Acrylic vs. Granite Countertops: Which one is better?

Are you planning to create a modular kitchen within your budget? Reaching the right platform can bring you success! Home interior brands like HomeLane can offer you numerous design options to choose the best and pocket-friendly fit for your home. 

Countertops often require more research by homeowners, especially when it comes to decisions like acrylic countertop vs. granite countertop. But worry not! HomeLane’s interior experts will provide you with the best budget solutions available to furnish your kitchen space.

Acrylic Countertop vs. Granite Countertop – Which one is Trendy?

The concept of acrylic countertops is not new to the industry. This has been a game-changer since 1967! It was a popular choice for most American kitchens and bathrooms. Gradually, its popularity grew among the rest of the world. Contrary to the myth, it is not a ‘plastic’ countertop. In reality, it consists of more than 70% mineral components. Now, it is often called a solid surface countertop with a matte finish.

Granite countertops are artificial too, but these are made of stone. Therefore, they look more natural and come with coloured pigments. 

So, what should you choose when remodelling your kitchen or bathroom? Read on below to understand the pros and cons of acrylic and granite countertops. Then, we’ll quickly compare the two to help you come to a decision.

Pros and Cons of Acrylic Countertops

Let’s discuss the benefits first:

• Money-saving: Though acrylic countertops are usually more affordable than granite worktops, this does not mean that these cannot be expensive. They still can be, but they offer you versatility, strength, and resilience with time.
• Hygienic: This is an important factor that keeps acrylic countertops ahead of its competitors. It is non-porous, thus, it is food-safe and hygienic. Moreover, they are resistant to moisture, stains, and growths like mould.
• Easy to clean: Their seamlessness makes them easy to clean, thus low-maintenance too. Acrylic surfaces do not require sealing to get repaired, unlike granite countertops.
• Durable: Acrylic countertops are hardy and long-lasting. The average lifetime remains between 10–20 years.
• Easy to repair: If any burns or damages occur during installation, buffing the surface is not difficult for the installers. It can quickly look as good as new again.
• Lightweight: Acrylic countertops are lighter in weight than granite ones. So, if you want to fix a long countertop without hampering the design of your kitchen space, this makes it the perfect choice.

Downsides to remember:

• When you are going to install acrylic countertops, hire a pro. Contact the brand to send you some ardent installers. It will let you enjoy the warranties offered on the products. Local DIYers are better avoided for this task!
• Though sanding and buffing can almost fix the burn marks, this does not mean you can keep hot pans regularly on acrylic countertops. This can cause discoloured patches. Gradually, such flaws cannot be repaired even with buffing and sanding.

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops offer these benefits:

1. Scratch-resistant: Granite stone is known for its (obvious) rock-hardness. You need not get worried about any breakage, scratches, or chipping even after decades of using it. Durability is guaranteed, regardless of age.
2. Easy to clean: Granite countertops remain spotless even after decades of use. You can easily clean the surface with kitchen soap. A little effort can make it shiny again. It also remains free of bacteria. 
3. Perfectly flat: Different cooking and baking recipes demand a flat surface for perfect execution. Therefore, granite is a good choice, especially for kitchen worktops.
4. Highly affordable: Granite worktops are very much cost-effective. Its value varies according to its thickness. This means that a granite slab with a smaller thickness is more affordable.
5. Highly durable: This is one of the foremost reasons why granite countertops are so popular among house owners. The average lifetime of this stone worktop is over 30 years. Even after three decades, you may find it in almost pristine condition.
6. Stain-resistant: Granite also offers resistance to stains. However, it is a porous stone and thus requires sealing to ensure this property. 
7. Repairable: Accidents can happen, especially in the kitchen. If your granite kitchen or bathroom countertops break for any reason, a professional can fix it!

Downsides to remember:

• Granite stone is costly. The additional installation charges can double or triple the cost.
• If there is a stain while sealing the granite slab, it will become a permanent stain.
• Due to its heaviness, granite slabs often require additional supportive design for the interiors.

Acrylic Countertop vs. Granite Countertop – a Quick Recap

If you have read thoroughly so far, you must have understood the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic countertops vs. granite countertops. Which one should you choose? Here’s a handy guide that you can use to match your budget, interiors, and range of use within the kitchen.

For a new kitchen setup or to remodel an old one, you must contact a reputed home interior brand like HomeLane to assure top-class kitchen products and reliable services. Your decision of buying an acrylic or a granite countertop will be honoured with their customized, predictable, and pocket-friendly services.

Both acrylic and granite countertops offer unique features, and expert designers are the best people to understand your needs. They will guide you through your decision-making, ensuring your home is in safe hands!