Choosing the perfect and ideal countertop for your home is a highly personal decision. If you choose wisely, then countertops will add to the value of your home. Your countertop will also be a showpiece at your house.
There are two most popular countertops materials for your kitchen countertops. These are porcelain countertops or quartz countertops. These stones are an excellent fit for residential and commercial spaces.
Well, if you want to decide between the two, look into the factors such as functionality, durability, and cost of the stone. So, without any further ado, let’s proceed:
Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops are manufactured from a type of ceramic material that is created by combining natural clays and intensely high temperatures, which range from 2,200-2,600F.
Around 1,500–2,000 years ago, porcelain was used in portions of China and Europe. Porcelain has been increasingly popular worldwide, and with it has come a reputation as a stunning and long-lasting countertop material.
Quartz Countertops
Quart is one of the popular materials for kitchen countertops among homeowners. This stone is among the world’s strongest, naturally occurring materials.
The finished products of quartz countertops are usually placed in bathrooms, kitchens, offices, and restaurants. These quartz countertops comprise approximately 90% grounded quartz and 10% resins.
If you place quartz countertops in your homes, then they will be an excellent addition to your home. Moreover, they enhance the beauty of your home.
Comparison Between Porcelain Vs. Quartz Countertops
When considering options for countertops, it’s a good idea to compare the prices of different materials. This can help you make an informed decision between options such as porcelain and quartz.
We have listed different factors which make your decision easy for you. After going through these factors, you will have a better idea about the two countertop materials. These include:
Appearance
Ground quartz is combined with resin, which holds the minerals together and causes them to harden, to create quartz countertops. Quartz countertops frequently look speckled because the quartz stones are suspended within the resin. You should not confuse Quartz with quartzite, which occurs naturally.
Although kaolinite makes up the majority of porcelain, the completed product also contains feldspar, silica, and oxide minerals. Because porcelain originated in ancient China, you may have heard it called “China Clay.”
Porcelain comes in a wide range of striking hues, but the most popular ones are greys, blacks, whites, and browns.
Finish
Compared to quartz countertops, porcelain countertops have fewer finish options. A porcelain countertop is available with either a matte or high-gloss surface.
Natural stone materials are finished through sealing, whereas processed porcelain obtains its finish during production. While matte-finished porcelain has an earthier and rustic vibe, glossy countertops are more showy.
However, quartz countertops are available in a variety of elegant finishes, including polished, honed, and leathered.
Honed quartz countertops have a matte appearance and a velvety texture, polished quartz countertops are glossy and reflective, and leathered quartz countertops have a slight sheen.
Durability
The easiest approach to decide which countertop is more suitable for withstanding use in a particular location is to compare the durability of quartz and porcelain counters. Here is a comparison of the two documents.
Engineered quartz countertops are scratch-resistant. Compared to porcelain, quartz is thicker and more durable. Quartz countertops have a far higher scratch resistance than porcelain ones. Quartz countertops may withstand extensive use with little to no indications of wear, but it’s not impossible to damage them.
Porcelain slabs are more prone to fracturing or cracking because they are lighter substances than quartz. Quartz countertops don’t require as careful installation as porcelain surfaces.
Heat Resistant
We now understand that quartz countertops are impervious to stains and are non-porous. But do quartz countertops withstand heat? The options are yes and no. If you place a hot pot right on quartz, it won’t melt.
To avoid long-term warping and discoloration, it’s ideal for keeping quartz countertops away from direct contact with hot objects.
Regarding heat resistance, porcelain countertops are the better option for the two materials. Countertops made of porcelain are very heat resistant and don’t appear sun-damaged.
Cost
It’s not difficult to compare the prices of quartz and porcelain surfaces. This may give you a general sense of how much porcelain countertops cost compared to quartz.
The average price of a porcelain countertop slab is between $55 and $120 per square foot. The price of a quartz countertop slab can range from $45 to $200 per square foot.
Installation and Maintenance
Porcelain may be installed directly over an existing countertop, which is a significant benefit when comparing quartz and porcelain countertop installation. If you want to install the quartz countertops, then you must remove your existing counters.
It’s important to note that quartz countertops should be placed directly onto the cabinetry due to their weight. We need to take out the cabinet and replace it with a better quality one if it’s outdated or of poor quality.
It’s important to ensure that we have high-quality cabinets to maximize functionality and aesthetics in the space.
Quartz countertops and porcelain worktops are pretty comparable in terms of maintenance requirements. Both quartz and porcelain counters can be kept in good condition with routine cleaning using a microfiber cloth that has been dampened and a mild, non-abrasive cleaning agent.
Which Countertop Material is the Best for Your Home?
Both of these materials have their own features, so choose wisely when you are choosing the material for your kitchen countertops.
If you choose from any of these materials, they will make both your residential and commercial spaces stunning. However, quartz countertops outperform porcelain countertops.
Investment in quartz countertops will benefit you in the long term. These countertops offer you all the aesthetic benefits which you can get from marble or granite.
SK Stones is a leading supplier of both natural and engineered stones. So, check out our collection of premium-quality stones to give your home an aesthetic look!
Read More: Quartz Vs. Granite Countertops – Which Material Should You Use?