But all natural stone is porous. This means that is will absorb liquids. Porcelain is non-porous and thus does not absorb liquid. This translates into an advantage for porcelain when it comes to kitchen countertops because liquids can cause stains.
Granite and porcelain are both durable and can withstand the dramatic changes in the weather, however, only porcelain is UV resistant and will not fade under the harsh light of the sun, making it the best choice for outdoor installations.
However, porcelain countertops also have several drawbacks that should be considered: Requires professional installation: Gauged porcelain tile is extremely thin, which makes installation more complicated to avoid cracking. It is not a good choice for a DIY project.
Porcelain is not only durable and harder than granite, but its tough structure makes it scratch resistant. In fact, if you wanted to dice food right on the porcelain countertop, you could without leaving a mark.
In terms of material and installation cost, porcelain slabs offer a more affordable price than granite countertops. In terms of re-sealing process, both minerals can undergo the process but granite requires it more than porcelain. Moreover, both materials require low cleaning process.
Porcelain resists scratches, chips, and cracks, but the delicate slabs can be difficult to work with and can break easily during transportation or fabrication. As we mentioned early, the design is stamped on the surface of the porcelain, so when worn or marred, it may reveal the absence of color and pattern underneath.
Porcelain's hardness can sometimes work against it. While it may be durable enough for everyday use, its surface is rigid and brittle. Forceful drops onto a porcelain countertop are likely to produce cracks, chips, and sharp edges.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it's non-porous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.
Like competitive quartz and solid surface materials, porcelain slab tops are nonporous, so they're a safe and healthy option for food preparation. Unlike those two materials, however, porcelain can be installed outside and is both heat and frost tolerant for homes across the country.
Porcelain Surfaces Are Durable, Not Indestructible
Durable materials can chip if they suffer shock or impact in just the right place. Perhaps the most affected area of a surface is an edge. Countertops have multiple edges that can chip relatively easy if a hard object hits the edge.
The lifespan of a porcelain countertop is at least 10 years and as much as a lifetime, depending on usage, care and maintenance. The bottom line: Porcelain countertops stand up to everyday life, and they look good doing it!
The costs of quartz countertops and porcelain countertops are quite different. The average cost of porcelain lies between $55 to $120 for every square foot. On the other hand, the average cost of a quartz countertop ranges from $45 to $200 for every square foot.
However, porcelain is cheaper than granite, marble and quartz.
Porcelain is a versatile, durable material that is surprisingly sturdy and beautiful and can add a warm and attractive workspace to the kitchen. Porcelain countertops cost between $1,500 and $3,800, with a national average cost of $2,900.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
What is the most durable material for kitchen countertops? There is some discussion about which is the most durable material for kitchen countertops – but the top two are granite and quartz. Granite is a natural material, with each slab unique, and beautiful colors and veining available.
Quartz is undeniably one of the best countertop materials available in terms of both appearance and durability. While quartz countertops cost less than real marble, which they sometimes mimic, they are still a relatively expensive choice.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
Quartz can be a single consistent color or feature the looks of beloved white marble and other soft natural stone patterns. When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Quartz remains top of the wishlist for kitchen countertops. Quartz worktops are made from engineered stone – a combination of ground quartz, resins and polymers to create a really tough material.
While granite and quartz are both popular and beautiful options, porcelain is another stone that homeowners have started to incorporate more frequently in their bathrooms, kitchens, and bar areas. Since porcelain is so new and has costs built in, it can be a more expensive material upfront.
You can place hot pans directly on the surface; however, we recommend the use of trivets to protect the surface over time. Ceramic knives can damage the surface; therefore, we recommend the use of cutting boards. Avoid hitting the most susceptible parts of the surface, such as corners and edges.
As long as porcelain tiles are in a good condition before laying and laid correctly then no chipping should occur over time.