For the hardest-wearing kitchen, quartz and granite are the top choices. Quartz is the most durable, stain-resistant, and low-maintenance option. For a natural alternative that handles extreme heat better than any other material, granite is virtually indestructible.
Quartz and granite are the longest-lasting countertop materials, both capable of lasting a lifetime (50+ years) with proper care. Quartz offers zero-maintenance durability, while granite requires periodic sealing but reigns supreme for heat resistance.
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 But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.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 is universally considered the superior material for durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term home value. However, laminate remains a strong option if budget is your main priority.
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.
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.
Yes, quartz is slightly harder than granite.
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.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
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).
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.
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 most timeless countertops are defined by neutral palettes and natural materials that have been celebrated for centuries. The following surfaces outlast fleeting trends:
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.
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.
Yes, you can use vinegar on quartz countertops, but it must be equal parts vinegar and water. Diluting the vinegar helps minimize the acidity, reducing the risk of dulling the surface or breaking down the resin in quartz. Use the solution sparingly and wipe the area afterward with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
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.
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, 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.
Yes, you can use Windex on quartz, but you should only use ammonia-free formulas (such as Windex Multi-Surface or Windex Vinegar). Avoid classic blue Windex, as it contains ammonia, which can degrade the resin binding the quartz and cause discoloration or dullness 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.
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.
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).
We have compiled a list of our top-selling and most popular kitchen countertops over the past year.