When considering new kitchen countertops, you want an option that matches the aesthetic of your home and stands up to the messes of day-to-day life in the kitchen. You use your countertops for cooking, baking, prepping, and entertaining, so when you invest in countertop material, you want something that you and your household can depend on for years to come.

A wide array of countertop materials are available, each with unique attributes that make it an excellent choice for your kitchen countertop. Explore the most durable surfaces for kitchen countertops and learn how a professional design and installation company like Motor City Granite & Cabinets can help you achieve a stylish kitchen counter remodel.

Granite

As an enduringly popular natural stone, granite has enjoyed long-standing use in kitchen countertops. Granite is part of the igneous family of rocks. The substance forms when super-heated magma in the Earth’s mantle cools as it nears the surface.

During this cooling process, crystals begin to form. These crystals appear as intricate patterns in granite slabs used for kitchen interiors. Motor City Granite & Cabinets uses eye-catching granite pieces featuring lively patterns that liven up countertop surfaces as they reflect in light.

Granite is not merely for display. Because of the nature of its formation process, this stone is extremely dense and heat resistant. Although it is best to use cutting boards and heat pads on granite surfaces, the occasional accident with a sharp knife edge or hot pan won’t damage this extremely durable stone, especially when sealed correctly.
Granite is also non-porous, so stains and odors can’t seep into the stone. Cleaning spills from the surface immediately with a soft cloth and stone cleaner keeps it looking good.

Stainless Steel

If you’re in the market for a durable countertop but prefer a non-stone option, stainless steel is an excellent contender. This material has long been the countertop of choice for restaurant kitchens. Professional kitchens prefer this durable material because stainless steel is impervious to permanent stain marks and easy to clean. Stainless steel is also a non-porous material; even the toughest substances, like red wine or acidic fruit juices, won’t permanently blemish.

Stainless steel doesn’t rust or scorch because it is composed of nickel and chromium. You can place hot pans directly onto the surface without any damage. Additionally, stainless steel countertops are resistant to scratches from sharp edges.

Concrete

Concrete is used in building and construction work, so it’s no surprise that it makes for a highly durable countertop. Concrete countertops are made out of a cement and sand mixture and can stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. They are also highly customizable and available in various colors and patterns. To add extra visual interest, it’s also possible to embed glass or colored stones into your concrete counters.

Although concrete is durable, it is also quite porous. This feature means that you’ll need to apply a protective sealant to prevent food particles and chemicals from seeping into the material. Once waxed and sealed, concrete becomes much more stain-resistant.

Recycled Glass

An environmentally-conscious option for the eco-friendly household, recycled glass should not be discounted when exploring your countertop options. Recycled glass countertops are made by mixing crushed glass shards with a binding agent, usually resin or cement. Recycled glass slabs are more costly per square foot than other materials but allow you to make a stylish statement for your kitchen.

It is essential to care for glass countertops correctly to ensure they remain in sparkling condition. Have your countertops professionally sealed when first installed to guard against stains. Always use cutting boards and heat pads when cooking on recycled glass countertops. If you take these simple steps to look after your recycled glass surface, there’s no reason they shouldn’t last you for several years.

Quartz

Quartz is a beautifully engineered stone that gives your kitchen countertops a luxurious feel without breaking the bank. As it is a manufactured material, there are no limitations on the colors when choosing a quartz countertop.

Quartz is created by combining a naturally occurring rock named quartzite with a resin binding. Quartz is ornamental and possesses the durability required to weather scratches and heat. With a non-porous surface, quartz is extremely easy to maintain without protective sealing.

Solid Surface

A solid surface countertop is another artificial material to consider for your kitchen. This option is particularly suitable for mid-range budgets as it’s more affordable than stone but more durable than laminate countertops.

The low-porous quality of solid surface countertops helps guard against bacterial accumulation, helping to maintain a sanitary food preparation area in your home. This material is more susceptible to scratches and etching, but some sanding can easily remove any cosmetic damage.

Choose the Right Countertop for Your Kitchen

When looking for new kitchen countertops, you want a durable material that lasts for several years. You’ll also consider factors like style and affordability when shopping for kitchen countertop material when choosing a countertop.

At Motor City Granite & Cabinets, we carry a wide range of stylish quartz countertops, granite, and other enduring materials. We are happy to advise you on the right option that meets your kitchen’s aesthetic and provides a long-lasting food preparation space.

If you’re looking for high-quality granite countertops, our team of professionals will be on-hand to guide you through every stage of the process, from measurement to installation. Contact us using our online form or call (248) 988-0137 to request a free quote.