Any kitchen is only complete with countertops. The best kitchen countertops are the ones that are durable, affordable, and require less maintenance. Several options, such as granite, engineered stone, poured concrete, and other beautiful options, are available today. Solid surface also provides aesthetically pleasing looks. Also, it can be challenging to balance beauty and functionality; the most durable countertop of solid surfaces lasts a long time and survives the test of time. That is why opting for a reliable solid surface manufacturer that provides different countertop materials is essential.
How can one pick the durable materials, or how can one check the material durability? Below is a complete guide to durable kitchen countertops.
How To Define The Most Durable Countertop?
When looking for the most durable materials, below are some of the factors that one should consider.
- Heat Resistance
Kitchen countertops have to suffer the heat from the pans and pots, which is why it becomes essential that they are heat resistant and also have material durability. Surfaces like marble, ceramic and solid surfaces are perfect for keeping hot cookware.
- Stain Resistance
The kitchen countertop is one of the places that will definitely see a lot of stains. When looking for the countertop, they look for material durability; another vital aspect is stain resistance. Most materials are porous to some point; for kitchen countertops, the best options are less porous materials. it is so because less porosity means there will be less absorption of bacteria and liquids, resulting in less stain.
- Scratch Resistance
Getting scratches and cracks can be a common phenomenon in the kitchen; however, one can efficiently address this problem with the most durable countertop. One important thing to remember is that hardness is not always resistant to crack or scratch; in fact, granite is prone to breaking. Laminate and modified solid surface sheets are scratched and damage resistant.
- Color Fastness
When defining the durability of different countertop materials, color fastness is one thing that should not be ignored. A kitchen countertop is a place that will remain busy most of the time. Over time there will be chances of fading of the countertop; however, that should not be the case. A durable kitchen countertop must not fade or change color over time.
- Cost
Durability does not always mean costly. Some countertop materials can be expensive and might not be worth the money. For example, a glass countertop is way more expensive when compared to a solid surface, but a solid surface requires less maintenance and looks aesthetically pleasing. Also, maintenance plays a significant role too. Durable materials do not require regular maintenance, and they can be used for years without any issues.
Different Types Of Countertop Materials
The Most Durable Material: Solid Surface Countertops
When it comes to what is the most durable countertop? The answer is solid surface countertops. Now, the question arises, why a solid surface? A solid surface countertop combines polyester resins or acrylic with natural pigments and minerals. A solid surface is an excellent choice for anyone who wants their kitchen countertop to appear o stone.
These countertops are pre-fabricated, and the best is that they are customizable, so one can easily customize their kitchen layout. The surface is somewhat heat resistant; however, even if there is some damage due to heat, it can be easily sanded out. Also, several options are available at an affordable price, so it is perfect for customers who want the benefit of the most durable countertops at an affordable rate. There are several options available such as Pure acrylic solid surface, Pure texture pattern solid surface, etc.
KKR horizontal solid surface materials work perfectly with aesthetics and as kitchen countertops. KKR solid surface kitchen countertops materials provide a much refined polished look and are seam-free and clean. Also, with the help of their professional consultation, one can get different customization ideas too.
Pros:
- It is easy to clean and low maintenance as it does not require special sealers or cleaners.
- It is exceptionally stain-resistant and non-porous
- It is repairable and resilient
- Customizable and color do not fade over time
- Various color options are available
Cons:
- Requires professional installation
Durable Kitchen Countertop for Scratch: Quartz Countertops
For anyone, the top priority is being scratch-resistant and a durable kitchen countertop; quartz is one of the options. Also, it is made up of non-porous material, meaning there will be no viruses or bacteria. However, it is a bit costly. Also, quartz is not entirely a natural stone, contrary to popular belief. It is an engineered stone made from resin filler and crushed quartz.
Pros:
- It is scratch resistant, and it does not get easily scratched by a knife cut
- It does not get chipped or racked easily
- It is stain resistant but not one hundred percent
- Quartz is non-porous, so it is mildew and mold resistant
- It is heat resistant
- The maintenance requirement is low as it does not require regular resealing.
Cons:
- It is expensive
- Seams are visible
- It is not easy to repair if damaged
One of The Best Durable Countertops for Heat: Granite Countertops
Granite is considered one of the most durable materials for kitchen countertops. Granite countertops are one of the well-liked options by customers. There have been several technological advances, and an increase in the supply of natural stone, that has caused a rise in the demand for granite countertops.
Pros:
- It is heat, cut, and scratch resistant
- It is pretty stain resistant
- It looks aesthetically beautiful
Cons:
- It is more prone to chipping
- It requires regular maintenance
- It is difficult to conceal the seams
Durable Material for Cost: Tile Countertops
Tiles are one of the options that offer unique designs and colors. Different applications and options are available, from porcelain tiles to hand-painted tiles. However, when it comes to cost, it varies depending on quality and style. Tiles are durable and easy to maintain. However, there is a high risk of cracking. Also, it isn’t easy to clean the grout lines.
Pros:
- Stain and heat resistant
- Affordable
- Easy to customize
Cons:
- Tiles are easy to crack
- Difficult to clean
One of the Most Durable Materials for Color: Concrete Countertops
Poured concrete has gained popularity due to its different styles, such as farmhouses and industry. Poured concrete is best for color as it easily allows for decorative textures and tinting.
It is also a very durable material for a countertop. Concrete countertops are made from different countertop materials, such as a mixture of pigments, general-purpose cement, and sand.
Pros:
- It is easy to customize with different color
- Scratch and heat resistant
Cons:
- It requires maintenance
- It can crack or chip
- It requires a longer time for drying following installation.
- High-end customization is costly.
The Most Durable Countertop Material for Stain: Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel is often used as kitchen countertops in the commercial kitchen due to its non-porous capability, highly stain-resistant, and durable material. The stains are easy to clean, and it is also mildew and mold resistant. However, fingerprints and water stains need to be cleaned regularly. Also, it’s essential to know that stainless steel is vulnerable to dents, scratches, and other abrasive damage.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Easy to clean and stain resistant
- Mold and mildew resistant
Cons:
- It is expensive
- Highly visible water stain marks
One of the Durable Countertop Options for Heat: Marble Countertops
Marble is a natural stone, and it is one of the most durable countertop materials. They come in different colors, such as grey, white, green, etc. Also, they are extremely heat resistant. However, getting marble as a countertop is a bit costly and easy to stain too.
Pros:
- It looks aesthetically pleasing
- It is heat resistant
Cons:
- Marble is extremely porous, thus making it easy to stain.
- It is not possible to fix a scratch on the marble.
KKR: A Professional Kitchen Countertop Fabricator
As an expert solid surface countertop company, KKR partners with expert designers to produce solid surface worktops that are both visually appealing and effective. We comfortably cater to bulk or special orders, particularly from distributors, wholesalers, and engineering contractors. At KKR, we place priority on excellent design, as well as functionality. Our solid surface countertops can be delivered worldwide in any quantity at any time.
Conclusion
The countertop is one of the kitchen’s busiest areas, so customers must get the most durable countertop materials. People look for durability, scratch resistance, aesthetics, etc. Solid surface works as an all-rounder, which comes with all these considerations. So, if you are looking for a reliable solid surface manufacturer with the best quality and durable materials, you can contact us.
