If you've got laminate countertops you might be tempted to treat them the same way, but you shouldn't. The sharpened blade of a kitchen knife will do much more damage to a laminate surface than it will butcher block, leaving your previously spiffy countertop marred with slice marks. Grab a cutting board instead.
The short answer is simply: yes. It is entirely possible to cut food on a clean countertop surface. Countertops made of material like quartz are extremely durable and can resist cuts and scratches from casual knife work. Of course, you should make it a habit to thoroughly clean the countertop before and after use.
If you have quartz and granite countertops, then yes, you can cut food directly on them. Quartz is very durable and one of the hardest materials available on the market. It withstands cuts and scratches from slicing. This engineered stone is made from small pieces of stone mixed with a resin and compressed.
When looking to update or overhaul a countertop, use a resin, acrylic or polyurethane coating that's specifically labeled for use as a laminate countertop sealant. Polyurethane coating or a resin laminate sealer will provide shine and a protective coating.
Lifespan. With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they'll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Use a Countertop Refinishing Kit
Countertop resurfacing kits are like paint on steroids. These kits include an epoxy-like paint and decorative stone chips to create the look of natural stone. Most kits are designed for making over old laminate counter surfaces.
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.
Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials you can buy, and it can certainly withstand cuts from a knife blade. However, if your granite has a sealer on it, cutting can eventually wear down the sealant.
Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces including laminate. That's why we always recommend using a protective barrier such as a trivet or a hot plate as a final resting place for oven- or stovetop-fresh pots and pans.
Laminate Countertops Are Not Out of Style.
The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.
Yes, but you shouldn't. Although your knife blades won't damage the granite itself, they can wear down the seal over time. Plus, the granite counter is hard enough to actually dull your knife. That's why it's always a good idea to use a cutting board even if you have a stone countertop made from Granite or quartz.
Additionally, cutting on stone counters can dull your knives, slowing your dinnertime prep and increasing your risk of lacerations. To protect your counters and your knives, avoid chopping vegetables and butchering meat directly on the surface of your granite. Instead, protect the surface with a large cutting board.
More importantly, marble is too smooth and tough for you to cut on. It is unsafe to do so because you are likely to slip against the smooth surface while cutting with a knife. The marble will also certainly damage your blades, no matter how durable your knives are.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
Rubbing alcohol is a natural bactericide and can also kill fungus and viruses. It has no ill effects on your granite or the seal on your granite so it's an ideal way to keep countertops clean.
Don't cut on quartz: Quartz is scratch resistant, one of the toughest countertop materials out there. The natural quartz stone in it is fortified with man-made polymers, making a tough material even tougher. That said, do not use your quartz as a cutting board. Sharp knives can scratch the surface.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well. It is easy to clean and is heat, scratch and stain resistant.
Laminate Countertops
Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface.
Use a Countertop Paint Kit
You can purchase paint kits that allow you to update the look of your countertops. The product is simple to use and can give you the look of stone for less than hundred dollars. If you want a new look, but don't want to spend a lot of money, painting your countertops is a great option.