One of the biggest debates surrounding kitchen and bath design today is the choice of countertop material, and the two materials that are causing the most discussion are granite and solid surfacing. While granite is a natural, igneous material created underneath the earth's surface, solid surface materials such as Corian and Avonite are man-made, using acrylic or polyester resins. This difference, along with many others, has caused both consumers and professionals to form various opinions regarding the maintenance, durability, design and cost of both products. Also, over time a number of myths have emerged regarding both materials, and this misinformation has added to the confusion. Instead of questioning which of the two is the better material, perhaps the question should be: is one material better than the other?
In comparing the pros and cons of both, the choice of material ultimately falls upon the consumer. Just as no two pieces of stone are alike, no two kitchens are alike either. In addition to layout and overall design, the practical needs and preferences of its occupants contribute to the material chosen for a particular kitchen. Additionally, since stone is a natural material, its coloring and patterns can vary, and consumers who prefer a solid color or evenly distributed pattern turn to a solid surface material. "Some people are not ready for a natural stone. They feel that granite has deposits in it and you can't get a plain color," said Rupy Shah of Stone-Tec, Inc., in Garland, TX.