Top kitchen countertop materials for 2024 included Quartz for durability and Natural Stone like quartzite and marble. Synthetic options trended toward subtle, natural-looking veining to replace overly artificial patterns 5 Countertop Trends On The Way OUT in 2025 (You'll Be ....
Most Popular Stone Countertop Surfaces for 2024
Quartz. One countertop material that designer Lexie Saine will no longer go for is quartz. "Earlier in my career, I used quartz often because of its low maintenance once installed and its ease of daily care," she says. However, she has found over time that quartz is something that many clients regret having used.
Yes, quartz typically lasts longer as a countertop because it is non-porous and engineered to resist staining, scratching, and chipping. However, it is an engineered material, meaning it requires different maintenance and care than natural granite.
These factors influence countertop selection just as much as appearance.
One of the biggest reasons people think granite is no longer popular is the rise of newer materials like quartz. As trends shift, some assume that older materials are no longer relevant. But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.
If you want the lowest maintenance countertop, Quartz and Porcelain are your top choices. Both are completely non-porous, highly resistant to stains, and never require sealing.
You should avoid using Clorox wipes on your quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes often contain ingredients like bleach or citric acid, which can degrade the resin binders in quartz, leading to discoloration and a dull finish over time.
Granite is Heat Resistant
The primary concern with heat and granite is cracking. Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
A kitchen is typically considered outdated when it suffers from a combination of failing appliances, poor lighting, worn-out surfaces, and an isolating, disjointed layout. Trends evolve, and what was once fashionable can make the entire heart of the home feel less functional and visually unappealing.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on granite. Because it is a mild, pH-balanced detergent, it is an excellent and safe choice for everyday cleaning.
Dark floors pair particularly well with lighter countertops in large kitchens, where there is enough natural light to prevent the space from feeling heavy. Charcoal tiles, dark-stained engineered wood, or concrete-effect porcelain are often used to create a strong architectural base.
Granite's unique patterns and colors are highly desirable, making it a material that buyers often seek out. Perception of Luxury: Granite countertops are often associated with high-end homes. Even though quartz is a strong competitor, granite still holds the reputation of being a luxurious, high-value material.
The hottest countertop trends are a shift toward warm, creamy, and natural color palettes, replacing glossy finishes with matte, honed, or leathered textures. For materials, Quartzite and natural stone are surging in popularity as homeowners pivot toward authentic, unique materials.
No, you should avoid using Clorox wipes on granite. Disinfectant wipes often contain harsh chemicals like citric acid or bleach, which can strip away the protective sealant on your stone. Over time, this causes the granite to dull, etch, or become vulnerable to deep stains.
Countertops in 2026 are shifting away from sterile, cool grays toward warm, organic, and dramatic looks. The biggest trends prioritize inviting neutrals (creams, beiges, and taupes), sweeping natural veins, and bold, earth-toned statement stones.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for quartz countertops. It is one of the best everyday cleaners you can use, provided it is heavily diluted with warm water.
Yes, you can use Windex on quartz, but you should only use ammonia-free formulas (such as Windex Multi-Surface or Windex Vinegar). Avoid classic blue Windex, as it contains ammonia, which can degrade the resin binding the quartz and cause discoloration or dullness over time.
Those crystals are the foundation of granite's reflective quality. The most important minerals responsible for sparkle are quartz and mica. Quartz crystals are naturally glassy and reflective. Mica, especially muscovite and biotite, produces tiny reflective flakes that shimmer under light.
Dawn dish soap is safe for marble only when heavily diluted in water. Because Dawn has a neutral pH, it won't chemically etch the stone, but using too much can leave a dull, soapy film on porous marble.
Granite’s decline in popularity largely stems from shifting design trends. The heavily patterned, multi-colored granites popular in the early 2000s now look dated to modern homeowners. Furthermore, the rise of uniform, low-maintenance alternatives like quartz has pushed granite out of the design spotlight.
In fact, the average cost of quartz puts it somewhere right in the middle of countertop prices. Most quartz countertops cost anywhere from $90 to $185 per square foot. That's much higher than a laminate counter ($20 to $60 per square foot) or a tile countertop ($25 to $90 per square foot).
The most durable overall countertop material is engineered quartz. It is highly resistant to scratches, completely non-porous (stain-proof), and doesn't require sealing. However, quartzite (a natural stone) and compacted surfaces like Dekton offer higher heat resistance and are virtually indestructible.