Since Granite is heavy and moving it around is not easy, a professional installer is required. Porcelain is not as heavy as Granite and can be lifted or transported with ease. However, a professional installer is still recommended to install Porcelain pavers just as much as for Granite flooring.
Ultimately, the choice between porcelain and granite countertops comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for a durable and low-maintenance option, porcelain may be the better choice for you. However, if you want a natural and unique look, granite may be the way to go.
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.
Porcelain countertops are lighter than quartz. So, while they are very durable, they can still crack or break more easily than quartz. However, in most cases, porcelain is nearly indestructible.
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.
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.
However, porcelain is cheaper than granite, marble and quartz. And the good news is that once installed, your maintenance cost is very low. As you can see, a high-quality porcelain countertop is a versatile and durable product that gives you high performance and isn't difficult to install.
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.
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.
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 is a combination of feldspar, quartz and kaolin. These materials are fired in a kiln at temperatures up to 1400°C, resulting in a hard, white, non-porous pottery. Compared to bone china, porcelain tends to be significantly heavier and more brittle, which can lead to chipping.
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.
Weight is an important thing to note when considering whether an item is stoneware vs. porcelain. Stoneware is always heavier than porcelain, since the clay used to make it is courser.
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.
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 slab countertops can be easily cut to accept any kind of sink finish including top mount, undermount, flush mount and farm-sink.
As long as porcelain tiles are in a good condition before laying and laid correctly then no chipping should occur over time.
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!
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.
Porcelain withstands heat well and is unaffected by direct sunlight, while quartz surfaces can warp or become discolored over time. Both materials are slip-resistant, which makes them good options for flooring. Quartz, however, is best used indoors while many porcelain tiles can be used inside or outdoors.
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.
Porcelain slabs are manufactured in 6mm, 12mm and 200 mm thickness and variety of sizes. Usual countertop material is 10ft x 6ft. Porcelain slab material is extremely durable. They are resistant to scratching and cracking.
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.