Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
What's the most inexpensive, durable countertop? Solid surface, like Corian, remains the cheapest and most durable available.
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern.
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot.
As compared to solid-surface materials, quartz countertops are more durable, scratch resistant and heat-safe up to about 400 degrees. Visually, quartz has a glossy surface (although some matte options are now available) with a consistent color and pattern.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
Quartz countertops are sealed and therefore not porous, they are primarily made of quartz, which means they are more durable than granite. You'll find that quartz countertops are easier to clean, maintain, and forget about.
Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
Cons for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.
Quartz countertops are more versatile and durable than quartzite. While quartzite countertops are produced using natural stone, quartz countertops are made using engineered stone. This engineered stone is comprised of about 90% loose quartz. The rest is resins and pigments.
In general, quartz is the more durable of the two materials: it better resists scratches and bacteria and requires less care and maintenance. However, marble does outperform quartz in heat resistance.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter. While these things may not cause immediate damage to the surface, they could cause fading of that area with continued heat exposure. Always place a barrier between hot pans coming out of the oven.
Don't cut on quartz: Quartz is scratch resistant, one of the toughest countertop materials out there. The natural quartz stone in it is fortified with man-made polymers, making a tough material even tougher. That said, do not use your quartz as a cutting board. Sharp knives can scratch the surface.
Some quartz makers sell exclusively through big-box stores; other slabs are available only through independent kitchen and bath showrooms.
While granite is more expensive than Corian, the price difference isn't that great. Corian costs $40-150 per square foot, while the price of slab granite starts at $40 and can reach up to $200. There's also installation to consider, and the cost often varies from region to region.
Corian® Quartz (formerly Zodiaq® Quartz) was one of the first quartz surfaces on the market, in 2000. Engineered with pure quartz crystals, quartz countertops from Corian® Design let you bring the best of both worlds - nature and science — to your kitchen, bath and throughout your home.
One of the primary downsides of solid surface countertops is that they scratch easily since they're made of a relatively soft material. They can be damaged by knives and other utensils, resulting in unsightly markings.
While Corian® Solid Surface is heat resistant, as with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. Important — Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on the countertop surface.
Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.
Corian: The Cons
Corian is not the most durable countertop surface out there and is prone to scratches and heat damage. Corian typically does not have the glossy appearance or feel that some people prefer.