If you’re planning a kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade, durability is likely a top concern when choosing countertops. After all, they’re a major design element, a daily work surface, and a significant investment. You want countertops that can withstand years of use while maintaining their beauty.
From kitchen prep spaces to bathroom vanities, the right countertop should resist stains, scratches, and daily wear and tear. But with so many materials on the market—and plenty of competing claims about durability—how do you know which one truly holds up?
Let’s break it down and find out which countertop material stands the test of time!
The Most Durable Countertops: Quartz
Quartz countertops are engineered materials made of quartz, an abundant, naturally occurring mineral, and a resin that binds the quartz together. Mineral quartz is an extremely hard, durable material, and quartz countertops are designed to resist staining, scratching, chipping, and cracking without requiring a lot of maintenance, making them the most durable countertop material on the market today.
Scratch-Resistant
Quartz countertops are not as soft as other popular countertop materials, like butcher block or some natural stone countertops, so it is more resistant to scratches. Additionally, some natural stone materials can etch when exposed to harsh acids and cleaners. Quartz does not etch and resists scratching, keeping the surface looking new for longer.
Crack and Chip Resistant
In addition to not scratching easily, quartz countertops also resist cracking and chipping. Natural stone countertops—some more than others—have natural layers within the stone that can lead to easy chipping (like slate) or can have weaknesses from the rock’s formation that make the stone brittle. Quartz, however, is formed in uniform factory conditions, ensuring a strong, crack and chip-resistant result.
Non-Porous and Stain Resistant
Some countertop materials, including butcher block and many natural stone materials, are porous. This means that they have small (sometimes microscopic) pores or holes in the surface of the material. Porous materials are vulnerable to staining if a substance gets into the pores and can’t be removed. Bacteria can also get into these tiny pores—which you don’t want in your kitchen where you’re preparing food or in your bathroom.
No Sealing
Some countertop materials, like granite, are vulnerable to damage or staining because they’re porous natural stones. In this case, sealing is done to offer a layer of protection. This sealing needs to be repeated regularly to protect the integrity of the countertop. Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed to maintain their performance, making them lower maintenance.
Low Heat Resistance
A minor drawback to quartz countertops is their relatively low heat resistance. Placing hot pans or dishes directly on quartz can damage the countertop, which is why you should always be sure to use trivets, hot pads, or cooling racks when dealing with hot items in your kitchen—or, if you have quartz countertops in your bathroom, be sure to use heat-safe holders for hair styling tools like curling irons and hair straighteners.
Cambria Quartz Countertops
Zeeland Lumber & Supply is proud to offer Cambria quartz countertops. These countertops are extremely durable and maintenance-free, and they offer the widest design and color selection available. Plus, they’re made in the United States, in Minnesota!
Cambria quartz countertops can mimic the design of beautiful natural stone like granite or marble without the drawbacks of those materials, like staining, etching, and additional maintenance.
Lifetime Warranty
Not only are Cambria countertops some of the most durable countertops around, but they also come with a lifetime warranty. Cambria guarantees the quality of their materials and products, so you can be sure that your countertops will last for years and years. Natural stone doesn’t come with this kind of warranty or assurance of performance.
Other Durable Countertop Materials
There are quartz countertop designs and colors to meet every style and aesthetic, but if quartz isn’t your favorite material, other durable countertop materials are available.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural stone countertop material that is durable and heat resistant. It is strong and does not etch like marble does. Granite may be a better option if you worry about heat with a quartz countertop.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that extreme temperature changes can cause fissures or fractures on granite countertops, we always recommend trivets or hot pads to be used to be on the safe side.
Granite is a natural stone mined from the earth and then cut into slabs. This means it has natural inclusions and flaws that can make it more susceptible to chipping and cracking than quartz. Granite is also porous, so you must seal it regularly and watch out for spills that could quickly become stains.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops are another manufactured material that performs well in even heavily used kitchens. Solid surface is made from a combination of polyester and dense acrylic, which makes it a non-porous, low-maintenance countertop option. Solid surface countertops are slightly softer than quartz, which means they can be scratched or chipped more easily. The benefit of solid surface is that it’s easy to repair if your countertop is scratched, unlike natural countertops like granite.
Look To Zeeland Lumber & Supply For All Your Countertop Needs
Whether you’re planning for a new home or completing a kitchen remodel, durable countertops are a must. Zeeland Lumber & Supply is your go-to resource for these new countertops. We carry the most durable countertops and can help you select the right option for your home.
Give us a call at 888-772-2119, contact us online, or stop into one of our locations to check out our countertop offerings in person.