10 Most Durable Countertops That Will Look Beautiful Too

Thinking of replacing your countertops with new ones? Keep in mind that just stylish looks aren’t enough; your countertop needs to be durable and strong. Only then will it serve you for years while giving your space a spectacular look throughout. To help you choose the most durable countertops, we’ve listed out 10 best countertop materials in terms of durability along with their pros and cons. It doesn’t get easier than this! 

Whether you’re choosing the best surface for your home or business, you need countertops that can hold up well against heat, stains, high traffic, and other everyday impacts.

Fortunately, thanks to technology, there are lots of countertop options on the market. And we have curated a list of the most durable countertops for you. So, let’s begin exploring all the different types of countertop materials and help make your remodeling decision easy.

If you are planning a full kitchen remodel, on the other hand, take a look at our free estimator tool to see how much your kitchen remodel would cost!

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10 Most durable countertops and their materials

1. Granite countertop

Interestingly, granite is and will always remain one of the most popular countertop materials and for good reason. Granite defines elegance while being strong and durable. It’s almost impervious to heat and doesn’t need much maintenance if sealed well. Although its cost is a bit on the higher side, it will give your space a touch of luxury with its beauty.

Thinking about quartz countertops? Get the best price with our estimator tool.

Fortunately, there’s something called engineered granite on the market today. One notch above natural granite, this stone too is extremely durable and is heat and scratch-resistant. What’s more, the sturdy, easy-to-maintain countertop is available in a variety of colors and patterns. 

Whether it’s engineered granite or natural, there are some pros and cons that you need to look into before zeroing in on such a countertop.

2. Soapstone countertop

Here’s another natural stone that is quite hard and resistant to stains. It has a smooth, silky feel that takes on an antique-like patina. If you like the old-world charm of dark, aged countertops — this material is perfect for your kitchen countertop, bathroom countertop, or even sink. It also looks very attractive.
However, keep in mind that the soapstone countertop may scratch over time.

Are Soapstone Countertops the Right Choice for Your Kitchen? Let’s find out!

3. Marble countertop 

This natural stone screams out luxury. And hence, it’s the most expensive countertop material. And, waterproof too! 

Moreover, every marble countertop is entirely unique as no two marble sheets are exactly the same. Most homeowners use the material sparingly — perhaps as part of a counter or as a kitchen island — in order to keep their renovation costs down.

The downside to marble is that it’s not resistant to staining and scratching. You can, of course, tackle the problem with good-quality sealers.

Let’s see some Quartz Countertop Colors For Your Kitchen And Bath Remodel

4. Concrete countertop 

A concrete counter is one of the most durable choices for homes and businesses. Any shape of countertop you want, however unusual, concrete will make your work easier. This extremely versatile material can easily mimic the look and feel of natural stone, metal, or even wood. And, no, it doesn’t look like the drab slabs found on sidewalks. It’s a polished material that may even be textured or acid-stained to achieve a particular color.

Since it’s made from a mix of mortar, sand, and pigments — you do have multiple color options. 

However, keep in mind that this porous material needs regular sealing — beginning at the time of the installation. Otherwise, it may easily stain. Also, large concrete countertops may have visible seams that need to be minimized with a quality filler.

5. Quartz countertop  

This is an engineered stone, made up of 93 percent quartz crystals and other minerals. The mixture is then shaped into slabs and bound with polymer resin. 

A quartz countertop is durable, smooth, and exceptionally beautiful. Furthermore, since it’s nonporous, the material is strong and easy to maintain – with absolutely no sealing required. And, that’s not all, a quartz countertop is stain- and scratch-resistant too. 

The man-made substance can be designed in a spectrum of colors and can easily mimic a granite or marble counter. It’s the perfect choice for residential homes or commercial areas such as restaurants and bars. 

If there are so many advantages, there will be a catch too. Quartz corners and edges have been known to chip. 

6. Solid surface countertop 

This modern countertop material is virtually seamless! Moreover, it’s nonporous and resistant to mold and mildew. And, is easy to clean too. 

This type of material is available in a variety of colors and patterns. You can use the versatile material for your counters, sinks, and backsplashes. 

What’s the cost of countertops for your project? Take a look at our estimator!

However, keep in mind that although such a countertop is resistant to most stains, it is NOT heat-resistant and may scratch and cut easily. If you’re contemplating having a solid surface countertop for your kitchen, do remember to use a cutting board for all your chopping work. 

7. Stainless steel countertop

A stainless steel countertop lends a contemporary and industrial look to your living space. It’s heat resistant and really durable. Designed to your specifications, it’s usually a seamless countertop.

8. Recycled glass countertop

This sleek countertop is durable, shiny, and stunning. Interestingly, it’s made when recycled glass (from beer and liquor bottles) and then mixed with resin or man-made stones. What you get is a shiny, eco-friendly finish that’s really attractive. 

The best part is that it’s heat-resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. Simply put, it’s the perfect countertop material for remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or commercial space.

9. Wood countertop

There’s something really beautiful and warm about wooden countertops. Usually, manufacturers use hardwoods or wood species such as maple and oak. Wood is really long-lasting if properly cared for. If you don’t want a complete wooden counter, you can use wood to install a butcher block in your kitchen. 

10. Ceramic tile countertop 

A ceramic tile counter is durable, easy to clean, and not very expensive. It’s the perfect choice for a DIYer.

Fortunately, it’s available in many design options, including tiles that look like wood, marble, cork, or even leather. 

Last words

If you want to replace a countertop that’s scratched, scorched, or stained — or just want to change it because you got bored of the existing one — this article is for you. Our 10 most durable countertops and their materials will not just last long but also transform your space in the most beautiful way. 

Written by Ramona Sinha. October 7, 2019

Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depths of her soul.

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Mindy Jollie

I like what you said about the durability of concrete countertops. I really like the industrial look of that style. My husband and I will have to see if we can get those countertops in our remodel.

josh.124589@gmail.com(@josh-124589gmail-com)

I have a personal crusade against marble countertops. Only because is a statue material doesn’t mean that is good enough for kitchen. The bloody stain in them are enslaving, and makeing a bad planification for its design could make expensive modifications