The Kitchen Countertop Material HGTV's Mike Holmes Swears By

Aside from providing the essential flat work surfaces for food preparation and storage, countertops enhance the kitchen's aesthetics and boost a home's overall resale value. That's why HGTV's Mike Holmes doesn't play when it comes to the countertop material he uses for kitchen remodels and renovations. The Canadian contractor has already shed light on trendy countertops that aren't as durable as they seem, exposing how even the fan-favorite marble isn't all that when factors like susceptibility to stains and scratches are considered. For Holmes, the most gorgeous countertop choice for both kitchens and bathrooms is none other than quartz, and his reasons for saying so are justified.

"Quartz countertops resemble the look of actual stone, such as marble and granite, and come in a variety of colors and patterns," he wrote on the Make It Right blog, adding, "They are a popular option for contemporary homes since they need little upkeep and are ideal for kitchens and baths." In the same breath, he confirmed that not only did he use quartz countertops in almost all of his projects, but he also switched to the material when he renovated the main floor and kitchen in his own home. It's worth noting that not all quartz countertops are created equal, with some types being low-grade due to the higher percentage of resin used over the natural stone to make them. Holmes prefers the high-grade type with pronounced veining as seen on his YouTube channel.

If you are still pondering whether to get quartz countertops or not as part of your kitchen remodel, you should know that Mike Holmes does not easily give his stamp of approval on building materials. The HGTV star has been very vocal about home upgrades that are a complete waste of money. He has also made it very clear that in his career as a contractor, he only wants his clients to have a home that is built with quality. As such, knowing that he swears by quartz as the best countertop option means he already has a full understanding of how this material compares to other choices. In his blog, he even acknowledged that quartz has become quite popular due to its durability and versatility. "It is an engineered stone made of natural quartz crystals with resin binders, making it resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and even bacteria," he noted.

Budget-wise, you should be ready to splurge on quartz, as it is not among the most affordable kitchen countertop materials available on the market. For reference, granite costs between $50 and $150 per square foot on average. Meanwhile, quartz can go between $75 and $150 per square foot. Of course, there are also more high-end granite options that are pricier than quartz. If it's any consolation, though, quartz may be more practical in the long run, considering it doesn't need resealing every year and doesn't stain as much as granite.