Acrylic vs granite countertops: how to choose the right worktop material

Acrylic vs granite countertops: how to choose the right worktop material

January 23, 2024

If you’re renovating your kitchen, choosing the right countertop material can sometimes be a bit of a struggle. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’ve managed to narrow it down to two options, acrylic and granite, but you’re not sure which would be the best fit for your home.

The kitchen worktop experts at Mo’s StoneX have put together this comparative guide to help you make the right decision. We’ll cover:

  • What is an acrylic worktop?
  • The advantages and disadvantages of acrylic worktops
  • What is a granite worktop?
  • The advantages and disadvantages of granite worktops
  • Acrylic vs granite: how to make your decision 

 

What is an acrylic worktop?

Many people think of acrylic worktops as ‘plastic’ worktops, and this is why some people look down on this worktop material. However, this isn’t really fair, as acrylic countertops are usually only around one-third plastic resin. The rest of this solid surface material is composed of natural minerals, which is why the final worktop is so tough and durable. 

During manufacturing, the resin and natural materials are heated until they turn into a liquid. This liquid is then poured into moulds and left to cool. The result is a solid work surface with a matte finish that can mimic the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. 

What’s Corian?

The first acrylic worktops were manufactured by DuPont in the 1960s. For 30 years, this company held the patent for solid acrylic countertops. When it ended, other companies started producing their own acrylic worktops. However, DuPoint’s brand, Corian, is still one of the most well-known and many people think of Corian as synonymous with acrylic solid surface countertops. 

 

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic worktops

Benefits

  • Budget-friendly – one of the main reasons many people opt for acrylic countertops over granite is that they can be more cost-effective. Because granite worktops are made from natural stone, they tend to be more expensive. However, the price of acrylic and granite worktops can vary greatly. 
  • Seamless appearance – acrylic worktops feature almost invisible joins to give your kitchen a sleek and modern look. The range of colour options works with almost any kitchen design.
  • Hygienic – because acrylic is non-porous, this worktop material is very food-safe and hygienic, making it an ideal choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Acrylic is also resistant to moisture and most stains. 
  • Low maintenance – unlike granite, acrylic worktops don’t require regular sealing. This also makes them easy to clean and an excellent choice for busy family homes. 
  • Lightweight – acrylic countertops are much lighter in weight than granite ones, which makes them easier to manoeuvre. 

Disadvantages

  • Only available in a matte finish – due to the amount of resin in these worktops, they’re only manufactured with a matte finish. However, there is a wide range of colours available. 
  • Not resistant to heat – unlike granite worktops, acrylic surfaces aren’t heat-resistant and can even melt in extreme temperatures. This means you’ll always need to use trivets and be careful where you place hot pans. 
  • Require professional installation – like many worktop materials, acrylic countertops are best installed by professionals.  

 

What is a granite worktop?

Granite countertops are made from natural stone, making them a great alternative to man-made work surfaces like acrylic. They’re made from natural slabs of granite, which are mined from stone quarries and then cut to size according to the worktop templates. Granite is one of the hardest materials on Earth, formed deep below the Earth’s crust millions of years ago.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of granite worktops

Benefits

  • Tough and scratch-resistant – Granite is such a popular choice because of its durability and ability to withstand scratches and chipping, even after decades of use. 
  • Range of colours – there are many colour options to choose from with granite work surfaces, from classic black or white to intense blue-grey granites. 
  • Long-lasting and durable – a high-quality granite worktop that’s well looked after can last a lifetime!
  • Easy to clean – provided the granite is regularly sealed, the surface is non-porous and simple. All you need is a soft cloth, mild soap and warm water to wipe away any spillages. 
  • Stain resistant – granite is very resistant to stains as long as it’s maintained properly. 
  • Repairable – if your beautiful granite worktop is damaged, it can be fixed by a professional repairer. 
  • Natural beauty – although manufactured work surfaces are incredibly popular nowadays, nothing can beat the timeless beauty of natural stone. Each granite slab is completely unique, so you can create a stunning statement piece in your kitchen or bathroom. 

Disadvantages

  • More expensive than other worktop materials – granite is a stunning choice in any home, but it’s more expensive than many cheaper options, including acrylic. Be aware that some granite will be more than others, and thinner granite slabs are generally cheaper if you’re looking for a cost-effective option. 
  • Regular sealing is needed – because granite is a natural stone, it does require regular sealing to keep the surface non-porous. They’ll typically come already sealed, but we recommend that you seal your granite worktop at least once per year to keep it fully protected. 

 

Acrylic vs granite: how to decide

Even though you’ve read through the pros and cons of both worktop materials, you might still be struggling with your final decision. 

Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you’re happy to pay more for a beautiful and unique natural granite or whether you would rather opt for the more cost-effective acrylic. Of course, you’ll also need to consider that granite needs yearly sealing, while acrylic does not. 

There is also another option – quartz worktops. This is an excellent choice if you want the durability and heat resistance of granite without the need for sealing. We’ve got a blog all about the pros and cons of quartz if you want to find out more about this worktop material. 

 

How Mo’s StoneX can help

If you’re looking for high-quality granite or quartz worktops, we can help! Mo’s StoneX has over a decade of experience supplying, templating and installing premium countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. 

Our expert team will handle the entire process, from providing you with a free initial quote to installing your stunning new worktops. You can rely on our years of experience and expertise to transform your home. 

Granite worktops 

We stock a huge selection of granite worktops, from bold blacks and subtle whites to more vivid colours. Our high-quality granite countertops are the perfect choice if you value the beauty of natural stone and want an elegant and timeless feel to your space! Plus, granite worktops are an investment that will look gorgeous in your home for years to come. 

Quartz worktops

We also stock a wide selection of quartz colours and patterns, from marble-inspired patterns to trendy sparkly options. If you’re looking for a durable, heat- and stain-resistant surface for your kitchen or bathroom and want to choose a colour that fits your space, quartz is the right option for you. These countertops are guaranteed to create a high-end look in any room!

We love helping our customers find the right fit for their homes, so if you’re still not sure which worktop material will work best for your kitchen or bathroom renovation, reach out to our friendly team. 

Or, if you know what material you would like, fill out our online enquiry form for a free quote!