can fluctuate without warning due to market conditions (supply and demand of natural minerals). While the investment in granite has visual appeal and similar durability, solid surface countertops provide an accessible entry point without sacrificing quality.
5) Installation
Installation flexibility is a key consideration for those with a taste for creative designs. Solid surface countertops, being lighter and more malleable, allow for easier installation. This not only reduces installation costs but opens up possibilities for intricate and unique designs. Make sure to call an installer to get premium results.
Granite, owing to its weight and the need for professional installation, can limit the creative options available. The intricacies of cutting and fitting granite require a skilled hand, influencing both the installation process and potential design choices.
Get Your New Solid Surface Countertop Installed Now!
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