What is better? Granite, corian, or laminate countertops? Which cleans better and is of the lowest maintenence

Question

Which will give us the most bang for our buck? Which shows crumbs less? Which looks the most expensive without being the most expensive. Which gives our home the most re-sale value? Which is eco-friendly? Anything out there made with re-cycled products? Thanks for your help, Val

Answer 1

Real estate advice:

1. Only install granite counters in homes worth more than 500,000.00. The investment won't pay off in cheaper homes, and compares to putting a $20.000.00 bathroom in a $180,000.00 home - a wasted investment, when 5K would have sufficed.

2. Corian is expensive, but an asset in mid price range homes (250K and up)

3. Vinyl comes in an array of inexpensive finishes that are durable and last for many years. The pre-cut lengths they have at the lumber stores are often the best sellers, and best value for the dollar.

4. Crumbs: Crumbs have nothing to do with counter material, and everything to do with color. Darker colors and solid colors show crumbs, whereas lighter colors and colors with swirls and small patterns dont.

We just rehabbed our 12 unit building last year with new kitchen / bath counters from home depot - stock selection - a creamy offwhite/beige/light taupe swirly pattern that looks better than some granite counters.

Answer 2

Corian Countertops Vs Granite

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is better? Granite, corian, or laminate countertops? Which cleans better and is of the lowest maintenence
Which will give us the most bang for our buck? Which shows crumbs less? Which looks the most expensive without being the most expensive. Which gives our home the most re-sale value? Which is eco-friendly? Anything out there made with re-cycled products? Thanks for your help, Val

Answer 4

Have you considered concrete countertops? It's eco friendly, like granite, but mush less expensive. Laminate will add no value to your home. Corian(acrylic) is harsh on the environment, but stands up to wear and tear. You can inlay contasting colors in the edge. You can also shape the edge as well as granite. Careful acrylic countertops can be scorched.

Answer 5

Granite is best. Easy to clean, Looks good, adds value. It is the most expensive. Stile stone, is the same price, some people like the look, but why put that in if you can have granite. So many colours, and types of edges. Just be careful, don't let anyone stand near the narrower part by your sink, lots of granite tops get damaged this way. Enjoy your granite, but get a good installer.

Answer 6

I just installed High Definition Wilsonart Laminate in my home and Love it. It has the look and Shine of Granite and a simple cleaning with a damp sponge daily does the trick. I debated over Granite or this and with this about a fourth of the cost, plus the cost of having to repair chipped Granite, this won me over. I did indulge in the Higher Stone Tile Backsplash, since glasses and cans are not as apt to break the BackSplash as it would if dropped on the Granite Counter Tops..

Answer 7

Granite has to towel dryed to keep looking good, expensive, very good for re-sale, can chip, can't scrub it with anything abrasive which could damage shine (polish look), it is natural from the earth.

Laminate, cheap, can be easily damaged. Don't cut on it or put anything hot on it. I have it; but am careful.

Corian. Not much experience nor knowledge on product. It will chip, burn, damage from cutting on it. It does have a history of being sanitary due to less pores in surface.

Formica, medium priced and good for re-sale if color is basic & not drastic for a personal taste. It is durable & stands up to scrubbing & heat. Does not have a shine/ polish so towel drying not necessary.

Answer 8

Have you considered natural quartz like Silestone? It looks like granite but is more sanitary. Granite can harbor bacteria if it is not sealed a couple of times a year. Quartz does not need to be sealed and looks expensive. It can cost a bit less than granite. It doesn't stain and it comes in a ton of colors. Silestone is just one manufacturer of quartz counters. Laminates are very inexpensive and look very nice also . However, they show all stains and will also chip, warp from under the laminate show knife marks, etc. etc.

Check these links out for more info--
http://interiordec.about.com/od/kitchencounters/tp/tp_countertops.htm

http://www.countertopspecialty.com/counter-tops-materials.html

http://www.keidel.com/design/select/tops-matl-compare.htm

Answer 9

which is better Marbelite or Wilsonite