Rating the Best Countertop Materials for Your Lifestyle

When choosing a countertop, aesthetics and budget are two main factors driving the decision. This can cause some to underrate the importance of lifestyle.

More than anything, we have to be realistic about how we’ll treat a countertop for the long haul. When it’s brand-new, we vow to guard it and maintain it like the precious investment it likely is. 

However, it eventually blends into the landscape. The odd splash of chili oil or hot bacon grease may sit for a few minutes before we notice. A trivet is out of reach when we set a hot saucepan down–just this once. And were we supposed to reseal it last year, or is it due this year?

There’s no one right countertop for every home. Today, we’re rating the best countertop materials for your lifestyle. If you have a hyperactive household or aren’t a huge fan of the domestic arts, keep reading.

Lifestyle factors impacting your countertop

It might seem unlikely that your countertop would be struck by a heavy object. But think about how you reacted the last time you (or your teenager) barely had hold of a large pan or cast-iron skillet that was hotter than anticipated.

This is just one specific example of how costly–and on occasion, irreparable–damage occurs. Here are the lifestyle factors that have the biggest impact on how long-lasting and beautiful your new kitchen countertop remains.

• Natural environment: Regular, direct sunlight as well as humid climates, will impact the appearance and condition of some countertop materials. 
• Habits and habitants: Having many cooks in the kitchen with differing levels of cleanliness, as well as pets and kids, can make it more difficult to control what happens on the counter.
• Cleaning and maintenance: If it cracks, will you really have it professionally repaired? How regularly will you clean it using the recommended methods for that material? Constant clutter can affect the lifespan, too.
• Wear and tear: The stuff that every countertop goes through, no matter the conditions. All of the above factors can worsen the usual scuffs, nicks, stains, and more that come with years of active use. 

The best countertop materials for your lifestyle, rated

Take stock of your life, be honest about your habits, and make the grade with the best countertop materials for your unique setting and routine.

The following materials aren’t graded based on their cumulative qualities–all can work in the right home. Rather, these grades reflect what may happen if you let maintenance go or have a high-traffic, unpredictable kitchen.

Granite: B+

We’re very grateful for granite. It’s extremely durable and an aesthetic crowd-pleaser. It also isn’t terribly high maintenance, although resealing it every so often is a must. 

Failing to reseal granite can increase the porosity, making it more susceptible to staining. Also, because it’s a natural stone, every piece is one of a kind. Cracks can often be repaired, but you can’t replace the granite you have with a slab that looks just like it. 

Quartz: A+

Quartz countertops are made of engineered stone and are non-porous, requiring no resealing, and are more difficult to stain. They’re also harder than granite and very scuff and scratch-resistant. They do score slightly lower in heat resistance. 

There’s plenty of design flexibility with quartz countertops, and any chips and dings are fairly straightforward to repair. Add in the fact that they last for decades, and you have one gorgeous, low-maintenance, incredibly value-adding countertop for practically any household.

Marble: D-

There’s nothing quite as beautiful as a slab of quality marble–the appeal is so great that most engineered stone countertops attempt to mimic its legendary look. It’s also higher maintenance than pretty much any countertop stone you can buy; an investment you’ll have to guard with your life.

Marble is a soft stone that can be etched by many cleaning products, in addition to actual sharp objects. You shouldn’t even expose it to an accidental squirt of lemon juice. It’s also very porous. This counter needs regular, non-negotiable sealing and scrupulous cleaning to remain undamaged and sanitary.

Laminate: C

Laminate countertops are composed of a thin layer of material over a core of particleboard. They’re the most affordable option with a huge range of colors and styles available. Laminate also scores high in cleaning–you can use pretty much any household cleaner and wipe it down when you feel like it.

Even with decent care, laminate has a shorter lifespan than other popular countertops. It also has the distinction of being fairly easy to scorch with heat. Scratches, chips, and even peeling are relatively common in high-traffic kitchens.

Solid surface: A

Solid surface countertops carry many of the same benefits as engineered stone. They’re durable and can be manufactured to give a seamless look. Scratches can be buffed away DIY-style, and it’s moderately heat resistant.

Maintenance? You’ll hardly need to think about it. You shouldn’t use very harsh chemicals on it or chop veggies directly on the surface, but that’s true of any countertop. Inhabiting the broad budgetary space between quartz and laminate, solid surface is a solid choice.

Ceramic: C-

Glazed, sealed ceramic tile makes a great countertop. It’s highly heat resistant, hard to scratch or stain, and very customizable. Then there are the two main issues: impact and grout.

Ceramic is easy to crack or break if something heavy hits the surface. Repair is possible, but it must be carried out by someone experienced in tilework. Maintaining and cleaning the grout is another issue as it wears away or becomes discolored. You also won’t get a perfectly even surface, increasing the risk of spills or accidents.

Wood: C

Made from one of Earth’s greatest natural resources, the warmth and character of wood countertops will always be in style. Depending on the type of wood and finish, they can be sanded and refinished to stay in good repair.

However, they can warp from sustained moisture or humidity. Even sealed, they’re porous enough to collect bacteria. Harder and higher-quality woods will yield better results, but many others scratch easily. Overall, wood may not be the best for busy kitchens with kids and pets.

Stainless steel: B+

Stainless steel is always a top pick for keeping it sanitary and scorch-free. They don’t stain, are moderately scratch-resistant, and provide a good return on investment. Avoid the odd dent, and you have a very easy-to-clean counter that requires no resealing and won’t turn on you completely if you set a hot pan down. 

The one thing that might drive you crazy? Fingerprints. Keep a microfiber cloth around to remove skin oils that muss up its otherwise classic soft shine. 

Which countertop lasts the longest?

With recommended maintenance, quartz and granite are the longest-lasting countertops, each lasting decades. With fewer maintenance considerations, quartz holds up the best.  

What is the lowest maintenance countertop material?

Solid surface and quartz countertops are the easiest to care for. Neither type needs sealing and can be wiped down with regular household surface cleansers or mild soap.

What is the least expensive type of countertop?

Laminate countertops are the least expensive and quite low maintenance as well. It offers good durability against moisture and stains, but can sustain burn marks and scratches more easily than pricier countertops. 

Discover the best countertop material for your lifestyle at The Designery

In the end, your best bet is to go directly to the source and discuss the right materials with a professional. After a discussion about your habits, environment, and other factors, they can show you a lineup of material customized to your needs.

What about installation? Improper installation is the root cause of a lot of catastrophic damage to kitchen countertops. Poorly done cutouts, using the wrong adhesive, and uneven surfaces can turn one mistake into a complete break. 

The Designery handles it all, from providing the best countertop material for your lifestyle, budget, and design to completing a full-service, expert installation. Schedule your complimentary consultation now to explore the highest-quality, longest-lasting countertops.