Fixr.com’s latest Kitchen Trends Report revealed that countertops are the number one feature for homeowners to upgrade in 2023. Also, 65% of experts say that the main reason homeowners are remodeling their kitchens is to improve functionality. Choosing the best material for your countertop is one of the biggest decisions to make when remodeling or designing your kitchen, so make sure you opt for one that is durable to avoid the extra costs of repairing or replacing it in the future.
Countertops have to endure a lot of strain, whether from cutting, stains, or heat. If you do not have a durable material that can withstand day-to-day cooking and preparing meals, it could cause damage beyond repair. Hot pans and plates are frequently placed on countertops; fortunately, some materials can resist extreme heat exposure. In this article, we explore 5 heat-resistant countertop material options that are worth the investment to achieve a more functional kitchen.
1. Porcelain Countertop
Porcelain countertops are very durable, stylish, and easy to maintain. Porcelain is manufactured at extremely high temperatures and can withstand heat without any issues. Porcelain is fired between 2200-2600? F, so not only is it heat resistant, but it’s also flame retardant, which means it will neither ignite nor spread flames.
Homeowners spend around $2,500 to install a porcelain slab countertop. Expect to pay between $3 and $20 per square foot for porcelain tile countertops, and between $8 and $12 per square foot for slab countertops.
2. Ceramic Tile Countertop
A similar option to porcelain would be ceramic tile countertops. These tiles have a wider range of both color and size than porcelain tiles. Ceramic is very durable, and it’s well known for its ability to withstand high temperatures. Ceramic tiles are also flame-retardant, but constant changes in temperature may cause discoloration over time.
The cost to install a ceramic tile countertop is around $1,500, with a price range of $1 to $50 per square foot for the materials only.
3. Granite Countertop
If you’re looking to update your kitchen countertops, granite would be a good material to opt for to avoid any heat damage. It’s extremely durable and resistant to temperatures of up to 480°F. Depending on the type of granite, these countertops can require more maintenance than just regular cleaning. Most granite countertops need to be periodically sealed.
The cost to install granite countertops averages around $3,500, with the material itself costing between $40 and $200 a square foot.
4. Soapstone Countertop
Soapstone is another countertop material made of natural stone like granite, with great heat resistance. While it may be a little less heat resistant than granite, it requires less maintenance and is more affordable. Hot pots can be set directly on your countertop without damaging its surface, and soapstone doesn’t require sealing like some other natural stone countertops.
The national average cost to install a soapstone countertop is around $2,550, with the material itself costing between $20 - $70 per sq.ft., depending on the color.
5. Stainless Steel Countertop
Stainless steel is an excellent material for the kitchen in general. Not only is it heat resistant, but it’s also low maintenance. This material is fire resistant, and it won’t burn or rust. Stainless steel countertops are extremely durable and with proper care, they can last 20 years or more.
It costs around $3,000 to install a stainless steel countertop, with the material itself costing between $50 and $250 per square foot.
Treat Your Countertops With Care
No matter which material you opt for, make sure to use proper cleaning and care techniques. It may be necessary to periodically re-seal natural stone countertops, such as granite, to maintain their heat resistance. It’s also recommendable to use heat-resistant mats under hot pots and pans. With adequate maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your countertops and maintain their appearance.