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.
To conclude, both materials are highly resistant to scratching but are not entirely scratch proof. However, they will handle everyday use without any damages. Quartz is slightly better at resisting scratches because it is ranked higher on the scale of hardest minerals.
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.
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.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
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.
Both materials are very durable and enhance interior designs and functionality, but which one costs less? Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project.
Just like other natural stone countertops, quartz can chip or scratch if it encounters extreme use and pressure. However, if scratches or chips appear, you can have them professionally filled in and repaired. Overall, quartz countertops stand up to much wear and tear in the kitchen with little evidence.
While quartz is scratch-resistant, materials harder than quartz can scratch it. For example, the bottom of some ceramic dishes may be abrasive enough to inflict minor damage to the surface.
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.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate.
Diamonds remain the most scratch-resistant material known to humanity.
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.
1. Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages.
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.
Slate, soapstone, and honed granite are timeless materials for countertop and backsplash, for houses of almost any period. This marble look-alike surface material from Okite is a compound of natural quartz and resin, which complements this period-style kitchen.
The national average cost to install new countertops at $3,102, with prices ranging typically between $1,859–$4,346. The expected cost of installing new countertops will vary considerably, usually $15 to $70 per square foot, depending on material, labor, dimensions/layout and the kitchen's location.
Quartz countertops are one of the best alternatives to granite counters in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and versatility.
Durability
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. – Granite scratches less easily than quartz.
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.
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.
Granite. One of the most heat-resistant options for kitchen countertops is granite. This natural stone is formed underground through a natural process incorporating high pressure and temperatures. Typically, the heat generated by cooking will not be high enough to cause damage.