When picking out a new kitchen countertop as part of your kitchen remodel or kitchen renovation, you want to consider a lot of different factors. In addition to color, style, appearance, quality, and price, you also want to evaluate the durability of the material. The more durable your countertop is, the longer it will last and the less maintenance it will need. Here’s a look at how to find the most durable kitchen countertops for your kitchen remodel:
Durability Qualities to Look For
When choosing between different types of kitchen countertops, you should consider certain durability qualities:
- Hardness – More resistant to chips, gouges, and scratches.
- Heat resistance – Resistant to heat from pots, pans, and trays.
- Crack resistance – Resistant to cracks.
- Warp resistance – Less likely to become warped, distorted, or misshapen.
- Stain resistance – Resists stains and isn’t porous.
Synthetic Countertops
Synthetic countertops include quartz and laminate countertops. They are created from natural materials bonded with resins or acrylics. Quartz is scratch, stain, and heat resistant, as well as non-porous. However, it tends to be more expensive. Laminate and Formica countertops are very affordable and are impact and scratch-resistant but aren’t always the most attractive.
Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone countertops include granite, soapstone, and marble. They are popular because they are attractive and durable, though they are typically the most expensive type of kitchen countertops. Soapstone is heat and crack-resistant, but scratches easily. Marble is heat-resistant, but prone to scratches, stains, chips, and cracks. Granite countertops are hard, durable, and heat-resistant however they can chip on the corners and need to be sealed in order to prevent bacteria.
Wood & Stainless Steel
Wood countertops are prone to gouges and cracks but can be sealed to improve durability. Additionally, wood is also prone to stains and can trap and harbor bacteria. Stainless steel countertops can suffer from dings and dents, but are resistant to heat damage, warping, cracks, and stains. They are reasonably priced and very easy to care for and maintain.
Come See Our Kitchen Countertop Ideas
At Southwest Kitchen & Bath, we have a huge variety of different kitchen countertops in our showroom. If you’re having a hard time trying to choose between different types of kitchen countertops in Tucson, AZ, just stop by our showroom and talk to one of our designers. You can also contact us online to set up a consultation for a kitchen remodel.