TikTok's Stain Test May Make You Reconsider Your Countertop Selection

If you're looking to update your countertops, knowing what to look out for can feel overwhelming. From durability to price, there's a lot to consider, but one of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a countertop is how easily the material will stain. In a TikTok posted by @imagineunique_official, various types of stone countertops were put to the test against stains, and the results will help you decide on the best countertop for you. Of the five countertop materials tested in the video — quartzite, marble, Neolith, quartz, and porcelain — porcelain and Neolith held up the best.

To test how well these materials held up against stains, turmeric was applied to each surface and then wiped off. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar was then used for even more stain-removal power. Out of the above countertops, quartz and marble remained noticeably stained, quartzite had a slightly visible stain left, and porcelain and neolith had no stain remaining after the baking soda and vinegar mix was used.

As a countertop material, Neolith is extremely durable and its low porosity means it won't stain as easily. It also means you can skip the seal, something that definitely can't be done for marble and granite. If marble-esque surfaces are what you like the look of, you can pick from a range of Neolith colors and designs to achieve a similar look. Additionally, if you're environmentally conscious, Neolith is a great choice due to it being made entirely from naturally occurring products and pigments. 

Despite it looking almost identical to marble, Neolith is much cheaper than the coveted stone countertop material. Per Today's Homeowner, installing Neolith countertops costs $60 to $115 on average per square foot. Plus, if your Neolith countertops do get damaged, one big advantage of the material is that you can mend individual sections without having to replace the entire thing. This is a huge cost advantage, too, as you won't break the bank trying to get your countertops looking brand new again.

Porcelain is within a similar price range to Neolith. Per Home Guide, porcelain countertops are usually priced between $50 to $120 per square foot. Aside from its price, porcelain has many other good features. One of the most versatile things about porcelain is that, like Neolith, it can look like marble or granite. Porcelain can additionally be made to look like wood or even linen if you so desire, all while retaining its benefits. 

It's non-porous, which is probably why it held up so well in the TikTok stain test. Porcelain is also durable — it's often used for floor tiles, which gives you an insight into how well it holds up. Despite it being durable, things can become tricky if your porcelain countertops show signs of damage. Small chips and marks can be repaired (though you would need to hire a professional for the best results). However, if the location or size of the mark is large, the entire countertop section would likely need to be replaced. Overall, both porcelain and Neolith are excellent countertop options in terms of stain removal, durability, and cost, but Neolith is the better choice if you're particularly worried about cracks and marks.