Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Whether you’re opening a restaurant, bar, cafe, or another business, you’ll need to install countertops. However, if you’re a new business owner or have little experience with interior design, you may be unsure which countertop material is the best for your business.

So, what material is the best for commercial countertops? For this question to be answered, we need to look at the types of commercial countertop materials available and how they hold up in terms of durability, heat resistance, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.

If you’re opening a business like a coffee shop and want to know the best countertop material, you can find the answer here.

Nevertheless, this article will go through the best materials for commercial countertops.

What Types of Commercial Countertops are Available?

The most commonly available countertop materials for commercial use are quartz, granite, solid surface, butcher block, and stainless steel. Each of these materials is a decent option for a kitchen, bar, or similar purpose. But which material ranks the highest?

To get our answer, let’s take a look at how these different countertops rank in terms of durability, heat resistance, maintenance, and visual appeal:

Quartz Commercial Countertops

Appearance

Quartz is a very visually appealing material, as it’s made from a combination of natural stone, minerals, and resin.

It has the smooth feel and appearance of marble. As well, it is designed to maintain its color and pattern, unlike stone that hasn’t been treated.

Durability and Maintenance

Of all the different countertops on this list, quartz is up high in terms of durability, as it’s produced with that purpose in mind.

This makes it suitable for performing a variety of tasks, so business owners don’t have to worry about the material becoming stained or chipping easily. It’s also water-resistant, which makes it a good choice for food preparation areas where spills are common.

In addition to being durable, quartz is also a very easy countertop material to maintain. As mentioned above, it’s stain and water-resistant, but it’s also antimicrobial and easy to clean.

To properly clean a quartz countertop, you only need to use dish soap, a microfiber cloth, and warm water. After removing all the residue, go over the counter with a dry cloth.

Affordability

The price of quartz is very reasonable in comparison to other countertop materials and is considered one of the most affordable custom commercial stainless steel countertops.

On average, quartz countertops are available anywhere from $40-$150 per square foot.

Granite Commercial Countertops

Appearance

Granite is a very popular choice for commercial spaces, as business owners love the way this natural stone looks and feels.

However, granite countertops will generally have imperfections, meaning no two slabs will look exactly the same. Therefore, it may not be a favorite choice for those who like a sleeker, more consistent appearance.

Durability and Maintenance

Granite is a well-regarded choice for commercial countertops made from natural stone, but it’s not as durable as the other materials on this list.

Those who choose a granite countertop will have to regularly treat it with seal protection to avoid any damage to the surface, which may be an issue in a kitchen setting where the material is easily susceptible to staining, burn marks, and water damage.

Because granite is a natural stone, it requires a little extra care when cleaning. Before installing and sealing your granite countertops, thoroughly clean them with warm water and a small amount of soap.

After your countertops have been installed, make sure to avoid using any vinegar-based cleaning products when cleaning, as this can damage the granite.

Rather stick to basic soap and water, or if you want extra protection, purchase a granite cleaning kit, as these are designed to protect the sealant and stone underneath.

Affordability

Genuine granite countertops are known to be rather costly. In fact, this stone is considered one of the most expensive countertop materials available.

In general, granite countertops can cost from $70-$80 per square foot.

Solid Surface Commercial Countertops

Appearance

Solid surface countertops are created from a man-made material mixture of natural stone and polymer. This is a popular choice for commercial use, as it’s malleable and can be thermoformed into a number of different shapes.

As well, if business owners want the look of natural stone, this material can be designed to mimic the appearance of marble or granite.

Durability and Maintenance

Solid surface material is considered reasonably durable, but it is prone to chipping. So, if business owners choose to use this material, they may need to enlist the services of a repair technician should an accident occur where the countertop is damaged.

When it comes to cleaning the countertop, business owners can use soap and water or ammonia-based products to scrub the surface. To clean, it’s recommended to use a damp microfiber cloth.

However, make sure to dry the countertop after cleaning, as solid surface material is susceptible to water spots.

Affordability

One of the reasons solid surface countertops are so common among business owners is that they are cost-effective, leaving room in the budget for other interior design expenses.

On average, solid surface countertops cost between $50-$140 per square foot.

Butcher Block

Appearance

Butcher block countertops have become a common choice in recent years, as this material formed from slabs of wood and glue offers a more vintage, rustic appearance that bar and cafe owners love.

Durability and Maintenance

When it comes to durability, butcher block ranks quite low.

This material can be installed with or without a sealant, but if business owners choose to forgo sealant, they may end up with stained, damaged countertops that are ripe with bacteria.

Because wood is easily damaged, butcher block countertops require some upkeep when it comes to cleaning. It’s recommended to rub linseed or mineral oil on the surface about once a month.For regular cleaning, use a scouring pad to rub in a paste made with baking soda and warm water, and restore the finish with linseed oil and steel wool.

Affordability

While Butcher block countertops are a bit more difficult to care for, they are priced quite reasonably, depending on the type of wood business owners choose.

Currently, they can be purchased for as low as $30 per square foot. However, if you want a higher-end countertop, those will run as high as $200 per square foot.

Commercial Stainless Steel Countertops

Appearance

Stainless steel countertops have a beautiful, sleek appearance that can add a modern touch to your kitchen. These countertops can come in a variety of finishes, such as satin, brushed metal, mirror polish, and matte, and are most popular with a square edge cut.

Durability and Maintenance

Stainless steel countertops are quite durable, as they are both burn-resistant and rust-resistant, making them ideal for a kitchen setting.

However, this material is susceptible to scratches and dents, which can be easily sustained in a busy work environment, such as a commercial kitchen. Therefore, those looking to install commercial custom stainless steel countertops in their kitchen will want to select a cut of the highest grade to better prolong their lifespan.

Affordability

In regard to affordability, stainless steel countertops can be found from $50-$150 per square foot, making them a more expensive option. These prices are determined by the gauge of the stainless steel used, with the most expensive steel being the lowest gauge.

The Verdict: Which Material is the Best for Commercial Countertops?

So, based on the countertop material we’ve covered, which is the best choice for commercial use? Based on the factors considered above, quartz and solid surface countertops rank the highest.

Both of these materials are visually appealing, easy to maintain, and cost-effective, and are great choices for a commercial setting!

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