Porcelain is a relatively new addition to countertop options in the United States, so while the materials and installation are generally less expensive than with granite ($25 to $65 per square foot compared to the cost of granite countertops at $40 to $100 per square foot), finding a good installer for porcelain could ...
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 countertops are very durable, hard, and survive most impacts and daily abuse. As a matter of fact, its durability is unparalleled and generally is not affected by deterioration. Still, cracks and chips are likely. Porcelain is made of 100 per cent raw, natural, and clay-based components.
Granite is considered among one of the hardest choices in natural stone, with a Moh's hardness rating of about 6-6.5. On the other hand, porcelain made from hard-baked kaolinite clay, ranks at an estimated 7-8, which makes it slightly harder. Both are resistant to cracks, chips, and scratches, as well as heat.
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.
A: Yes, Granite Gold Daily Cleaner can be used on both porcelain and marble floors.
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 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.
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 extremely hard and durable. Cracking is only a big issue during the handling, moving, and cutting of very large slabs.
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 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.
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 Slabs Work Great on Walls and Fireplace Surrounds
Porcelain, while very durable, is a lighter product than granite and quartz, with the additional option of 6mm in many colors.
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.
Durability
Porcelain countertops are lighter than quartz. However, such large slabs can be fragile during installation. The durability of quartz countertops is excellent when it comes to installation in terms of breakages. Even though heavier, they can be purchased in prefabricated slabs and are less finicky.
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 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.
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.
Clean porcelain with Windex: Using Windex to clean your porcelain surface effectively eliminates stains. But one thing you want to note is that using Windex to clean your countertop will reduce their shine and make them dull. You will need a spray bottle and some paper towels if you want to use Windex to remove stains.
Vinegar is excellent on glazed porcelain tiles as it brings out its shiny exterior. After mopping, rinse the floor once more using clean water. Make sure to wipe the tile dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking and to prevent water from penetrating the grout.
Baking Soda, Lemon, and Vinegar: The All-Natural Approach
Baking soda creates a soft scrub that can tackle minor stains in a sink without marring the porcelain.