How Long Do Kitchen Countertops Last?

Working with Baltimore contractors to remodel your kitchen is both a serious investment and a significant home improvement. An upgraded kitchen can provide years of reliability and value for a home as meals are prepared and memories made with family and friends.

A countertop is an essential part of any kitchen, but how long do countertops last before you need to think about repairing or swapping them out?

Wood

This is a popular choice for the warmth it brings to a kitchen’s look, but it’s also the softest material. Wood needs to be adequately sealed against moisture and carries cuts, nicks, and scratches more quickly than other surfaces. You may need to refinish a wood countertop after about 10-20 years, depending on how much usage.

Laminate

Laminate is similar to wood in that it’s a softer material, but it’s also very low maintenance. It’s one of the cheaper materials as well, making it a popular choice for people on a budget. However, you do get what you pay for. As the most inexpensive material, it’s also more vulnerable to cuts, scratches, and especially burns. 10-20 years of use and laminate will start looking very beat up and need replacement or resurfacing.

Granite

This is the more expensive choice, but also the most durable. Granite comes in various colors and, being stone, is naturally impervious to moisture and bacteria. It’s also highly resistant to impact, cuts and scratches. A quality granite counter can last at least 30 years without looking worn or damaged.

Quartz

For the most money, you get the most durability from quartz countertop surfaces. Granite is highly durable but not completely indestructible. It’s low maintenance as well, not requiring a seal to protect from oils the way even granite does. It also lasts at least as long as granite, often longer.

Whatever your choice, always make sure you talk about it with Baltimore contractors as you figure out your budget for your kitchen.