The undisputed, unbeaten champion of the Porous Test, quartz is non-porous. Quartz's non-porous nature allows it to resist staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. Quartz can repel the harshest spills, from juice to oil to tomatoes, coffee and more.
Nonporous Defined
If a surface such as a kitchen countertop is nonporous, it simply cannot allow or contain any air or water within it. Pores are minuscule openings or crevices that allow air and water to flow to and fro—nonporous surfaces don't have pores, so they do just the opposite.
In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
Quartz is non-porous and therefore resistant to stains. Granite has low porosity and permeability. It is durable, but not as durable as quartz. Marble has higher porosity than granite and is particularly susceptible to damage from acidic substances such as vinegar.
The undisputed, unbeaten champion of the Porous Test, quartz is non-porous. Quartz's non-porous nature allows it to resist staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. Quartz can repel the harshest spills, from juice to oil to tomatoes, coffee and more.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
What is the most durable material for kitchen countertops? There is some discussion about which is the most durable material for kitchen countertops – but the top two are granite and quartz. Granite is a natural material, with each slab unique, and beautiful colors and veining available.
Quartz Countertops
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.
The least porous quartzites are technically called crystalline quartzite. They have undergone such immense heat and pressure, that there are no sand grains or cross bedding patterns visible any longer. The sand grains have actually been pressed together so hard that they become crystals of quartz.
Granite is a natural material, so porosity depends on the slab you're considering purchasing. Even pieces coming from the same stone can have different levels of porosity. Usually, black and darker tones granite tends to be denser and less porous than white and lighter tones slabs, but that's not a rule.
Examples of non-porous surfaces include glass, plastics, metals, and varnished wood. Latent prints on non-porous surfaces tend to be fragile, so they must be preserved as soon as possible.
Examples of hard nonporous surfaces include stainless steel, metal, glass, hard plastic, and varnished wood. These types of materials are impervious to water, and generally easier to wipe clean compared to porous materials.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
Other than perhaps stainless steel, no countertop is 100% stain proof. Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
It's an easy-to-clean material that is resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, making it a great choice for the kitchen where food is prepared. Due to the non-porous design, you don't need to worry about sealing the countertop regularly.
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.
Made popular by Joanna Gaines, concrete countertops are a wonderful way to elevate a farmhouse chic kitchen or add a special touch to an industrial, modern kitchen.
Quartz Remains the Most Popular Stone Countertop Material
Quartz countertops provide a variety of durability benefits, including: Stain resistant. Scratch resistant. Impervious to heat.
Granite is porous. This means that unsealed or poorly sealed counters can absorb wine, juice or oil, producing a stain that might be impossible to remove. A poorly-sealed countertop can also harbor bacteria in its pores.
Unlike granite, quartz doesn't need to be sealed on a regular basis in order to prevent staining. The nonporous surface makes it an ideal choice for food preparation and maintenance. You can clean these countertops with some warm and soapy water when necessary.