Home is a place that we all love so much and choosing the countertop for your home is a very big decision. While choosing most people come to the same comparison, which is Porcelain vs quartz, because they are very popular options. They are strong, beautiful and easy to maintain but there are some qualities that one has but the other doesn’t. This article will help you choose the right option to make your home look new.
What Are Porcelain and Quartz Countertops?
Porcelain Countertops:
Porcelain is made from a type of clay mixed with minerals. It is baked at very high temperatures to make it strong and durable. Porcelain countertops are smooth, easy to maintain, and has resistance to heat. They come in many colors and designs, which makes them a good choice for many kitchens and bathrooms.
Quartz Countertops:
Quartz countertops are made by mixing ground-up quartz crystals with resin. This process makes quartz strong and easy to maintain. Quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning they don’t absorb liquids, which makes them hygienic and easy to clean. Quartz is available in many different colors and patterns, giving you a lot of design options.
Key Differences Between Porcelain and Quartz Countertops
Here is a simple comparison between porcelain vs quartz countertops in some key areas like durability, heat resistance, cost, and maintenance.
| Feature | Porcelain Countertops | Quartz Countertops |
| Durability | Strong but can crack or chip if dropped. | Very strong, scratch-resistant, and hard to break. |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent heat resistance, safe for hot pots. | Good heat resistance, but can discolor if exposed to too much heat. |
| Stain Resistance | Stain-resistant but can stain from some liquids. | Virtually stain-resistant because it doesn’t absorb liquids. |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean but may need repairs if chipped. | Easy to clean, doesn’t need sealing or special care. |
| Cost | More affordable than quartz. | More expensive, but lasts a long time. |
| Installation | Can be installed over old countertops. | Needs new cabinets because it is heavier. |
Durability: Porcelain vs Quartz Countertops
Porcelain Countertops:
Porcelain is tough and heat-resistant, making it perfect for kitchens where hot pots and pans may be placed on the countertop. However, porcelain can crack or chip if something heavy is dropped on it. Stay very careful with porcelain because repairing it can be tricky.
Quartz Countertops:
Quartz is very durable and harder to damage than porcelain. It can handle heavy use and is scratch-resistant. For busy kitchens or bathrooms quartz countertop is a good choice. They are also strong enough that they are unlikely to crack or chip easily.
Heat Resistance
Porcelain Countertops:
Porcelain countertops can handle very high temperatures. You can place pans and hot pots directly on the surface without worrying about damage. This makes porcelain a great option for kitchens.
Quartz Countertops:
Quartz can handle heat, but it’s not as heat-resistant as porcelain. If you put a hot pot directly on quartz, it might cause the surface to discolor or get damaged over time. It’s a good idea to always use a trivet or hot pad to protect quartz from heat damage.
Stain Resistance
Porcelain Countertops:
Porcelain is very resistant to stains. Liquids like water, coffee, or juice will not easily seep into the surface. However, some liquids like red wine or coffee may leave stains if left too long. Overall, porcelain is very simple to clean and maintain.
Quartz Countertops:
These are non-porous, which means they don’t absorb liquids. This makes them almost completely stain-resistant. You don’t have to worry about spills from coffee, juice, or other liquids because they wipe right off without leaving stains. There is a detailed article on available on does quartz stain? on our website.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Porcelain Countertops:
Porcelain is easy to clean. Just wipe it using a cloth and mild soap. It does not need sealing, but if it chips or cracks, you may need professional help to fix it.
Quartz Countertops:
Quartz countertops are also very simple to maintain. You don’t need to seal them, and cleaning them is simple with just a cloth and some mild detergent. I’s low-maintenance and does not stain easily because it’s non-porous.
Cost: Porcelain vs Quartz Countertops
Porcelain Countertops:
Porcelain countertops are usually less expensive than quartz. They usually cost around $55 to $120 per square foot, depending on the pattern and design.
Quartz Countertops:
Quartz countertops tend to be more expensive. They typically cost $45 to $200 per square foot. If you choose quartz, you may have to spend more at first, but it will last for years and is very easy to take care of, which can make it worth the cost.
Which Is Better for Your Home?
Deciding between porcelain vs quartz countertops depends on what you need. Here’s a quick guide:
- If you need something heat-resistant that is easy to clean and won’t break the bank, Porcelain is the choice for you. Porcelain is excellent for any space that needs a modern and simple countertop.
- Quartz makes an excellent choice if you want a countertop that is sturdy, doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, and is available in many designs. Quartz is suitable for busy areas like kitchen and bathroom.
Conclusion
Both porcelain and quartz countertops are excellent choices for your home. Porcelain is affordable, heat-resistant, and easy to maintain, but it can be more fragile. Quartz is very strong, low-maintenance, and comes in many designs, but it’s usually more expensive.
Come to Azzaro Surfaces and see our wide range of porcelain and quartz tiles and countertops, all at affordable prices. Whether you are remodelling your kitchen or bathroom, we have the perfect option for you. Explore our range of products at azzarosurfaces.com and find the perfect kitchen countertop for you.
FAQs
Which is more durable, porcelain or quartz?
Quartz is generally more durable than porcelain. It’s less likely to crack or chip, making it a better option for high-traffic areas. However, porcelain is still strong and can handle heat better than quartz.
Is quartz more expensive than porcelain?
Yes, quartz countertops are typically more expensive than porcelain. While the price varies, quartz usually costs more due to its durability and variety of design options.
Can I put hot pots on porcelain and quartz countertops?
Porcelain can handle hot pots and pans without damage, while quartz can be damaged by extreme heat over time. It’s best to use trivets or hot pads on quartz to protect the surface.
