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.
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.
The average price of porcelain slabs including installation is between $55 to $120 per square foot. Meanwhile, the average price of granite and quartz countertops including installation is around $45 to $200 per square foot and $75 to $150 per square foot, respectively.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A porcelain countertop can handle hot pans and pots placed on its surface. The porcelain won't smoke, burn, or emit any harmful substance. As mentioned earlier, porcelain is one of the strongest ceramic tiles. The surface strength is achieved through the firing process.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
Porcelain is as hard as granite and quartz, and in some instances, even a little harder. It will be fairly difficult to scratch, chip or crack – and why it is so popular for flooring. However, just like granite or quartz, any material can chip under the right circumstances.
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.
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. However, you may want to stay away from cleaving meat.
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.
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.
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.
Quartz countertops are among the best alternatives. Choosing a premium quality quartz manufacturer like Caesarstone will provide homeowners with a worthwhile and valuable option that will last long and won't require much maintenance or upkeep. The cost of granite countertops ranges between $80 to $175 per square foot.
Etch-resistant: Unlike natural stones such as marble and granite countertops, porcelain will not etch or discolor when exposed to acidic foods and liquids such as tomatoes, vinegar, or lemon juice. Stain-resistant: Because porcelain countertops are nonporous, they do not absorb liquids that may cause staining.
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.
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 tile is highly durable. Because it is extremely hard and dense, this tile resists wear, scratching, chipping, and cracking. That makes it an exceptional choice for homes with pets and active children.
Porcelain is highly resistant to heat and is totally unimpacted by sunlight. The heat resistance of quartz isn't as strong. Even though keeping a hot pan on a quartz surface will not ruin its surface instantly, quartz can discolor or warp with time.
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.
Porcelain countertops cost and quartz countertops costs are different. The average price of porcelain slabs is between $55 to $120 per square foot, while the average cost of quartz countertops is around $45 to $200 per square foot.
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.
Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
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.