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.
Stain & Water Resistant
Unlike some natural stone tiles, that can easily be stained or absorb moisture porcelain has a very low rate of water absorption. This makes porcelain ideal for use in wet rooms bathrooms or kitchens but also a good option for use outside.
Porcelain tiles are generally less expensive than natural stone tiles, with the average price per square foot ranging from $3 to $10 for porcelain and $5 to $20 for natural stone. However, prices can vary depending on the type of stone and porcelain that's being used, as well as their quality and availability.
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.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Porcelain tiles are not 'natural stone' tiles; rather, they are man-made tiles. Whilst not 'natural stone', they are made from clay that has been compressed and fired to extremely high temperatures.
Overall, Porcelain is stronger than Natural Stone. Not only is it denser, but it can also withstand higher temperatures and is not susceptible to staining or scratching.
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.
When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design. One of the most appealing features of granite countertops are their beauty.
Prone to water damage: Stone flooring is susceptible to water damage. Natural stone can easily stain, scratch and chip when exposed to water. It makes falls more dangerous: The natural strength of stone flooring can make slip and fall accidents more hazardous as there is less cushioning from the floor.
The fact that they endure such high temperatures during fabrication makes them resistant to hot environments such as the kitchen. A porcelain countertop can handle hot pans and pots placed on its surface. The porcelain won't smoke, burn, or emit any harmful substance.
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.
Cons to consider:
Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.
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!
Porcelain Surfaces Are Durable, Not Indestructible
Countertops especially can be susceptible to chips. 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.
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. Man-made quartz is incredibly durable, stain-resistant, will not crack or chip.
And if you want some white kitchen inspiration, light-colored granite on the “white spectrum” can fool the eye. It looks bright and clean, even if you didn't have time to wipe up bits of pie crust from dessert. The variations in granite slabs hide little messes, and plus, cleaning them up is a breeze.
Unlike granite, quartz doesn't need to be sealed on a regular basis in order to prevent staining. The nonporous surface makes it an ideal choice for food preparation and maintenance. You can clean these countertops with some warm and soapy water when necessary.