Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
“Different countertop materials, combination wood and stone worktops, and mixed metal fixtures and hardware will become more common, as will homeowners increasingly repurposing unique furniture pieces or vintage tables as islands,” Zillow observed.
What is the most durable material for kitchen countertops? There is some discussion about which is the most durable material for kitchen countertops – but the top two are granite and quartz. Granite is a natural material, with each slab unique, and beautiful colors and veining available.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
Quartz remains top of the wishlist for kitchen countertops. Quartz worktops are made from engineered stone – a combination of ground quartz, resins and polymers to create a really tough material.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
Selecting the most durable option is the best and the most cost-effective choice you can make. With a long-lasting and robust material, you can be sure that you won't need to make another large investment anytime soon. Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
As a countertop material, stainless steel is as low-maintenance as it gets. No sealing or refinishing is ever required, and cleaning is easy with mild soap products. These countertops work very well in the kitchen or bath since they won't be stained by food, juice, facial cleansers, etc.
Made popular by Joanna Gaines, concrete countertops are a wonderful way to elevate a farmhouse chic kitchen or add a special touch to an industrial, modern kitchen.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
Quartz can be a single consistent color or feature the looks of beloved white marble and other soft natural stone patterns. When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.
Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors
Some of the top quartz countertop colors for 2023 include: Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold – Its striking white color, golden hues and gray veins make this the most popular quartz color. Silestone Miami Vena – Another white color, but this option has a marble effect.
Some of the most popular colors for quartzite countertops include white, grey, beige, and blue. These colors can be complemented with a variety of edge profiles to create a unique and customized look. One of the most popular colors to start 2023 is Taj Mahal Quartzite.
Quartz countertops from companies such as Caesarstone and PentalQuartz are another good option. Blackband recommends sticking with white or, if you don't like white, a neutral color, such as tan, beige or ivory. Go with a subtle pattern and low veining for a longer-lasting look.
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.
Bottom Line. Solid surface countertops are very versatile and give a reasonable and much more affordable alternative to granite and engineered quartz. Solid surface countertops aren't difficult to clean, either.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Both countertop materials are similar in terms of cleaning and maintenance, but it seems that quartz may have a slight edge since it never needs to be sealed, and since it's a nonporous surface, stains or liquids penetrating the surface aren't as worrisome as they are with natural stone.
Neutral and Earth tone Granite colors work best
The vast majority of home buyers prefer neutral or earth tone granite colors in their granite countertops, and since you know this won't be your home very much longer, it's better to invest in the countertops the buyer wants than the countertops you personally like best.
Deciding on the color of your kitchen countertops can be tricky. Experts recommend working with a lighter countertop than a cabinet for the perfect color blend. This combination makes the countertop installation job ideal for the ultimate kitchen outlook.
Before you decide on a new countertop, make sure you know which color options are available for each material and some creative ways to implement those hues. Homeowners install countertops with hues across the entire spectrum, but the most popular colors are off-white and dark gray.