There’s probably not another room in the home that sees more activity than the kitchen. This room is the heart of a home—it’s the place for cooking, eating, and family bonding at the end of a day spent apart.
And where does most of this activity occur in the kitchen? On and around the countertop, of course! That’s the main reason why so many people value the durability of their countertops. They want to make sure that they’re making a worthy investment, not buying something that they’ll have to place five years down the road.
We know what you’re thinking. We’re placing a lot of emphasis on the durability of a countertop—does that mean it won’t be as beautiful as one that’s more delicate?
Luckily, the answer is no. At True Blue Surfaces, we value both beauty and brawn. Even our most durable countertops are gorgeous and eye-catching.
You’re probably wondering what we qualify as our most durable countertop. We’ll let you in on the secret—in our showroom, the most durable countertop is engineered quartz. This man-made stone can withstand almost anything, and it’s a great choice for busy families who aren’t interested in spending much time keeping up their countertop surface.
Engineered quartz is known for its diverse selections of patterns, colorations, and designs, so there’s sure to be a slab of this stone that catches your eye. With its uniform patterns and streamlined looks, engineered quartz looks great in any kitchen.
Quartz’s Durability
Quartz countertops are man-made. While natural quartz is a mineral that comes from the earth, that’s not all that engineered quartz countertops contain. They also contain a percentage of polymers and resins—additives that seal the natural pores of quartz and turn it into a nonporous, antibacterial material. Because quartz’s pores are sealed upon fabrication, you never have to do it manually. This is a big plus for many homeowners!
Quartz is known for being
-scratch resistant
-stain resistant
-nonporous
-hygienic
-at low risk for cracking
Of course, there are downfalls to every material. The resins in quartz’s composition, though strong against liquids and stains, don’t hold up quite as well when it comes to heat. Quartz countertops are not as heat resistant as their natural stone peers, and that’s because the resins are a type of plastic and could melt under high temperatures.
The resins are also why quartz should only be installed inside, never outside. Under direct sunlight, they are at risk of fading and discoloration.
Another Durable Option
Quartz is many people’s first choice when it comes to durability, but other customers don’t want to install anything other than natural stone. We understand the affinity for natural stone, so we’re happy to say that granite is a durable option for those who want natural stone countertops.
While quartz isn’t known for its heat resistance, granite is. Under the earth’s surface, it’s exposed to large amounts of pressure and high heat, which means that it takes no problem with a hot pot or pan. It also doesn’t scratch easily. The only two things that can scratch granite are diamonds and other pieces of granite.
But while quartz does not require a sealing routine, granite does. It’s a porous stone, so in order for it to maintain its resistance to scratches, stains, and spills, it must be resealed regularly. Talk to our team to find out a good sealing schedule for your granite slab.
Your Durable Countertop
If your goal is to do as little maintenance as possible on your countertop and still enjoy its gorgeous aesthetics, we recommend quartz. This engineered stone takes very little work, but it will make your kitchen shine.
If you’re concentrated on the heat resistance of a material and don’t mind a small amount of upkeep, we recommend granite countertops. They’re a great option for those who love natural countertops and appreciate bold, radiant patterns.
To learn more about the materials we offer, get in touch with True Blue Surfaces today!