1. OPT FOR A HEAT-RESISTANT KITCHEN COUNTERTOP
What is the most heat-resistant kitchen countertop? To answer this, look to restaurant kitchens, where the chef's countertop choice is almost always stainless steel. You can slide a hot pan straight off the stove onto a stainless steel countertop with no damage done. Not only is stainless steel the most heat-resistant kitchen countertop material, but it is hygienic and hardwearing, too.
2. CHOOSE A DURABLE KITCHEN COUNTERTOP
We've already touched on the durability of stainless steel, brass, copper and granite, but are there other surfaces that deserve to be on our list? What is the most durable material for a kitchen countertop? While stainless steel probably deserves the title of all-round most durable material, there are other options that come close.
3. FIND A SCRATCH-RESISTANT KITCHEN COUNTERTOP
What is the most scratch-resistant kitchen countertop? Natural and engineered granite, quartz and natural quartzites are not only durable (see above) but are also scratch-resistant options, too. But now let's add crushed or recycled glass and concrete countertops into the mix. Both are scratch resistant, but since concrete is porous it may stain so will need to be sealed before use and resealed from time to time. Concrete can make a striking choice for more contemporary kitchens, as pictured above.
4. GO SEAMLESS WITH A SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOP
Solid-surface countertops are often referred to by their brand names Corian, Staron, Swanstone, Maia, and many others. Solid surfaces are made from a mix of approximately two parts mineral dust (usually marble) and one part binding resins.
5. TRY A COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT COUNTERTOPS
Mixing two or more countertop materials to visually zone the kitchen can lead to a more creative look. Plus, you can tailor your choices around the usage they'll get in that particular part of the kitchen.