Unquestionably, quartz is poised to dominate the countertop market in 2026.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association has recently unveiled its 2026 Kitchen Design Trends report. According to this report, a remarkable 78% of the experts polled anticipate quartz to be the go-to material for countertops over the following three years. Not far behind is natural quartzite, with 62% of respondents predicting its popularity.
The era of granite as the top countertop choice has come to an end, as only 43% of the designers, renovators, and retailers queried believe granite countertops will maintain their appeal in the coming three years. The report further highlights that non-stone materials, such as butcher block, tile, concrete, and Corian, are unlikely to gain widespread popularity as countertop options, with only 10 to 16% of industry experts foreseeing a demand for them.
Quartz and quartzite are also set to be favored for backsplashes, with over 60% of those surveyed expressing this preference, although tile remains the clear leader at 70%.
For those unfamiliar, quartz countertops are crafted from ground quartz, resin, and pigment. Quartzite, on the other hand, refers to the natural quarried slabs of quartz. Quartz boasts superior stain resistance and typically exhibits a more consistent color profile compared to quartzite. Quartzite, however, is more heat-resistant and may feature striking veining. As a natural stone, quartzite should be sealed to avoid staining.
Irrespective of whether you favor the manufactured variant, quartz is undeniably the reigning champion. If you’re contemplating a countertop swap prior to a move, it seems quartz or quartzite will be the most enticing choices for potential buyers.
