As mentioned above, porcelain countertops are quite fragile during the fabricating process, so it's difficult to find a fabricator willing to work with porcelain. Once installed, however, porcelain is very hard and durable, so they are not considered fragile at this point.
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.
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. Unlike natural stones such as granite, quartzite, or soapstone, porcelain chips are rarely able to be repaired and remain beautiful.
The nonporous surface of quartz makes this countertop a hygienic, stain-resistant, easy-to-clean product that will last for an exceptionally long time with minimal maintenance. Because quartz is more durable and easier to maintain than porcelain, it is a better choice for a countertop.
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.
Excellent Heat Resistance
Similar to granite, producing this material involves extreme temperature which makes this material prone to heat. Whenever you will place a hot pan on top of a porcelain countertop, there will be no worries of dark burnt spots.
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!
With a long-lasting and robust material, you can be sure that you won't need to make another large investment anytime soon. Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation.
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.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a synthetic countertop material made from natural quartz, other minerals, and binding resins. 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.
As long as porcelain tiles are in a good condition before laying and laid correctly then no chipping should occur over time.
Porcelain tiles resist wear, scratching, chipping, and breaking because it is exceedingly hard and thick. They are sturdy and long-lasting. As a result, it is an excellent choice subjected to all kinds of usage.
There are two common and effective DIY methods of repairing a cracked solid surface countertop: using cyanoacrylate (super glue), or using epoxy filler material. Both materials are readily available at any home center or hardware store.
Porcelain countertops can easily chip, break, scratch, or crack by any blunt force, such as if you drop a tool in a sink basin, toilet, or bathtub. This is partly due to the hardness of the surface. Furthermore, when any natural stone countertop gets chipped, you can quickly repair or buff it out.
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.
Caring for porcelain countertops takes virtually no extra work and no special cleaning products. It never has to be sealed, and most of the time can even just be cleaned with paper towels and some clear water. For stains that require a bit more attention we recommend a neutral cleaner like Fila Neutral Cleaner.
Granite too is a porous stone with high moisture absorbency. Though it can tolerate moisture only when it is properly installed and sealed. Porcelain is impervious to moisture. Hence Porcelain tiles and paving are preferred in bathrooms, kitchens, or humid outdoors.
Stain Resistance
The non-porous quality of quartz countertops also makes them virtually stain-resistant. There is little to nothing strong enough to leave unsightly stains on quartz counters. Porcelain countertops are extremely low in porosity, but there is a slight element of staining that can occur.
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.
Quartz. Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish.
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
As opposed to other flooring options, Porcelain floors don't require as much maintenance. They have high moisture resistance making them simple to clean, there is minimal upkeep (beyond regular cleaning) and the maintenance is non-existent. Durability is another big plus for porcelain tiles.
These can appear for a number of reasons, but ultimately time will be what makes them worse. It could take months, years or even decades for a crack to really become pronounced in your porcelain! In kitchens (and some bathrooms), temperature changes can be a major culprit in the formation of porcelain cracks.
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.