What is the best all around countertop?

Author: Kailey Torp  |  Last update: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Here at JSB, we recommend Quartz as the best all-around kitchen countertop material. Quartz is resistant to scratches, dents, chips, and stains and you never have to reseal it. The only downside is it is a little more expensive than other options. Granite is the best natural stone kitchen countertop.

What is the best all around kitchen countertop?

Quartz countertops are often regarded as one of the best materials for kitchens due to their unparalleled durability, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of colors and patterns.

What are the most durable countertops?

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.

Which is cheaper, granite or quartz?

Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.

What is the best material to use for a countertop?

Comments Section Granite is the overall best balance of durability, stretch resistance, heat resistance, stain resistance, chip resistance, affordability and appearance. Go for granite for the best characteristics of each countertop. Quartz is great for appearance and durability but it is engineered.

How to Choose the Right Countertops | A How to Home Guide

What is the easiest countertop to maintain?

The Best Countertop Materials for a Low-Maintenance Kitchen
  • Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain. ...
  • Quartz. ...
  • Recycled Glass. ...
  • Laminate. ...
  • Soapstone. ...
  • Corian.

Can you put hot pans on quartz?

Can You Put Hot Cooking Utensils On A Quartz Countertop? The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.

What is the downside of quartz countertops?

#1.

Quartz countertops do have a certain level of heat resistance. However, it's not as heat-resistant as granite countertops. The same thing that makes quartz countertops so strong also makes them weak when you put heat or hot cookware on them.

How much is a 10 ft slab of quartz?

How much does a 10 foot quartz countertop cost? Quartz price per sq ft is around $50, so 10 ft quartz should be anywhere between $400 to $600 depending on the grade of quartz you're willing to purchase.

What type of countertop is most affordable?

7 Budget-Friendly Countertop Material Options to Reconsider
  1. Laminate Countertops. ...
  2. Butcher Block Countertops. ...
  3. Ceramic Tile Countertops. ...
  4. Recycled Materials. ...
  5. Concrete Countertops. ...
  6. Solid Surface Countertops. ...
  7. Formica Countertops.

What is the best material for countertops 2024?

A) 2024 Design Trends

Natural stone countertops like marble and quartzite continue to be favoured for their timeless beauty. In addition, engineered quartz countertops that mimic the look of marble without the high maintenance requirements are highly sought after.

How much should I budget for quartz countertops?

Quartz countertop costs can vary tremendously (more on that soon!), but you should expect to pay between $100 to $200 per square foot installed, says Bob Bakes, cofounder and head of design at Bakes & Kropp, a kitchen design and cabinetry company. More expensive slabs deliver richer colors and textures, he says.

What is the most high end countertop?

Price: Per square-foot, marble is one of the most expensive countertop materials you can buy. It's far more expensive than butcher block, and even pricier than quartz or granite. Get a quote before you fall in love with marble—it might not be right for your remodel's budget.

What is the longest lasting countertop?

Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish.

What does Joanna Gaines use for kitchen countertops?

White marble countertops are a hallmark of Joanna's kitchens, effortlessly bringing luxury and timeless elegance. Paired with dark cabinets, they strike the perfect balance of modern style and cozy warmth, as seen in her Waco home.

What kitchen countertops never go out of style?

5 kitchen countertops that never go out of style – timeless choices to suit any homeowner
  • Marble.
  • Quartz.
  • Granite.
  • Butcher block countertops.
  • Soapstone.

Is quartz cheaper than granite?

Which is more expensive, quartz or granite? Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs.

Is Corian still available?

Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors. The material is stain-resistant due to its non-porous nature, a useful characteristic for a kitchen counter.

Does Lowe's granite price include installation?

Granite countertops are also pre-sealed for additional protection. The purchase price includes basic installation.

What countertops should I avoid?

When choosing countertops:
  • Prefer mineral or stone-based countertops that do not need to be sealed after installation. ...
  • Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate.

What destroys quartz countertops?

Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.

Can I put a hot cup of coffee on quartz?

Yes, you can place a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop, but with caution. Here are some considerations to keep in mind: Short Duration and Moderately Hot: A freshly poured cup of coffee, which is typically around 160-185°F (71-85°C), is unlikely to damage the quartz surface if it is placed for a short duration.

Can I put a toaster on my quartz countertop?

Quartz worktops are durable enough to withstand the heat generated by most kitchen appliances, cookware, and crockery. But, anything that comes off the stove or out of the oven should be used on a trivet or heat-resistant mat because anything over 150C (302F) can damage the worktop.

Can a crockpot sit on a quartz countertop?

It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter. While these things may not cause immediate damage to the surface, they could cause fading of that area with continued heat exposure.

Can you put a microwave on a quartz countertop?

Quartz is a strong material that can support the weight of a microwave without any issues. Microwaves are typically not excessively heavy compared to other kitchen appliances, and the quartz surface is built to withstand the weight of most common kitchen appliances.

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