Countertops are amongst the most prominent features in your kitchen. As such, they contribute to the level of value your kitchen adds to the property, points out JTS Property Management. Countertops can serve numerous functions in your kitchen. It can be a centerpiece to decorate and boost your kitchen's aesthetics. You can use it as a platform to prepare meals or a surface to play board games. Kids can also use the surface as a platform for their homework.
There are numerous reasons to have a countertop in your home. But whatever your reason, we advise that you consider the material's durability over the aesthetics. That is because your countertop will have exposure to impact, weight, sunlight, moisture, or water. You do not want to keep replacing them frequently.
Here, we will discuss the strongest countertop materials. The rating of strength is with the following criteria:
Ability to withstand wear and tear
Resistance to moisture and water
Level of durability
Ability to resist stains
Ability to withstand scrapes, grinding, chipping, and scratches
Resistance to UV rays
Lifespan
With all these in mind, below are the strongest countertops:
1. Quartz countertop
Quartz countertop is the first on our list because it is the strongest and most durable. It is not a natural stone but an artificially engineered material. Quartz is made from crushed quartz stone mixed with synthetic resins and polymers. Because of its nature, quartz stone can withstand acidic cleaning agents better than natural stone. The surface is easier to clean and maintain.
Quart is highly hygienic as it resists bacteria and germs. It is tougher than natural stones. It can withstand heat and high impact. Although quartz appears simple, modern ones now have fascinating patterns and rich colors because of technological advancements.
Pros of quartz countertops
Quartz does not require sealing or resealing. For that reason, it is low maintenance.
Quartz is unsusceptible to scratches or knife cuts.
It is resistant to heat and burns.
Quartz doesn't crack or chip.
It is resistant to moisture, water, mold, and mildew.
Quartz countertops are almost stain-resistant.
Cons of quartz countertops
Quartz is not easy to repair once it sustains damage.
It is expensive.
The seams are noticeable if you use lighter colors.
Exposure to sunlight discolors it over time.
It may not be suitable for a traditional-style kitchen because of its ultra-contemporary appearance.
2. Granite countertops
On the list of the sturdiest countertops, granite comes second. It is a natural stone that forms from the crystallization of hot liquid magma. Granite is the most scratch-resistant and heat-resistant natural stone. For that reason, you can place hot cookware on it without fear of burn marks.
Granite countertops can also resist cracks and chips to some extent. They require regular maintenance in the form of sealing, resealing, and polishing. Doing so helps to conceal stains or chips and extend its lifespan. They can become permeable to moisture and oil if you fail to seal them. It is challenging to hide stains on granite countertops.
Pros of granite countertops
Granite has a higher aesthetic appeal.
It is resistant to scratches and cuts.
It has moderate resistance to stain if you seal it annually.
Consof granite countertops
Although granite is formidable, it is not indestructible. It is prone to chip following high impact.
Oil can seep through the stone. When this happens, it will take a poultice to remove it.
Quartz requires regular maintenance, resealing, and polishing.
It is tough to hide the seams.
The designs are naturally unpredictable and may vary from what you ordered.
3. Quartzite countertops
Quartzite is an all-natural stone containing 90 to 99 percent quartz grains bound by mineral silica. The formation process occurs when quartz-rich sandstones undergo alteration following high temperatures and pressure beneath the earth's surface. Miners extract these materials and slice them for use.
Quartzite is tough and durable because of its formation process.
It can resist heat. That means you can keep hot cookware on it.
Quartzite is resistant to moisture, water, and acids.
It requires low maintenance as you only need to clean them with non-chemical cleaning agents.
The appearance looks like marble, and it boosts your kitchen's aesthetics.
Unlike quartz, quartzite is resistant to UV rays and will not fade following exposure to sunlight.
Cons of quartzite countertops
Quartzite is porous and requires annual sealing and resealing.
The material is tough to install by non-professionals.
Quartzite is prone to scratches from sharp objects like knives.
As a homeowner, your aim is to select the most durable and cost-effective materials for your countertop. With our years of experience with countertops, we can say that quartz is the strongest. When planning to install a countertop, we recommend that you hire professionals for the job. Quality installation and finishes will extend your countertop’s lifespan.
