The most durable countertops are Quartzite, Granite, Engineered Quartz, and Sintered Stone. Each material excels in specific areas like heat, scratch, or impact resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic kitchens.
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.
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 But granite isn't outdated—it's evolving.
Granite: Classic & Resilient- Granite remains a solid choice as a durable countertop. This natural stone is renowned for its resistance to scratches, making it a top pick for home cooks and busy kitchens.
Yes, quartz is slightly harder than granite.
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.
We have compiled a list of our top-selling and most popular kitchen countertops over the past year.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
An ultra-durable countertop is a highly resilient surface designed to resist heat, scratches, and stains with minimal maintenance. The strongest options include ultra-compact surfaces (sintered stone), engineered quartz, quartzite, and granite.
Strength and Hygiene: Quartz is far stronger and more resilient than Corian. Corian, being a soft polymer (Mohs scale 2), scratches easily, creating crevices for bacteria to thrive. With quartz, the nonporous nature and hardness (Mohs scale 7) of the material ensure it resists scratches, mold, and mildew.
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.
Which countertop adds the most resale value to a kitchen? Quartz and granite are the safest bets for resale value. Buyers recognize them as premium materials, and both signal durability and quality. High-end options like quartzite and marble can also boost appeal in the right spaces.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Dark floors pair particularly well with lighter countertops in large kitchens, where there is enough natural light to prevent the space from feeling heavy. Charcoal tiles, dark-stained engineered wood, or concrete-effect porcelain are often used to create a strong architectural base.