Porcelain countertops cost $50 to $70 per square foot, on average. Though prices can rise for larger projects, most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $3,800—or an average of $2,900—on their installation. This price includes materials and professional labor.
While porcelain countertops offer many advantages, they are not without their drawbacks. The main disadvantages of porcelain countertop slabs are the limited edge styles, they are easy to crack, and it can be a challenge to find porcelain countertop experts.
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.
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.
Unlike natural stones such as granite, quartzite, or soapstone, porcelain chips are rarely able to be repaired and remain beautiful. To regain its beauty and flawless appearance, the entire countertop often needs to be replaced.
Porcelain Tile Disadvantages
Regular maintenance and cleaning can help to prevent discoloration and mold. Porcelain tiles can feel cold underfoot, especially in cooler weather. Porcelain tiles can be hard and unforgiving, leading to discomfort if standing or walking on them for extended periods of time.
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.
Porcelain is the more durable material with a Moh's hardness rating of 7-8, compared to Moh's hardness rating of 6-6.5 for granite. However, both surfaces are generally resistant to cracks, chips, or scratches.
Price: Per square-foot, marble is one of the most expensive countertop materials you can buy. It's far more expensive than butcher block, and even pricier than quartz or granite. Get a quote before you fall in love with marble—it might not be right for your remodel's budget.
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.
Durability and Hardness
Porcelain's tough structure also makes it scratch resistant.
Porcelain countertops cost $50 to $70 per square foot, on average. Though prices can rise for larger projects, most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $3,800—or an average of $2,900—on their installation. This price includes materials and professional labor.
Conclusion: While porcelain tiles possess numerous advantages, it is essential to consider their drawbacks before deciding on their implementation. The higher cost, installation complexity, susceptibility to damage, slippery surface, and cold/hard feel are notable disadvantages associated with porcelain tiles.
Since porcelain tile is denser, it's more difficult to work with as well. The things that make it so long-lasting and reliable, also make it harder to cut through and layout properly. Porcelain tile is highly dense, and only the most experienced flooring professionals should attempt porcelain tile installation.
Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the cheapest countertop materials and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.
In 2024, several countertop materials continue to be popular choices for kitchen renovations. Quartz countertops remain a top favorite, appreciated for their durability, versatility, and wide range of colors and patterns.
If other homes sold in your area have quartz countertops and sold at or under your home's value, granite doesn't make sense. In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.
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 a type of engineered stone and Corian is a solid surface. Both products have a wide variety of styles to choose from, but porcelain features unlimited design potential.
Ceramic surfaces are more durable than granite countertops. This is due to the fact that porcelain is a tougher substance than granite. Porcelain is a seven on this scale, whereas granite is a six. This means that porcelain is more scratch and chip resistant than granite.
Porcelain is not perfect, and there are some negatives to consider when considering a porcelain countertop. For one, it is generally more expensive than other types of ceramic. It is also a very dense material, meaning it is heavy to lift and maneuver, which sometimes creates a difficult installation process.
In addition to using specific products, there are some tools that may come in handy while cleaning your porcelain surface such as spray cleaners, toothbrushes (for more stubborn stains), white vinegar (to remove soap scum), toothpicks (for getting into tight corners), Windex (for streak free shine).
Thermal Shock: While porcelain is heat-resistant up to very high temperatures (around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit), sudden changes in temperature (known as thermal shock) can cause cracks. This could happen if you place a hot pot directly onto a cold countertop.