For most homeowners, the kitchen is the most-used room of the house. From cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner to being the go-to spot for afterschool snacks and homework sessions, your kitchen, and specifically your kitchen countertops, see a lot of wear. If you’re looking for new countertops, durability is top-of-mind. You want to choose a countertop material that can stand up to all of that daily use. Let’s talk about the most durable countertop options, so you can make the right choice for your kitchen:
What is the most durable countertop?
The most durable countertop option on the market today is quartz.
Like any countertop material, quartz has its pros and its cons, but if you’re just looking at durability, quartz will beat out the competition every time. Why?
- Quartz is scratch-resistant
- Quartz doesn’t crack or chip
- It’s non-porous and doesn’t stain
- It doesn’t have to be sealed regularly like a natural stone
Quartz countertops are a combination of natural materials and human engineering. Natural quartz crystals are bound together with a tough resin and then cut into slabs of countertop in an engineering lab. This process delivers a seriously durable product that isn’t just scratch and chip-resistant, but also non-porous, which means it won’t stain or absorb kitchen bacteria.
While quartz is slightly more susceptible to heat than other countertop options, it is all-around the most durable countertop material for homeowners.
What are some other durable countertop materials?
If quartz isn’t your favorite countertop, it’s good to know that there are plenty of other countertop materials that are just slightly less durable than quartz. Granite and solid surface are our runner-ups for the most durable countertop material.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural countertop material that is durable and heat resistant. If you were worried about heat with a quartz countertop, granite may be a better option for you. That said, granite is a natural stone. It’s pulled directly from the earth and then cut into slabs, which means it has natural inclusions and flaws that can make it susceptible to chipping and cracking. Granite is also porous, so you’ll need to seal it regularly and watch out for spills that could quickly become stains. If you’re stuck choosing between granite and quartz, check out this article breaking down the quartz vs. granite dilemma.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertop is another man-made material that performs well in even heavily used kitchens. Solid surface is made from a combination of polyester and dense acrylic, which makes it a non-porous, low-maintenance countertop option. Solid surface countertops are slightly softer than quartz, which means they can be scratched or chipped more easily. The benefit of solid surface is that if your countertop is scratched, it’s easy to repair, unlike natural countertops like granite.
Honorable Mentions: Countertops that Still Deliver Durability
If you’re still not loving our top three most durable countertop materials, there are a few more that perform well, if not quite as well as granite or quartz. It’s good to know that as long as you pick a quality product, any countertop option you choose should hold up well in the average kitchen. While quartz, granite, and solid surface certainly deliver the very best in durability, that’s not to say that other countertop materials won’t hold up too. (Looking for a more comprehensive guide to choosing the right countertops for your kitchen remodel? This blog: Kitchen Remodel 101: Guide to Countertops should help.)
Concrete
Concrete is an increasingly popular countertop material because it is so customizable. It can be formed in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and it is very durable. Though concrete can chip and crack, it’s another option that’s fairly easy to repair. It’s good to know that concrete countertops are porous, so they do require regular sealing and maintenance.
Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a countertop option that will stand up to anything, stainless steel is a great choice. It’s heat resistant, it certainly won’t chip, and it’s one of those options that outlasts all of the others. The greatest concern with stainless steel is how easy it is to scratch. It’s not a cutting surface, so you’ll want to take care to protect stainless countertops while you’re doing prep work.
Whether you’re planning for a new home or completing a kitchen remodel, durable countertops are a must. Zeeland Lumber & Supply is your go-to resource for these new countertops. From quartz to granite, we’re happy to help you find the durable countertop that’s right for your home. Give us a call at 888-772-2119, contact us online, or stop into one of our locations to check out some of our selections in person.