How Long Do Countertops Last
Thinking about lifespan is only reasonable when you invest in a new kitchen countertop. This countertop may remain in the family home for several generations or pass from one owner to another for many years before replacing the stone during another remodelling project. Some natural stone worktops still shine and are immaculate in kitchens that date back hundreds of years.
But how long do countertops last?
Join us as we talk about the life expectancy of different types of countertops. We will also give you some simple tips for making your countertops last longer.
What Are Kitchen Countertops?
The work surface for food preparation and cooking in your modular kitchen is the countertop, which is affixed to the upper cabinets. The height can be as high as 2 feet 9 inches, while the standard width is 2 feet. The counter occupies one, two, or three sides of your kitchen. There is an extra counter in the centre of the island kitchen.
What Are Countertops Exactly For?
You could use your kitchen counters daily as a cutting board, workstation, hot pad, surface for prepping meals, a cooking surface, and an eating space. Typically, the stove and sink, two essential components for any kitchen operation, are on the countertop. Additionally, it serves as a place to clean, prepare, chop, and mix food, rest hot pots and pans, plate meals, and store small kitchen gadgets and everyday utensils.
How Long Do Countertops Last?
Whether you’re remodelling or creating a new kitchen, you’ll know of the various options available for kitchen countertops. To help you decide which to choose for your kitchen, durability and lifespan are factors you need to consider when choosing your countertops materials.
Let’s discuss the lifespan of the most commonly used countertops materials in Australian homes’ kitchens.
1. Natural Stone
Although porous, granite and marble are heat- and crack-resistant. Resin binders that aid with wear, germs, abrasives, and food and drink acids harden quartz countertop materials. Professional refinishing can revive the majority of stone surfaces.
Natural stone is thousands of years old and was created in massive mountain ranges near the earth’s core. Each slab is distinctively attractive thanks to the local minerals and pressure that have made it robust throughout time. A genuine stone countertop can endure for 1,000 years with appropriate maintenance, but for safety’s sake, we’ll say 100+.
2.Tile Materials
Additionally, the lifespan of tile countertops is rated as lasting 100 years or longer. Depending on the type of tile used, tile costs might range from considerable to minimal. Self-installed installations can result in cost savings. There is a massive variety of materials and styles available for tile countertops. One major factor in why most homeowners prefer tile countertops is their manageable thickness and ease of installation—the installation of a tile countertop costs between $3,000 and $5,000.
3. Concrete Countertops
A 50-year lifespan rating is given to concrete countertops. They can be costly due to moulds and various colour combinations. A concrete surface’s durability makes it simple to clean, but abrasive cleansers should never be used. Any breakables will probably not survive contact with concrete, although concrete can be mended.
4. Laminates
The lifespan of laminate countertops ranges from 20 to 30 years. Their expenses are moderate to low, and maintenance is simple. Due to their propensity for imitating stone and other upscale aesthetics, their adaptability is limitless. Laminate countertops can be fixed for burn marks or cracks if damage does occur.
5.Wood Countertops
Despite being a new trend, wood countertops constitute a comeback to long-gone countertop customs. The kind and hardness of the wood affect the longevity.
While soft and more renewable wood worktops are intended to be replaced in the next 10 to 30 years, hardwood countertops can endure up to 100 years with proper maintenance. Wood is a beautiful material for islands and chopping areas since it adapts well to using knives and other utensils on counters.
However, they need prompt maintenance and cleaning to avoid stains from food, beverage, and oil spills that may quickly permeate wooden surfaces. It is advised to use non-abrasive cleansers, especially on wood surfaces with a glossy finish.
6. Resin Countertops
The solid surface acrylic countertops’ resin materials have a 10-year lifetime rating. Resin countertops come in various hues, patterns, and textures that may accommodate numerous edging options. The durable resins employed in producing these countertops have a modest price tag. They are heat and stain-resistant but not heat-resistant.
7. Cultured Marble
Crushed marble pieces and polyester resins are combined to create cultured marble.
It features a heat-resistant gel covering but is not mould- or mildew-resistant. The occasional chip or crack in cultured marble cannot be fixed. For this reason, a marble countertop should last for about 20 years.
It can be obtained with a granite appearance in addition to a marble appearance.
How To Take Care of Your Countertops
- Avoid collisions with large objects.
- Maintain your grout.
- Fix chipping and cracks.
- Don’t let liquid spills sit; instead, swiftly dry them.
- Avoid using strong chemicals to clean your countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions
When we talk about durability, quartz comes out on top. This artificially created stone countertop has a surface that mimics natural stone and is made of crushed quartz stone blended with polymers and resin.
The simplest kitchen countertop to maintain is laminate. All you will need to do to maintain them after installation is wash them with mild soap and water. There is no need for extra maintenance.
Because it’s made from ground-up natural stone and resin, quartz is the material that resists stains the best. As a result, a material that is extremely stain resistant and non-porous is produced. Because no sealer is needed, quartz is very simple to maintain.
Compared to granite or marble, acrylic surfaces are cheaper and offer heat and scratch resistance. The majority have finishes that mimic genuine stone.
Key Takeaways
Countertops have a significant role in how functional and appealing a kitchen is. They can significantly contribute to the cost of a new kitchen, renovation, or upgrade. An affordable, long-lasting countertop should be a homeowner’s primary priority, given the variety of material options available.
Do not hesitate to contact your trusted kitchen builders and renovators to learn more about countertops. This is much easier and stress-free than planning things you don’t know how to do.
