What Is the Most Durable Countertop?
When a homeowner wants to improve their kitchen or bathroom and boost their home’s value, upgrading their countertops is an excellent starting point. New countertops can be that extra spice that helps you fall in love with your home all over again. You can choose from several countertop materials. Understanding the differences will help you select the countertop that best suits your household needs. So, which material creates the most durable countertops?
At Henry H. Ross and Son, we’ve spent over 60 years building and installing stunning, high-quality countertops. Continue reading to learn H.H. Ross’s top five most durable countertop materials.
5.Laminate
Laminate countertops mimic other materials like wood and granite. Manufacturers layer several laminate sheets on top of each other and fuse them to a particleboard core. Designers add color by mixing in a viscous plant-based substance called resin. The finished product receives a plastic coating. Homeowners appreciate laminate countertops because they resist stains without frequently applying sealant cleaners.
While this option is relatively durable, laminate countertops are susceptible to scratches and cracks. They can also be difficult to repair.
4.Acrylic
Companies like Meganite® use acrylic in solid-surface countertops to create a cost-effective solution with many applications. Acrylic countertops boast some durability, but their primary advantage is their resistance to contaminants like mold, mildew and bacteria. Still, these countertops can last for a long time and maintain their appearance with their easily cleaned surfaces.
Acrylic is vulnerable to burns, scratches and punctures, but maintenance is relatively easy and inexpensive to perform.
3. Corian®
DuPont creates Corian, another solid-surface material. This option consists of various minerals and resin. Corian replicates granite’s look and color variety while maintaining a portion of its durability. Corian countertops are invulnerable to contamination and damage from acidic foods like vinegar or lemons without extra sealers and cleaners.
This synthetic material is susceptible to burns and scratches easily. Fortunately, Corian responds well to sanding for scratch removal.
2. Granite
Many consider granite the most attractive countertop material, perfect for complementing any kitchen, and homeowners purchase these countertops in droves. On top of their renowned beauty, granite countertops are incredibly durable, resisting heat, cracks, chips and other damage — just be careful around the edges.
Homeowners need to put a bit of work into maintaining their granite countertops, as they require the annual application of a sealer and a polished or matte finish to resist stains. The results are often worth the effort. Granite countertops are gorgeous and rugged, earning their spot near the top of our list of the most durable countertop surfaces.
1. Quartz
Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish. In terms of sheer durability, quartz is nearly indestructible under normal household conditions.
These scratch-resistant countertops will resist stains, bacteria, heat damage and gouges from the sharpest knives without additional sealing. Corners and edges are still a potential weak point, but a good repair team can fix any issues with ease.
Contact Henry H. Ross and Son
H.H. Ross constructs and installs various types of countertops for homes and businesses. As a family-owned business with decades of experience based in Lancaster, PA, we’re committed to providing the best countertop products and services to our community. To learn more or request a free quote,contact H.H. Rosstoday!
FAQs
Quartz is the most durable countertop material.
What type of countertop is the most durable? ›
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
What is the highest maintenance countertop? ›
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a synthetic countertop material made from natural quartz, other minerals, and binding resins. Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it's nonporous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.
What is the best countertop for price and durability? ›
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Which is better Corian or granite or quartz countertops? ›
However, quartz is less scratch & heat resistant than granite, and can be damaged when unprotected from sharp objects or hot elements. Regular use of cutting boards or trivets is highly recommended. Corian, or solid surface, is best known for its stellar stain and bacteria resistance.
What is the most maintenance free countertop? ›
Quartz is the most durable countertop material, renowned for its exceptional resilience against daily wear and tear. Its hard and non-porous surface makes it highly scratch, stain and heat resistant.
Which is stronger granite or quartz countertops? ›
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
What is cheaper, quartz or granite? ›
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern. Sometimes quartz is more expensive due to the treatments it receives during manufacturing.
What are the lowest maintenance kitchen countertops? ›
Man-made materials like laminate or stainless steel countertops rank among the easiest countertops to maintain in the short term, as they may simply require wiping down with mild dish soap and warm water.
What is the most popular countertop right now? ›
Here are the top eight kitchen countertop materials:
- Quartz. “Quartz is a manmade stone that is composed of roughly 80% to 93% natural material mixed with pigments and resins, making it a very durable and low-maintenance option,” Kaercher says. ...
- Quartzite. ...
- Granite. ...
- Marble. ...
- Butcher Block. ...
- Soapstone. ...
- Stainless Steel. ...
- Concrete.
– Granite scratches less easily than quartz. – Chips to granite are easier to repair than chips to quartz. – Quartz fades in the sun. Because granite is a natural stone, it is porous and therefore subject to stains.
What looks like granite but is less expensive? ›
Quartz countertops are some of the most popular alternatives to granite countertops. Generally, quartz counters combine the crystalline mineral with rock binders and a polyresin resulting in a natural stone look. This type of countertop is well-suited for contemporary spaces.
What is the best countertop material for the money? ›
One of the top choices for kitchen countertops is granite. Granite countertops are popular because they are durable and tough, able to resist impact and abrasive damage.
What are the disadvantages of Corian countertops? ›
Here are some limitations to be aware of: Heat Sensitivity: While heat resistant, Corian isn't completely immune. Direct exposure to extremely hot pots or pans can leave scorch marks or cause damage. This necessitates caution in busy kitchens where hot pots and pans are a frequent occurrence.
Why is Corian more expensive than quartz? ›
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot. Corian will cost more over the long haul due to the material's fragility and poor resale value.
Which countertop is easiest to maintain? ›
The Best Countertop Materials for a Low-Maintenance Kitchen
- Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain. ...
- Quartz. ...
- Recycled Glass. ...
- Laminate. ...
- Soapstone. ...
- Corian.
The best countertop material is generally considered to be quartz. It belongs in kitchens and bathrooms because it's durable, water-resistant, and available in a wide range of styles.
Which is more durable quartz or Corian? ›
Quartz is harder than Corian, making it less prone to scratches and dents. Corian is more flexible and can be thermoformed, shaped, curved, rounded, engraved, sanded, and routered, which is not possible with quartz.
What is more expensive, quartz or granite? ›
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite? Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs.
