Question: l am
planning to replace my kitchen counter tops and am
trying to decide between granite and Conan Can you
advise me?
Answer: These are
both excellent choices. Each of these materials has
strengths and weaknesses. Which one is the better choice
for you will be a matter of your personal taste and of
the functional qualities you need from your counter top.
Corian is a brand name
for one of a number of solid surface materials with
similar characteristics.
They are synthetic -
usually predominantly acrylic or polyester (or a
combination of the two).
Because they are
synthetic, there is a great deal of consistency in the
appearance of the product. Except for slight "dye
lot" variances, what you see in a showroom is what
you will get.
Solid surface materials
are extremely stain-resistant. The materials are
flexible to work with, making a great variety of fancy
edges, inlays or other details p9ssible. Keep in mind
that these details will greatly increase the cost of
your counter top.
Solid surface materials
have a wonderful seaming process, which leaves the seams
in your counter top always inconspicuous, and often
undetectable - an added plus here is that solid surface
sinks can be seamed into the tops, with the effect of it
all being one smooth piece. This is a very sleek look
and eliminates the cleaning problem created by the
normal joint between sink and counter top.
Another benefit of solid
surface materials is the reparability of the products.
Minor scratches or burns can be easily removed by the
homeowner.
Even major damage can
usually be quite easily repaired in your home by a
skilled craftsman.
However, it will probably
cost you money to have this done, since these products
are not warranted against scratching or burning. They
will scratch; they will burn.
Do not cut directly or
place hot items on a solid surface counter top. If you
are pouring boiling water into a solid surface sink,
turn on your faucet and run water into the sink at the
same time.
Granite, on the other
hand, is natural stone. It is extremely hard, and much
less likely to scratch or bum than a solid surface top
(we still recommend a cutting board and a trivet).
The natural beauty of
granite will produce a much more dramatic aesthetic
impact on your kitchen, and the high gloss finish is
easy to maintain. Most consumers consider the beauty of
the product to be granite's biggest strength.
Remember that each piece
of stone was created by nature, and there will be many
variances within any selection. While this is definitely
part of the charm of natural stone, in order to avoid
disappointment, we recommend that you ask to select the
slab that will be used for your counter top.
Although granite is a
naturally porous material, most fabricators of granite
counter tops seal the stone to minimize the possibility
of staining. This is quite effective if spills are
cleaned up promptly. Liquids left unattended can soak
into and stain even a sealed stone top.
If you learn how to take
care of it properly, you probably will be extremely
happy with a counter top made of either of these
materials.
I recommend that you
consider which of these qualities are important in your
kitchen. Be sure to work with a reputable supplier; and
enjoy.
|
