granite vs. corian countertop

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Can someone tell me if granite is indeed the standard for most new construction countertops? I was originally going to go with granite but it costs 50/sqft with install. And there isn't anyway to do your own installation unless you use tiled granite. Companies refuse to fabricate it unless you are also planning on hiring them to install.

On the otherhand you can actually order Corian pre-cut to your specifications and it starts at 20-25/sqft.

So my question is, do you think most people consider Corian countertops a step up or down from Granite countertops?

And if you are on a budget, does it make more sense to go with Corian if you feel like you are handy?