Quartz is widely considered the most stain-resistant countertop material, while sintered stone (e.g., Dekton) or granite are often ranked as the most durable. For a perfect balance of both, engineered quartz is the most popular choice for modern kitchens.
Top Stain-Resistant Countertop Materials
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 But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.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, quartz typically lasts longer as a countertop because it is non-porous and engineered to resist staining, scratching, and chipping. However, it is an engineered material, meaning it requires different maintenance and care than natural granite.
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 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.
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.
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their sensitivity to high heat, vulnerability to discoloration from UV light, heavy weight requiring professional installation, and inability to achieve the completely unique patterns found in natural stone.
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.)
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.
Engineered quartz countertops offer the perfect blend of luxury and practicality, making them an excellent choice for high-end homeowners who seek elegance and functionality in their kitchens.
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.
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.
Epoxy countertops are relatively affordable and customizable, but they have significant practical drawbacks. They are highly susceptible to scratches, can stain easily if spills aren’t wiped immediately, and can yellow or degrade under direct sunlight. Additionally, the installation process is notoriously messy and unforgiving if mistakes are made.
Using Windex on quartz countertops occasionally won't cause immediate ruin, but it is generally discouraged. Windex is highly alkaline and often contains ammonia. Over time, these harsh chemicals can degrade the protective sealant and etch or dull the shiny resin bonds that hold the quartz together.
We have compiled a list of our top-selling and most popular kitchen countertops over the past year.
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.
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.
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.
Quartz countertops are highly durable, but they can be permanently damaged by high heat, harsh chemicals, heavy impacts, and abrasive materials. Because quartz is manufactured using resin binders, it is not heat-proof and can scorch or crack under extreme temperatures.
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.
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.
What Stains Quartz Countertops the Worst?