According to HomeAdvisor, porcelain countertops cost an average of $2,900, with a typical price range from $1,500 to $3,800, making them relatively affordable as well.
Costs. 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 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 more affordable in terms of material and installation cost. Also, since Porcelain has a low maintenance cost, it is budget friendly as compared to Granite. Since Granite is a natural stone that has its benefits and cost of maintenance, it generally costs slightly more than porcelain.
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.
The benefits of porcelain kitchen countertops
Indeed, porcelain tiles are waterproof, resistant to stains, scratches, and temperature fluctuations, and are not affected by the acidic or corrosive products used for normal housekeeping.
Heat Resistance
Porcelain is fired between 2200-2600⁰ F so it is extremely heat resistant. You won't need to worry about damaging the surface if you put a hot pan directly on top of it. Additionally, you can turn it into a cooktop utilizing gas burners or induction heat (installed underneath the countertop).
Once installed, however, porcelain is very hard and durable, so they are not considered fragile at this point. Cracking is rarely an issue after the countertops are installed.
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.
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.
Porcelain leaves sharp, ragged edges that need a professional to restore the countertop to its original shine. Quartz will resist chips and cracks more effectively than many other countertop surfaces, including porcelain, because of how it is manufactured. It does not stain or scratch easily.
The common thickness of porcelain slabs is around ¼ inch (6-mm) to ½ inch (12-mm). Likewise, the largest possible slab size you can buy is around 10 feet x 5 feet. Aside from kitchen countertops, if you plan to use a material for floor and wall remodeling, buying a large size of granite or quartz can come quite costly.
As mentioned earlier, porcelain is stronger than the hardiest granite – almost 30% stronger in fact. Porcelain's tough structure also makes it scratch resistant. You can even slice and dice food right on it without worrying about your knives damaging the surface.
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.
Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level.
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.
Porcelain slab countertops can be easily cut to accept any kind of sink finish including top mount, undermount, flush mount and farm-sink.
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!
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.
In terms of cost, marble tiles are slightly more expensive than porcelain tiles. However, if you go with custom marble tiles, you can expect the price difference to be significant. Keep in mind that marble tiles will increase the resale value of your home, so the initial high cost can always be covered up.
Porcelain Countertop Colors and Styles
Porcelain slabs can be found in a variety of base colors, from white to gray to black. Porcelain slabs are available in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and traditional.
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.
There are advantages to each of these two benchtop materials. In terms of durability and the life cycle of the product, porcelain is the clear winner. If short-term savings is the goal, the advantage goes to laminate. As for available style options, they both feature a deep catalogue of colours and finishes.