Most Durable Countertops
When choosing the perfect materials for your home renovation projects, especially your kitchen renovation, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration. One of the biggest factors should be the durability of the material– especially in the case of elements such as flooring or countertops. Below, we explore some of the most durable countertop options on the market these days.
Quartz
Quartz is the #1 countertop material for most home remodels. Technically, this material is actually engineered stone– it is made from quartz crystals that are held together by a resin binder, instead of being cut from pure quartz. However, quartz is the most durable of the countertop options that are available today. That alone is one of the key reasons that homeowners choose it.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
Quartz will not chip or crack, like some cheaper options out there. It is also not very susceptible to knife cuts or other scratches. Besides being incredibly durable, though, there are some other advantages to choosing quartz for your counters. It is mostly stain proof, which is a great perk in a messy kitchen! Another pro that is especially useful for countertops is that quartz is resistant to both mold and mildew. Your countertops are often exposed to moisture, whether they are located in your kitchen or in your bathroom, so this is one less thing that you have to worry about.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
Of course, while the list of advantages to quartz countertops can go on and on, that does not mean that there are no disadvantages to quartz as a building material. For instance, one of the biggest issues homeowners may face when contemplating quartz is its cost. It is easily one of the priciest options out there, so this alone may bar some from using quartz in their project because it is not within the budget. Another issue is that of the material’s seams– if you need to use more than one piece of quartz, based on the size or shape of the countertops it is hard to match and disguise the seams between the slabs.
Granite
Granite is one of the top choices for kitchen countertops, and is one that you will see in homes across the country! This is due to a few factors, such as its durability as well as its aesthetic appeal. It also comes in options such as slabs and tiles, making it more versatile.
Pros of Granite Countertops
One of granite’s best points is its durability– granite is resistant to most scratches and damage caused by friction or abrasion. This includes knife cuts or scratches, which is, of course, a great bonus if you are using it for a kitchen countertop! Granite is also resistant to heat, and while it is unable to resist 100% of stains, it is a pretty stain resistant material. Then, of course, there is the aesthetic value of the material. It looks high end and expensive, and is highly sought after– it also comes in many colors and stone variations.
Cons of Granite Countertops
There are still some disadvantages to be aware of here. Granite is more susceptible to chipping than options like quartz. It also requires more maintenance than some other material options, where the occasional resealing and polishing is required. Hiding the seams of panels of granite is difficult, too, when your countertops need to be pieced together.
Solid Surface
A solid surface countertop is an option that is also referred to as Corian. This is because Corian is one of the top manufacturers of solid surface countertops. These countertop options are made from polyester or dense acrylic– or a mix of the two!
Pros of Solid Surface Countertops
There are a number of advantages to using solid surface countertops in your home. For instance, these are one of the lowest maintenance countertop options out there. You do not need to utilize any special cleaners or sealers like you do with some other materials. In addition, they are nonporous and therefore stain resistant! As they are not as expensive as options like granite or marble, they can be more cost effective options for the homeowner on a budget. Solid surface countertops can be made to imitate the look of these more expensive options so that you can still get the look without the expensive price tag.
Cons of Solid Surface Countertops
Of course, as there are advantages to solid surface countertops, there are disadvantages too. They are fairly durable, but burn easily, so cannot truly hold up to heat. In a kitchen, this may be problematic and will certainly require extra caution on your part while cooking. Hot pans, especially, can be dangerous to solid surface counters. These are also not environmentally friendly building materials, so if you are looking for an eco-friendly option, this is not the best choice for your needs. This is because solid surface countertops are made with non-renewable resources and cannot be easily recycled. The manufacturing process is also energy-intensive.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Laminate countertops are made of a thin layer of plastic laminate that is bonded to a plywood or particleboard substrate. Laminate countertops come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, making it easy to find one that matches your kitchen décor.
Laminate countertops are easy to clean and are resistant to staining and heat damage. However, laminate countertops can be scratched or gouged if they are not properly protected, and they are not as durable as other types of countertops such as granite or quartz.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops
The pros of laminate countertops are that they are inexpensive, easy to install, come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and are easy to clean. The cons of laminate countertops are that they can be scratched or gouged if not properly protected and they are not as durable as other types of countertops.
Pros
– Inexpensive
– Easy to install
– Come in a wide variety of colours and patterns
– Easy to clean
– Resistant to staining and heat damage
Cons of Laminate Countertops
– Can be scratched or gouged if not properly protected
– Not as durable as other types of countertops such as granite or quartz
Wood Countertops
If you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind countertop surface, wood may be the perfect option for you. Wood countertops offer natural beauty and warmth that can’t be found with any other material. They’re also surprisingly durable and long-lasting, making them a great choice for busy kitchens.
Wood countertops can be more expensive than other types of countertops, but the added beauty and durability may be worth the investment.
The other main issue with wood countertops when it comes to durability is they can stain, get marked up, and swell in humidity. You have to remember that wood is one of the most earth-like materials, and like your wood floor can be susceptible to wear and tear. When talking about durability they will last a long time, but may look a little different down the road then they did when you first installed them.
Pros of Wood Countertops
-Natural beauty and warmth
-Durable and long-lasting
Cons of Wood Countertops
-Susceptible to water damage and staining
-Requires regular maintenance to protect against wear and tear
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable type of countertop?
Quartz is the most durable countertop option, and it is what is typically used in the modern day kitchen. You may also see quartz countertops in the bathroom!
What is the most durable type of countertop for the kitchen?
If you are looking for a countertop for your kitchen, there are a few options. Quartz, though, is the most durable of these options.
Which countertop is easiest to maintain?
Solid surface countertop options are one of the easiest to maintain. This is because they are nonporous and easy to clean in the case of any messes– which happen often in the kitchen! In addition, they are seamless, heat resistant, and do not require regular maintenance and upkeep.
What is the most durable and affordable countertop?
Laminate countertops are some of the more affordable countertops, and are still fairly durable when compared to their flashier and more expensive counterparts. They can also be made to look like more expensive materials, such as granite, quartz, and marble.