9 Most Durable Countertops
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Ensuring long-lasting performance is the most essential characteristic when choosing your countertop. The durability deserves your careful attention because it ensures a long life cycle of your countertop, giving you long-lasting convenience.
In this article, we will present you with the both best natural and artificial materials, so that you can easily provide your home with the most durable countertop.
Top 4 Durable Countertop Materials: Natural Stones
We prepared a list of 4 durable countertop materials of natural origin you can choose to install the countertop for both the kitchen and bathroom.
Quartz countertop material
When it comes to renovating or replacing the countertop in your house, quartz is a great option.
This durable countertop material is practical, low-maintenance, and has exceptional splendor that will add a twist to the interior.
Thanks to the quartz composition – 90-95% crushed quartz crystals, which are then securely bonded using a polymer resin as an adhesive – this stone can boast a long lifecycle and versatility. Even if you cut food on the counter or put hot dishes on it, you will not see any changes with a quartz countertop. Additionally, unique quartz stone products are impermeable, so you don’t even have to worry about liquids getting on the surface and further sealing the countertop. Besides, the quartz surface captivates the eye with its stunning array of colors, patterns, and textures, resembling the elegance of natural stone while offering enhanced durability and resilience.
Although quartz stone is a super durable and sophisticated material, the price of quartz countertops can be a bit of a stretch for some people.
Granite countertop material
Granite s considered one of the most durable countertop materials. Like quartz, granite is an extremely versatile stone and does not require special care.
Although this stone is a solid and heat-resistance natural material, it’s also porous with a 0.05‒0.17% water absorption coefficient. That is why it’s essential to carry out regular sealing for an aesthetic appearance and to prevent the growth of bacteria on the counter. Granite an extremely diverse natural stone, presents a wide range of captivating colors and intriguing textures for you to choose from. You can also combine the countertop with other granite details in the home. Thus, these durable countertops will become a reliable and practical solution that will turn your space into a haven of sophistication and functionality.
Marble countertop material
If you want to add sophistication and elegance, marble stone is a great option for your home interior. This natural material is durable, but only if it is treated with care and maintained. Like some other organic stones, marble needs regular sealing to avoid the appearance of rust and bacteria development on the countertop surface. Moreover, this durable countertop material is sensitive to various liquids, especially acidic and dyeing ones. However, there’s no need for concern regarding high temperatures, as marble has significant heat resistance. Marble can also chip off, forming cracks, so you should avoid strong impacts on this stone.
There are an infinite number of patterns at your disposal, which gives you the freedom to choose the option that best suits your preferences. Although marble is a prime example of luxury among countertop materials, its undeniable value justifies the high price.
Quartzite countertop material
Quartzite is another natural stone that is a great option for kitchen and bathroom countertops. This rock has an ultra-strong structure and a long lifecycle. Quartzite is resistant to various conditions, such as high temperatures, or interaction with water, so you don’t have to worry about stains caused by various liquids that may appear. Moreover, you can cut food on this surface without using the kitchen board, as this material is not prone to scratches and abrasions. Quartzite is easy to maintain, just clean it with dishwashing detergent and your dazzling countertop will be as good as new.
This one of the most durable countertop materials boasts an extensive spectrum of hues and designs, drawing parallels with other rocks for countertops. In addition, quartzite is cheaper, unlike marble.
5 Most Durable Kitchen Countertops: Man-Made Materials
Now, let’s explore man-made materials that are considered to be excellent options for the most durable kitchen countertops and will be a comfortable and cozy place in your home while you are preparing dinner for your family.
Tile
For those who are looking for the most durable kitchen worktop that can be installed quickly, tiles are the perfect choice. Tiles are characterized by their adaptability, which allows you to easily redesign your kitchen workspace according to your preferences.
Tiles are not afraid of high temperatures and spills. When it comes to cleaning, all you need is soap and a microfiber cloth. Also, the tiles are not vulnerable to scratches or scuffs, they are quite durable. But sometimes they can suffer from broken corners. But be aware that the most time-consuming part of the process will be the seams, which, unlike the tiles themselves, are permeable and darken. You will need to constantly clean them, or fill in the material between the tiles.
As for the design, the potential is endless. You can choose any pattern, hue, or texture. In addition, tiles are one of the most budget-friendly countertop options, which can save you money.
Concrete
One more durable kitchen countertop we can offer you is concrete material – a combination of cement, water, and other components. Concrete can be characterized as durable and strong material that is an excellent option for the kitchen. Hot cookware from the oven will not scare this surface. But a stumbling block on this surface can be liquid, which can cause stains. That’s why, concrete countertops should be taken care of with a sealant that will close the pores from water and other substances. One of the key advantages of concrete countertops is their low price.
Whether you’re designing a modern kitchen with clean lines or striving for a more traditional ambiance, concrete countertops allow you to realize your design aspirations.
Solid Surface
This durable kitchen countertop is an excellent alternative to natural options. The solid option as usual consists of acrylic or polyester with natural components such as pigments or minerals. Due to its impermeable composition and absence of seams, the solid surface boasts easy cleaning, which allows you to quickly complete the task with minimal effort. Furthermore, it does not require sealing.
But be careful with liquids, as some of them can cause stains. One more downside is that this material is not heat-resistant and high temperatures can damage the countertop. For example, if you put hot dishes on the surface, it can cause this synthetic material to melt and burn. Therefore, if you treat the material with care, it will be durable.
The wide range of colors allows you to choose the perfect match for your interior theme, ensuring the aesthetics of your space. Moreover, these countertops are affordable, approximately $ 60-70.
Laminate
If you ask “Is laminate countertop durable?”, we will undoubtedly answer “Absolutely”. Nowadays the concept of laminate flooring may differ from what it used to be. Modern laminate flooring is a versatile material that is used not only for flooring but also for various other interior finishing options.
This synthetic acrylic material is no-porous which greatly simplifies its maintenance. To clean the surface after cooking, just use soap or a mild dishwashing detergent and water. This material doesn’t have exceptionally high heat resistance, so it’s advisable to refrain from exposing it to high temperatures. Problems begin when mechanical stress occurs, which leads to cracks and delamination. If the cracks are minor, they can be simply repaired.
This one of the most durable kitchen countertops is the cheapest material we can offer you among the options presented in this article. Therefore if you prefer this cost-friendly countertop, pay close attention not only to its pros but also to its cons
Recycled Glass
Another one of the durable kitchen countertops is crushed glass. It is a versatile, durable, heat and water-resistant, and environmentally-friendly countertop material that is about 80% recycled glass. Moreover, it is not afraid of scratches but can crack or break off if you put a very heavy object on the edge of the countertop.
The pattern possibilities are very wide, which gives you the freedom to choose the design you prefer. However, it’s important to note that opting for this material for your countertop requires a significant financial investment.
Conclusion
The durability of the countertop material is an important parameter for any homeowner. In addition, it’s super important to choose high-quality material to avoid stains, material melting, and additional hassles. That’s why, we have you with the 9 of the most durable countertops that you can install in your home, and be sure that they will last you for a long time.
If you have any questions, contact the Marble Unlimited team to find out everything you are interested in!