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.
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 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's the most inexpensive, durable countertop? Solid surface, like Corian, remains the cheapest and most durable available.
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.
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.
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.
As compared to solid-surface materials, quartz countertops are more durable, scratch resistant and heat-safe up to about 400 degrees. Visually, quartz has a glossy surface (although some matte options are now available) with a consistent color and pattern.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their price, appearance (if you desire the look of natural stone), and lack of resistance against heat damage.
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
What are Quartz Countertops? Quartz countertops are more versatile and durable than quartzite. While quartzite countertops are produced using natural stone, quartz countertops are made using engineered stone. This engineered stone is comprised of about 90% loose quartz.
Quartz countertops are sealed and therefore not porous, they are primarily made of quartz, which means they are more durable than granite. You'll find that quartz countertops are easier to clean, maintain, and forget about.
Corian® Quartz (formerly Zodiaq® Quartz) was one of the first quartz surfaces on the market, in 2000. Engineered with pure quartz crystals, quartz countertops from Corian® Design let you bring the best of both worlds - nature and science — to your kitchen, bath and throughout your home.
While granite is more expensive than Corian, the price difference isn't that great. Corian costs $40-150 per square foot, while the price of slab granite starts at $40 and can reach up to $200. There's also installation to consider, and the cost often varies from region to region.
Style, Cost and Substance
On the other hand, quartz weighs in about two pounds heavier per square foot, which provides a more substantial feel. When it comes to cost, Corian and quartz countertops are nearly identical, depending on style, color and complexity of design.
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 is also the cleanliest of America's most popular countertop surfaces.
Is Corian stain resistant? Corian is resistant to stains. It is essentially nonporous, meaning liquids cannot penetrate its surface, and also considered highly hygienic surface and easy to keep clean.
What we found when conducting this experiment is that quartzite, when properly sealed, is incredibly resistant to both stains and etching. However, no stone is completely stain- or damage-proof, so we always recommend the use of a quality stone sealer.
While Corian® Solid Surface is heat resistant, as with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. Important — Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on the countertop surface.
Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.
Corian: The Cons
Corian is not the most durable countertop surface out there and is prone to scratches and heat damage. Corian typically does not have the glossy appearance or feel that some people prefer.