Which Kitchen Benchtop Is the Most Durable?
Whether you’re a professional chef or a cook in the making, you’ve probably come to appreciate the versatility of a kitchen benchtop. From slicing and chopping to plating your work of art, few kitchen activities can go by without relying on this spacious surface.
However, no kitchen activity is complete without a mishap here and there. You might drop a pot, spill a sauce, or drive your knife outside the chopping board. Whatever the case, your benchtop should be able to withstand the impact.
That’s why durability is crucial when choosing the perfect kitchen benchtop. With this in mind, let’s review the most durable kitchen benchtops and discover why a quartz benchtop tops this list.
The Winner: Quartz Benchtop
Many homeowners believe granite is the most durable and long-lasting kitchen benchtop material. However, this isn’t the case.
Another material edges out granite to claim the flattering title of the most durable material – quartz.
Quartz strikes the perfect balance between the power of nature and artificial strength. The material comprises crushed quartz bounded by resin to create an almost indestructible surface.
Naturally, this only applies if you take good care of your quartz benchtop. However, this is an easy task, especially because unlike its competitors, a quartz benchtop doesn’t require sealing to maintain its appearance and functionality.
Caring for your quartz benchtop involves:
- Cleaning the surface every day with a mild dishwashing liquid and water
- Wiping spills promptly to prevent stains (for stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner)
- Avoid placing hot pots and appliances directly on the surface
- Using cutting boards for slicing and chopping food
- Avoid dragging heavy objects across the quartz benchtop
It’s important to note that these precautions apply to most benchtop materials. However, a quartz benchtop (also called an engineered stone benchtop) can take significantly more abuse before showing signs of wear and tear. For instance, a knife cut shouldn’t do any damage, and unless you plan to drop a sledgehammer onto your quartz benchtop, you shouldn’t see chips or cracks soon.
Granite, Recycled Glass, and Tile Benchtops
While quartz is a clear winner in the battle of the most durable benchtops, a few other materials are worth mentioning.
Granite
Granite is a beloved natural stone benchtop option and for a good reason. This unique and eye-catching material can blend into virtually any kitchen décor.
As far as durability goes, granite is a tough material. However, most of its durability depends on being timely and adequately sealed. This is the only way to create a non-porous finish that resists staining, chipping, and cracking.
For the best results, sealing should be done annually. Or even more often if you have a white granite benchtop.
If you fail to keep up with this schedule, simple accidents like oil spills can wreak havoc on your kitchen benchtop.
Once you take care of sealing, there are a few other maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid using abrasive products or harsh chemicals for cleaning
- Clean spills immediately
- Avoid placing hot pots and appliances directly on the surface
- Be careful with handling glass near the benchtop to avoid scratches
Recycled Glass
Although recycled glass is a relative newcomer to the world of kitchen benchtops, it has quickly gained popularity due to its striking appearance and eco-friendliness. You can set the glass in acrylic for a mesmerizing floating look or use cement to create a lustrous mosaic.
In terms of durability, recycled glass benchtops can withstand a lot. They don’t stain, chip, scratch, or burn easily.
However, when it comes to cracking, the future’s looking a bit bleaker. Place something too heavy on the edge of a recycled glass benchtop, and you might end up with crushed glass. The same goes for extremely hot objects. And once a glass benchtop breaks, it is nearly impossible to repair.
Tile
Due to a seemingly endless amount of colours and styles, tile benchtops can be seen in many kitchens. On top of their contemporary look, they’re easy to clean, making them the perfect choice for homeowners who want maximum effect with minimum effort.
But while the tiles are clean and smooth, the grout between them isn’t. In fact, this grout easily attracts dirt, dust, and grime. To avoid contamination, you must seal your tile benchtop regularly and wash the surface daily.
Built to Last
Although there are a few worthy options to consider, homeowners who prioritize durability will be thrilled with a quartz benchtop. Find the perfect surface at Quattro Stone and enjoy a lifetime of unbreakable style.
