This you know: the cracking, bespeckled, white and gold countertop that came with your new fixer-upper has got to go. You’ve been polling your friends and acquaintances (and any other homeowner you encounter) about their favorite countertop in the world – only to find that there’s no one right answer.

In a process such as this, you need information. So let us get you started. The first step to choosing a countertop may be as simple as knowing the difference between your choices.

Today’s lesson, Corian vs. Silestone (thank you, splitlevel.net!). It may cover only two of your options, but you’ve got to start somewhere, right?

What is Corian?
Corian is a solid resin material, originally created as a “synthetic marble.” It's best-known for it’s stain and damage resistance, and also for it’s cool, smooth texture.

What is Silestone?
Stone’s answer to Corian. In other words, an engineered material of stone (94%) with a dash (6%) of plastic that is appealing to those wanting a more durable stone countertop.

What are the differences?
Corian is a bit more versatile – in terms of how it can be formed – and is also easier to repair. There are also more colors of Corian to choose from, and the molding of the product can make it completely seamless.

Silestone is more, well, stone-like and also more heat and scratch-resistant due to the large amount of stone it contains. Some would say it’s more “natural” looking, but seams are visible.

Which costs more?
As a rule (and there are, no doubt, exceptions) Silestone is more expensive than Corian.

The Upshot:

A choice between Corian and Silestone will probably boil down to aesthetic preference.

Corian countertop image:

[Top silestone image via UK based County Stone Ltd.]

For countertop installation, contact your local Handyman Connection for a free estimate.