If you’ve been planning a kitchen update, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at some point: is quartz really that much more durable than laminate? On paper, quartz has the reputation of being tough and long-lasting, while laminate is often seen as the budget option. But what does that actually mean in everyday kitchen life? Let’s break it down.

Quartz Can Take a Beating

Quartz is known for its durability for a reason. It’s a man-made stone surface that blends natural quartz crystals with resin, which makes it super hard and resistant to scratches. You can chop vegetables directly on it without worrying about leaving marks (though I’d still recommend a cutting board). It also handles heat much better than laminate. If you accidentally set down a hot pan, quartz is far less likely to show damage.

In short: if you want a countertop that stands up to years of cooking, baking, and family chaos, quartz is the kind of surface you can count on.

Laminate Has Its Limits

Laminate has come a long way in recent years, with better finishes and more stylish designs. But when it comes to sheer toughness, it just can’t compete with quartz. Laminate surfaces scratch more easily, especially if you’re not careful with knives or heavy pots. Heat is another big weakness: set a hot pan down and you’ll probably see burn marks or bubbling.

That said, laminate does have one big advantage: cost. It’s significantly cheaper upfront, which makes it appealing if you’re trying to stretch your budget.

Maintenance Makes a Difference

One of the things I like about quartz is how low-maintenance it is. It doesn’t need sealing, and it cleans up easily with just soap and water. Laminate is also simple to clean, but once it’s damaged, it’s harder to repair. A deep scratch or a burn mark usually means you’re stuck living with it—or replacing the whole counter.

With quartz, normal wear and tear is less noticeable, which means your counters keep looking good for a lot longer.

How Long Do They Really Last?

If you’re looking at the long game, quartz usually wins. It’s not unusual for quartz counters to last decades without showing major signs of age. Laminate, on the other hand, might start to show wear within 10 to 15 years, especially if you use your kitchen heavily.

That said, if you’re planning to remodel again in a few years, or you just want something affordable and functional in the short term, laminate might still make sense.