7 Low-Maintenance Countertops for Your Dream Kitchen

Fingerprints, stains, resealing requirements ... who needs ’em? These countertop materials look great with little effort

Christine Tusher

Houzz Contributor

 

I’ll be honest: When my now-husband and I were talking about moving in together, his kitchen pretty much sealed the deal. As it had stainless steel appliances, gorgeous black granite countertop and a layout that made workflow easy, I couldn’t understand why the man hadn’t so much as boiled water since he moved in. To me that kitchen was just begging to be cooked in. So when the time came to prepare a meal in what was now our kitchen, I couldn’t have been more excited.

My joy quickly evaporated when I discovered that it took a good 15 minutes of sponging, buffing, polishing and buffing again to get that black countertop to shine. And even then, the shine lasted only until someone set a glass down.

So when we found a fixer-upper and decided to remodel, I was determined to find and install the easiest-cleaning, lowest-maintenance countertop. Granite was instantly out, not only because of my bad experience with a black granite countertop but because I didn’t want to have to reseal it annually, even though it’s a pretty easy process. And while I love the look and durability of marble, my family isn’t always diligent about wiping up stains, and I foresaw a splash of coffee or an errant squirt of lime juice marring its surface. I also considered concrete but quickly crossed it off my list due to its porousness and the risk of cracking — and once again, I didn’t want to have to seal or wax it.

In the end I rounded up several nearly maintenance-free surfaces to consider for my kitchen — including a couple I hadn’t heard of before.

Here are seven low-maintenance kitchen countertops to consider during your next remodel.

Realty Restoration, LLC

1. Engineered stone. Sold under brand names including Ceasarstone and Silestone and often referred to simply as quartz, this countertop material is made of crushed stone bound together by a polymer resin. Engineered stone countertops are nonporous and resistant to stains and scratches, and the only maintenance they require is a wipe-down with mild soap and water.

2. Soapstone. Soapstone’s durability has made this material a top choice for hundreds of years. Its density makes it resistant to stains and bacteria, and it’s unaffected by heat. To clean it, simply wipe it down with mild soap and water.

On the flip side, soapstone develops a darker patina over time and can scratch or chip. While some people feel this gives their countertops character, others prefer to sand soapstone regularly to keep it looking like new.

Read more about soapstone countertops

Formica Group

3. Laminate. Yes, that’s a laminate countertop. I did many double takes when I started looking at them, too. The newest laminate countertops not only come in a wide variety of gorgeous finishes, but they’re just as stainproof and easy to clean as ever.

Explore more laminate options

First Lamp

4. EcoTop. This bamboo and paper composite with its trademarked name was completely new to me, but the green material quickly won me over. It’s scratch- and stainproof, it’s durable, and it won’t discolor over time. And cleaning couldn’t be easier: Just wipe it with a soapy sponge and you’re good to go.

You will, however, have to maintain the sacrificial layer that makes this surface so durable. The manufacturer recommends buffing and resealing it every three months to three years, depending on wear and use.

Solid Form Fabrication

5. Zinc. While stainless steel will leave you wiping up every fingerprint, zinc darkens over time, developing a gorgeous patina. It is also nonporous and bacteria-resistant and needs only a quick wipe-down to be cleaned.

Learn more about zinc countertops

Felhandler/ Steeneken Architects

6. Lava stone. Impervious to heat, stains and cold and virtually maintenance free, lava stone might be the Holy Grail of countertops. But as prices start at $225 a foot and there’s a waiting list to boot, there’s a reason why you don’t see this material more often.

Woodmeister Master Builders

7. Recycled glass. Recycled glass is another green building material that’s becoming increasingly common. Woodmeister Master Builders checked in with the homeowners whose kitchen is pictured here, and they gave it a glowing review:

“These counters are very easy to clean. I use a light Scotch-Brite sponge and soapy water, or Method all-purpose cleaner and a sponge or paper towel,” says the homeowner. “Nothing — including oil, coffee, juice, etc. — has stained these counters.”