At Armstrong Building Services we’ve been cutting, polishing, and installing countertops across Michigan for the better part of twenty years. From lakefront homes to city kitchens, we’ve handled just about every surface you can think of—granite, quartz, marble, porcelain, even a few wild tile countertops back when those were trendy. People always ask me the same thing: “Is quartz the best countertop for my kitchen?”
My answer? Well, it depends on what “best” means to you.
Quartz: The “Perfect” Countertop That Isn’t Perfect
Quartz is man-made. It’s about 93% crushed natural stone and 7% resin — that resin is basically plastic. It gives quartz its smooth finish and non-porous surface. You don’t have to seal it like granite or marble, and most spills wipe right off. Sounds ideal, right?
Here’s the catch. Plastic doesn’t like heat. I’ve seen quartz burn from a hot cookie sheet fresh out of the oven. It doesn’t melt, but it leaves a dull, yellow or brownish ring that can’t polish out. Same goes cast-iron pans, especilly.
So yeah, quartz is heat-resistant, but only up to a point, maybe 150–200 degrees. After that, you’re definitely pushing your luck.
Scratches, Stains, and Real-World Use
Quartz is sold as scratch-resistant, but it’s not scratch-proof. Ceramic dishes leave tiny lines when someone slides them across the surface. You might not notice until the sun hits just right, but onec you know it’s there you’ll always see it.
And even though quartz doesn’t technically “stain,” it can discolor. Acidic liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar, and wine can dull the resin if they sit too long. The lighter colors like the bright whites that everyone wants right now, are the most sensitive. Some homeowners can develope faint rings that just won’t buff out. Some people might say, “It isn’t damaged, just worn” But not everyone see’s it that way, especially after spending thousands of dollars on a stone countertop thats only a few years old.
Granite: Still the Tough Guy
Granite’s the real deal, 100% natural, pulled straight from the earth, every slab unique. You get color depth and character that quartz can’t touch.
It also handles heat very well, you can set a hot pan right on it. Pull a skillet from the stove and place it right on the granite. No mark, no burn, no problem. You’d destroy quartz doing that.
Granite can scratch if you really try, but it’s tougher than quartz. The only real maintenance is sealing it once a year, maybe every other if you forget. That’s it. Do that and your granite will outlast your kitchen.
Whats the downside you ask? Granite isn’t uniform. You might love the sample, but the actual slab could look totally different. A lot of granits also have a “grainy” look to them. That unpredictability drives some people nuts. Quartz wins on color control. Granite wins on strength and longevity.
Marble: Beautiful But Delicate
Marble’s is the heartbreaker of the group for most people. However it is gorgeous, with its soft veining, and timeless look, but it’s fragile. Lemon juice, wine, even water spots can etch it. If you use your kitchen a lot marble will develop “character.” Most folks would call it “damage.” But some find a beauty in that.
If you love the old-world patina look, marble’s perfect. But if you want a flawless, easy-care kitchen? Probably not.
Porcelain: The New Comer That Might Be the Future
Here’s where things get interesting: porcelain slabs. They’re newer in the countertop world, but they’re tough as nails. Made from baked natural clays, porcelain handles heat, scratches, and UV light better than just about anything else. You can use it outdoors, set hot pans on it, and never worry about sealing or staining.
I put porcelain in a lake house near Napoleon last summer. The family cooks big breakfasts every Sunday. They set pans right on the counter, dropped knives — no issue. It still looks brand new.
The only challenge is fabrication. Porcelain takes special tools and skill to cut cleanly. But once installed, it’s probably the most durable surface I’ve ever worked with.
So, What’s Really the Best Countertop?
Honestly? The one that fits your lifestyle. Quartz is still a great product for busy families who want clean, consistent looks with low maintenance. I would say it is by far the best value for a stone countertop given the amount of color options and the price.
But if you’re a serious cook, granite or porcelain will take more abuse and last longer. Marble is timeless if you love that aged look and don’t mind a few battle scars.
Quartz does a lot right, it’s not perfect. It can burn, scratch, and fade, and the silica issue is real for the people making it. Granite and porcelain just have fewer downsides long term, but are more expensive.
At the end of the day, your countertop should fit how you actually live. Do you baby your kitchen or really use it? That answer will tell you what’s best not the brochures, not the Instagram photos. The truth comes out in how you cook, clean, and live day to day.
Leave a Reply