Most homeowners would agree a new kitchen countertop is an investment.

Like with any outlay, they want it to last.

When it comes to worktops, particularly in one of the busiest and most frequently used rooms in the home, durability is as important as aesthetics.

Here is our guide to some of the most hard-wearing solutions that both look great and are long-lasting:

Quartz

Quartz will always be the winner when it comes to durability. A combination of natural and engineered materials uses crushed quartz, mixed with resin, to create countertops in a range of colours and designs.It is stain, heat and bacteria-resistant, making it ideal for use in a kitchen. It won’t chip or crack either if knives are used directly on its surface.In fact, quartz is so tough you may need to regularly sharpen them.

Granite

With a Moh’s hardness rating of 7, granite has always been one of the most popular choices when it comes to countertops.It is an extremely durable material that is both heat and scratch-resistant - ideal characteristics for a kitchen.With a range of colours and patterns available, a granite worktop can be created entirely to meet your specification, ensuring it fits in perfectly with your space.Homeowners like its distinct natural beauty and versatility.

Recycled glass

Recycled glass is an alternative that homeowners often don’t consider when it comes to a countertop despite it being one of the more durable options.They offer a more contemporary, terrazzo style that looks great and will last for years.The material used often consists of coloured beer and liquorbottles depending on your specifications.On average anywhere between 70% and 85% of recycled glass is used, with the remainder made up of engineered stone. Much like quartz and granite, recycled glass countertops are heat, scratch and stain-resistant – a winning combination for any kitchen.

Kitchen islands

With an industrial chic aesthetic coming to the fore over the recent years, concrete has quickly become the material of choice for a range of surfaces. As with the alternatives explored above, its toughness makes it a tempting option for a kitchen countertop.It can be manufactured in a range of colours and textures to look like wood or metal as well as simple concrete. However, despite concrete being a great choice for its hard-wearing nature, it is a porous material which means it must be sealed both during installation and at regular intervals afterwards.At Granite & Quartz Installations we offer nationwide fittings for a range of durable countertops to suit any kitchen space.

To find out more about our range, and receive a quote for your upcoming project, get in touch with us at info@graniteandquartzinstallations.co.uk.