What’s the Most Durable Countertop Material?
With so many options available today, how do you know which one is the most durable countertop material? High-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms require a durable option that will last you for many years to come. To help you make your choice for your kitchens and bathrooms, we discuss the most durable countertop materials below.
Ranked: Most Durable to Least Durable Countertop Materials
Quartz, porcelain, granite, and laminate are all great countertop options that feature an impressive level of durability, but some do still perform better than others. Keep in mind that durability is just one factor, and your ultimate choice in countertop material may also depend on attributes like appearance and cost.
1. Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are first on our list of the most durable countertop material. The way these countertops are manufactured makes them highly durable and also resistant to staining. Quartz countertops are made from a highly durable combination of quartz and resin, which is what gives them their nonporous properties. This makes them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz countertops also don’t require additional sealing, since they’re already made to be non-porous during the manufacturing process.
Elevations by Standard proudly carries Cambria® quartz countertops, known for their beautiful appearance and unmatched durability.
2. Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops are second on our list of the most durable countertop materials. While this material isn’t as durable as quartz, it’s still highly durable. Porcelain countertops offer high heat resistance because they are manufactured under such high temperatures. This makes them a great option for kitchen countertops since they can withstand the temperature demands of the space.
Another reason porcelain countertops are so durable is that they’re very dense. This makes the more durable against denting from dropped pans and dishes. In short, porcelain countertops can withstand the durability demands of high-traffic application areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most common countertop materials, and it ranks third on our list of the most durable countertop materials. Granite is highly resistant to heat, scratching, chipping, and cracking. It’s one of the toughest natural stones, and even though it’s third on our list, it still offers many durable characteristics. It’s a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it can withstand the heat from hot pans and curling irons without sustaining damage.
4. Laminate Countertops
Laminate is last on our list of the most durable countertop materials. While laminate does offer high scratch resistance, it’s still susceptible to denting, melting, and staining. While durability does vary between brands and materials, laminate is generally still prone to melting under prolonged heat exposure, staining from certain materials, and denting if a heavy enough item is dropped onto it.
While laminate is last on our list, it still does offer a particular amount of durability that could work in certain areas of your home where you’re looking to maintain a low construction cost. We carry the most recognized and trusted laminate brands in the industry, Wilsonart® and Formica®, which both offer a wide range of finishes along with durability for your home.
The Most Durable Countertop Materials at Elevations by Standard
Each material offers its own properties and durability, and the choice is yours on which one will be best for your application. Our friendly experts are here to help you choose the best countertop material for your space. Contact us today or visit one of our showroom locations to discover our wide range of countertop options.