Coffee vs: Countertops

INTRODUCTION

One of the most common questions clients ask during a renovation or new build, is “which countertops are the most durable?” With all the options out there, I get it…it can be overwhelming and it’s a huge commitment to make. Today, we’re breaking down the countertops that our team uses most often, and highlighting the pros and cons of each. To take things a step further, we put the materials to the test and poured black coffee on each of them. After letting the coffee sit for ten minutes, we wiped it off to see what was left behind. Check out our IGTV to see a video of the results.

MARBLE

Let’s start with the most classic option: marble. There are so many different varieties of marble out there and the unique veining and character that comes with each slab can really add some incredible texture and life to a space. Marble is certainly an investment, and requires some upkeep and maintenance along the way to keep it looking it’s best. If you’ve seen marble countertops in a home or restaurant, you may have noticed some spots where the sheen fades or slight watermarks can be seen. This is known as “etching”. Marble is an incredibly soft stone, and with that, can absorb acids and oils pretty easily. While there are treatments that can help mitigate etching, like sealers, inevitably, the countertops will begin to “tell a story” over time as they etch with use. I don’t say this to discourage people from using marble countertops…in reality, I think they’re absolutely stunning and classic. However, In households with children or high levels of cooking, I’m weary to suggest marble as an option, unless the clients inevitably want the patina that comes with time.

For the coffee test, we chose a honed Calacatta Gold sample. Due to the porous nature of the stone (and the fact that this sample was unsealed), the coffee soaked right in and left a decent stain behind.

QUARTZ

The most common countertop that we install on projects is quartz. Quartz comes in a wide variety of looks, styles and price-points. As a man-made material, quartz is incredibly dense, durable and versatile. Quartz can be sourced with veining to achieve a “marble-look” or as a solid color.

After ten minutes of coffee soaking, our quartz sample wiped clean, with no stain or etching behind.

PORCELAIN

Porcelain is the new kid on the block. Thinner in profile (1.2cm vs: 2-3cm with quartz), porcelain countertops can provide a really contemporary or European aesthetic in a space. The slabs are also lighter in weight than quartz or natural stone, so we often use them for vertical applications like fireplaces or accent walls. Despite the delicate sounding name, porcelain countertops are incredibly stain resistant and durable…on par with quartz. An added benefit to porcelain countertops is that the price-point is typically less than quartz for a slab. It is also safe for outdoor settings. One caveat, is that due to it’s thinner profile, if you want to maintain a thicker countertop look, you’ll need to add a mitered edge, which can increase fabrication costs and bring it closer to the same cost as quartz. On projects with children, we often specify either quartz or porcelain, depending on the aesthetic the client is looking for. Porcelain slabs have options with more graphic veining and contrast while quartz is typically more subtle.

Put to the coffee test, our porcelain countertop samples wiped clean and showed no signs of coffee staining or etching.

QUARTZITE

Iceberg, a commonly known Quartzite, is so crystal clear that it can be backlit for added drama.

Not to be confused with the man-made Quartz countertop, Quartzite is a natural stone, and comes in many beautiful varieties and colors. Time for a little geology lesson. Marble and Quartzite are both metamorphic rocks, but Marble is made up of limestone while Quartzite is made up of quartz sandstone. Because of this, Quartzite is a much harder rock and therefore more durable than Marble as a countertop. Quartzite is often more expensive than Marble but needs virtually no maintenance or care over time.

Not surprisingly, coffee stood no chance with our quartzite sample. After ten minutes, it immediately wiped clean and looked as good as new.

WATCH THE TEST

To see the full test, head over to our IGTV and watch for yourself how coffee affects these four materials.

Hope you found this helpful!

-dgw