Natural stone like granite and soapstone are strong, scratch-resistant and heat-resistant. However, they're porous and need to be resealed regularly.

Natural Stone

Stone is a classic choice for kitchens, adding a look of timeless beauty. It's also one of the longest-lasting materials, with ratings from a lifetime to 100 years or more, depending on care and maintenance. It's hard to beat the durability of natural stone: It is impervious to water, and heat-resistant and scratch-resistant as well. It does need to be sealed periodically, however, as spills can stain the surface. (Using hot pads, trivets and a good sealer should prevent this from happening.)

Most stone countertops are mined from solid rock, then sawed into slabs and cut to the desired size. The quarrying, shipping and fabrication processes are energy-intensive, but this is offset by the minimal environmental impact of using naturally occurring materials.

Semi-synthetic stone options like quartz and cultured marble are popular because they offer a beautiful, custom color palette and are durable enough for most applications. Their lifespans are a bit shorter, however, as the resins used to bind the stones make them nonporous and more susceptible to sun and heat damage than their natural counterparts.

Tile countertops are a durable, flexible and budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens. New advancements now allow for porcelain and ceramic tiles to be fabricated in sheets that minimize seams and edges, and the style options are endless. This versatile material can be customized with embedded sinks, drainboards and even wireless phone chargers, all for less than the cost of a granite countertop.

Tile

Granite countertops have the longest lifespan of any countertop material. They are incredibly durable and, if properly maintained, can last 50 years or more. Solid surface materials like Corian have a slightly shorter lifespan than natural stone, but are also quite durable and easy to maintain.

Tile is another long-lasting countertop material with a lifespan of 100+ years or more. It is available in a wide variety of colors and textures, and can be used to create unique visuals. This versatility makes it ideal for homeowners looking to express their personal style and creativity in the kitchen.

Concrete countertops are gaining popularity as a more sustainable and natural alternative to traditional granite or marble counters. However, they can be prone to cracking and require regular resealing.

Laminate countertops have the shortest lifespan of any of the popular countertop options and typically last only about 20 years. They are not as durable as other countertop materials and can become warped or fade in the sun.

Resurfacing is an economical and environmentally friendly way to revitalize your countertop. It uses significantly fewer resources than replacing them with a new material and can save you 30% or more on the cost of materials. Miracle Method kitchen countertop resurfacing costs average around $30 per square foot. The savings can be even higher if you do-it-yourself instead of hiring a professional to install your countertops.

Laminate

Laminate (also called plastic laminate, and best known by its brand name, Formica) is a relatively durable countertop option that can take on most everyday kitchen tasks. Its lifespan can be extended with proper care, including regular refinishing. Laminate is non-porous, meaning it resists most stains and does not need to be sealed, but it is susceptible to burns and water damage over time. It also can chip and scratch easily, although it is possible to repair most minor chips with a bit of laminate filler.

Unlike granite and other natural stone countertops, which are thick materials, laminate is a thin veneer of melamine resin over particle board or wood. Manufacturers like Formica and Wilsonart offer hundreds of color and pattern options, including faux stone and woodgrain patterns. Some new high-pressure laminates use advanced printing techniques to give the material a deeper look and better durability than ever before.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are manufactured from a mixture of acrylic, polyester or epoxide resins with filler materials and pigments. They are poured into the countertop to create a single slab and, unlike natural stone, they are impermeable (via Kitchen Magic). This prevents internal cracking from water or air retention like those that can occur in granite or marble counters. In addition, a solid surface countertop is nonporous and easy to clean, which makes it hygienic. The counters are available in a wide range of styles and colors. A variety of textures are also offered, including some with dramatic granite- or marble-look patterns.

Corian was the first of these counters marketed under this moniker, but many manufacturers produce their own versions of solid surface counters now. These include Formica, Swanstone and Wilsonart. Solid surface counters are heavier and more solid-feeling than laminate or tile counters, but they do not require grout lines which can collect food or bacteria. They are also easy to install sinks, drainboards and lighting directly into the counter.

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Though these counters are highly durable, they tend to degrade more quickly than natural stone options. Additionally, they are not as heat-resistant as some other choices. You can still place hot pans on them, but you'll need to use a trivet or remove them from the counters as soon as they cool down. It's also important to choose a matte or satin finish instead of a glossy one, as high gloss will show scratches more easily.