Solid surface countertops are premium, man-made materials composed of acrylic or polyester resins combined with natural mineral fillers (usually alumina trihydrate). Popularized by brands like Corian, they provide a seamless, nonporous, and highly customizable solution for kitchens and bathrooms.
Solid surface countertops (like Corian) are susceptible to heat damage, can scratch and dull easily from knives, and are vulnerable to harsh chemicals like paint thinner. Because the material is an acrylic or polyester blend rather than natural stone, it lacks the indestructible feel of quartz.
Quartz (Cambria®) is incredibly strong—resistant to scratches, chips, and stains. It's a great option for busy kitchens where performance matters. Solid Surface (Corian®) is still durable, but a bit softer. It may scratch more easily, but it can also be sanded and restored, which is a nice bonus.
Solid surface countertops are a manufactured, man-made material composed of acrylic resin, polyester resins, and natural mineral fillers (like aluminum trihydrate). They are highly popular for kitchens and bathrooms because they are durable, nonporous, and can be seamlessly joined together.
Solid surface (like Corian) is absolutely worth it if you prioritize budget-friendliness, seamless design, and easy repairs over high-end natural stone. It is highly durable and non-porous, but it scratches and burns easier than quartz or granite.
We have compiled a list of our top-selling and most popular kitchen countertops over the past year.
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.
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 But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.
Yes, you can safely put a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop. A freshly brewed cup of coffee typically sits between 140∘F and 180∘F (60∘C and 82∘C), which is well below the threshold where quartz resins begin to be damaged (usually around 150∘F to 300∘F depending on the brand).
Do Not Use Bleach - Avoid using cleaners that contain bleach. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer's use instructions and exercise proper care when handling and storing any cleaning products. Avoid High-pH Cleaners - Casual exposure to alkaline solutions, such as diluted bleach, will not damage Corian® Quartz.
Directly setting hot items on quartz countertops can inflict considerable harm. The resin integrated into quartz surfaces exhibits a high sensitivity to heat, and encountering temperatures surpassing 150°F (65°C) might cause thermal shock. Such effects can manifest as cracks, discoloration, or indelible marks.
Popular Types of Luxury Countertops
The unique appearance of these options is right at home in a variety of upscale and bespoke kitchen design styles. For similar reasons and more, quartz continues to be the most popular kitchen countertop material choice.
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.
Quartz or engineered stone countertops should be avoided due in large part to their high respirable silica content and significant occupational health impacts. Avoid countertops that may introduce lead, such as ceramic materials that may contain contaminated recycled content and/or lead-based glazes.
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.
The healthiest countertops prioritize non-toxic, non-porous, and zero-VOC materials. Top choices include natural stone (like granite and quartzite), stainless steel, and solid wood (butcher block). These do not off-gas harmful chemicals and naturally resist bacterial growth when properly maintained.
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.
Never place a running crock pot directly on a quartz countertop. Quartz is composed of stone mixed with resin. Prolonged exposure to heat can melt the resin, resulting in permanent scorch marks or thermal shock that causes the quartz to crack.
You should avoid using a Magic Eraser (melamine foam) on quartz. Because melamine acts like ultra-fine sandpaper when wet, it can strip the factory shine, leave behind dull spots, and cause micro-scratches—especially on darker or glossy surfaces.
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.
Several fantastic, budget-friendly materials look almost identical to granite but cost a fraction of the price. The most popular and realistic options vary by application, ranging from high-pressure laminates for tight budgets to engineered materials like quartz and solid surfaces.
The absolute safest and most effective daily cleaner for quartz countertops is a simple mix of warm water and mild dish soap. Because quartz is made of natural stone blended with resin, harsh acidic or alkaline chemicals can degrade the resin 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.