The "best" countertop for your money depends on whether you want unbeatable upfront savings, the highest resale value, or durable longevity.
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.
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 But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.
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.
Quartz Countertops – The All-Around Low-Maintenance Leader
This engineered stone is made from natural quartz crystals and resin, making it non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Unlike natural stone, it never needs to be sealed, which means less maintenance over time.
Quartz and natural quartzite are the top trends, favored for their durability and striking, high-contrast veining. Alongside these, matte finishes, earthy tones, and ultra-durable porcelain are redefining kitchen spaces.
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.
While quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials, many homeowners dislike it because of its vulnerability to heat, tendency to show smudges, artificial appearance, and recent safety and environmental concerns.
Granite, quartz, and quartzite countertops are the preferred choices among top chefs worldwide for their unique properties such as durability, finishing options, stain resistance, and a variety of colors.
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).
Quartz and Quartzite Are Top Countertop Choices
Quartz is still the number one material choice for countertops, according to 78% of the respondents. (Its popularity makes sense, though! You get the look of natural stone with none of the maintenance.)
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.
Vinegar slowly eats away at the protective sealant on granite countertops. Over time, repeated exposure strips this barrier, exposing the stone's porous surface. This leads to a dull, cloudy finish, increased susceptibility to stains, and potential surface pitting.
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.
Countertops that do not require sealing are non-porous, making them highly resistant to stains, bacteria, and moisture. The most popular zero-maintenance options are Quartz (engineered stone), Porcelain, Solid Surface (like Corian), and Stainless Steel.
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.
Kitchen design is shifting away from stark minimalism toward organic, natural materials and richer color palettes. The latest top trends feature warm neutrals, dramatic natural stones, seamless slab backsplashes, and textured matte finishes that bring warmth and authenticity to the home.
The Ten Best Types of Kitchen Countertops
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.
Yes, using Clorox wipes on quartz countertops can cause damage. While a single wipe-up in an emergency likely won't cause immediate harm, relying on them regularly can break down the polymer resin binder in the quartz, leading to dullness, a loss of shine, and discoloration over time.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.