What Are the Most Durable Countertops?
From quartz to corian to porcelain to laminate, there are endless options for countertops. But which option is truly the most durable? Let’s break it down with a blog that’s all about durability. We’ll take a look at the most durable options and offer some pros and cons of each.
Quartz Countertops — The Most Durable Option on the Market
Quartz countertops are the most durable countertops available today. Made from a combination of quartz and resin, these highly durable countertops are nonporous and available in a variety of beautiful colors. Let’s learn more about the pros and cons of having this countertop material in your kitchen.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are produced in a way that makes them highly durable, nonporous, and resistant to staining. With more impact resistance than natural stones, the biggest pro of having quartz countertops is that they can withstand almost anything that happens in the kitchen.
Not only are they extremely durable, but they’re also one of the most low-maintenance countertop options available. You can enjoy your beautiful quartz countertops without having to worry about routine maintenance like you would with other materials. Quartz is also comparable in cost to both granite and porcelain, which means you’re not paying much of a premium for such a high-performing material.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
The greatest disadvantage of quartz countertops is that they are sensitive to heat. This can be an important consideration for homeowners that like to place hot pots and pans directly on their countertops, as this can damage the quartz if left for an extended period of time. Quartz that’s been damaged from heat can also be very difficult to repair.
It’s good to note that your quartz countertops are really only in danger with extreme temperature — if you’re used to setting a pot or pan on a trivet or hot pad, your countertops will be fine. But for cooks who like to set pots and pans directly on the counter, quartz may not be the option for you.
Porcelain — A Unique, Creative and Durable Option
Second on our list of most durable countertops is porcelain. Porcelain countertops are similar to quartz in that the material is exceptionally hard, which makes them a highly durable countertop option.
Pros of Porcelain Countertops
The biggest pro of having porcelain countertops in your kitchen is that they are extremely heat resistant. Since porcelain countertops are fabricated under such a high temperature, they are highly resistant to heat damage. This makes porcelain a great kitchen countertop option because homeowners can place hot pots and pans directly onto their countertops without causing damage.
Another great advantage of porcelain countertops is that they are rated for outdoor use. In addition to porcelain’s durability, it’s also highly resistant to UV rays, which means it won’t fade over time, even when it’s sitting in direct sunlight. This makes it a popular option for outdoor kitchens of every kind.
Cons of Porcelain Countertops
One of the greatest disadvantages of porcelain is cost. While it’s an exceptionally durable material that can be used in a variety of applications, these thin but high-density tabs can be tricky to fabricate. This means that homeowners will have to pay more expensive fabrication costs to a countertop supplier who has experience handling porcelain slabs, and who is willing to manage the additional wear and tear on their machines needed to cut such a durable material.
Another con to having porcelain countertops is that the edge profiles are limited to standard options like rounded, beveled, straight, mitered, or waterfall. More intricate edge profiles are not going to be possible with porcelain countertops.
Granite Countertops — Naturally Durable, Naturally Beautiful
A very popular choice, granite ranks third on our list of most durable countertops. Granite is one of the toughest natural stones, known for its resistance to heat, scratches, chips, and cracks. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of granite countertops.
Pros of Granite Countertops
One of the biggest pros to having granite countertops in your kitchen is their heat and scratch resistance. This is particularly helpful because it allows homeowners to place hot cookware on their countertops without worrying about damaging them. It’s also a natural material, making it a great natural choice for homeowners that is available in a variety of nature-made colors and patterns.
To discuss choosing granite countertops for your kitchen, request a quote from our kitchen experts.
Cons of Granite Countertops
Granite is considered low maintenance, but it also requires resealing after a certain amount of time. While resealing your granite countertops based on fabricator recommendations is an extra chore, it does keep them resistant to staining for longer.
Visible seams on joined pieces of granite are one of the cons to choosing them for your kitchen countertops. While granite is chip-resistant, if you accidentally knock a solid and heavy enough object on it (like a wine bottle), the material can chip.
Laminate Countertops — An Affordable Option Built to Last
Laminate is made of layers of kraft paper, decorative paper, and protective resin that are pressed together to create a beautiful, durable, and realistic appearance. This thin layer of laminate adheres to a core material of either MDF or particleboard, which creates a thick countertop slab. Let’s look at the pros and cons of using laminate countertops in the kitchen.
Pros of Laminate Countertops
The biggest pro to choosing laminate countertops for your kitchen are the wide variety of designs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a marble, wood, or granite appearance, laminate can provide the design you’re looking for. Laminate can even mimic the beautiful veining of marble slabs and other natural stones.
Laminate is also a more affordable option than quartz, granite, and porcelain. Not only is the material durable, but it can also offer you a variety of design options that fit your budget.
Cons of Laminate Countertops
The main con of using laminate countertops in the kitchen is that they are not as durable as quartz or granite. They are less scratch, impact, and heat resistant, and they can’t be repaired once burned.
Durable Countertop Options at Standard Supply & Lumber
If you’re looking for a durable countertop option for a kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in your home, Standard Supply & Lumber is proud to provide a wide selection to suit any style, taste, and budget. Contact our experts to discuss the most durable countertops for your kitchen.