For many homeowners, cost is a big consideration when choosing their kitchen flooring. Even with a large remodeling budget, saving on flooring costs allows you to splurge elsewhere!
Cost & Installation
Natural stones are a limited resource compared to porcelain tiles, and is therefore, more expensive. Natural stone's expense also extends into the installation phase of your project. We always recommend a professional to install your natural stone.
In terms of material and installation cost, porcelain slabs offer a more affordable price than granite countertops. In terms of re-sealing process, both minerals can undergo the process but granite requires it more than porcelain. Moreover, both materials require low cleaning process.
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.
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.
'Being non porous, porcelain tiles are water and stain resistant without a sealant or maintenance requirement,' says Chris. 'However, properly sealed and maintained, natural stone will still provide you with a window of opportunity to clean up any spills before they are able to soak into the material.
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.
RESISTANCE AND SAFETY
While natural stones are porous and soak up liquids, making them more susceptible to staining, porcelain tiles are more resistant to moisture and heat and will not stain due to their non-porous surface.
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.
Quartz countertops are as durable as it gets. They are heavier than some alternatives, but they trump porcelain when it comes to breakages and longevity once installed. Porcelain countertops are lighter than quartz. So, while they are very durable, they can still crack or break more easily than quartz.
Slate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, with an approximate cost of $20 to $60 per square foot. It is a stunning countertop material that offers a variety of colors including blacks, greys, blues, greens, browns, and even reds. And because each slab is uniquely made, it provides uniform countertops.
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.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
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 Tile Cost Estimator by Project Size
Porcelain tiles by themselves cost, on average, between $2 and $30 per square foot. Hiring a professional to install the tiles for you can cost $9 to $50 per square foot, including the tiles.
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.
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.
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 Countertops
Quartz is a synthetic countertop material made from natural quartz, other minerals, and binding resins. 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.
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.
Durability
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. – Granite scratches less easily than quartz.
The biggest difference between the two materials is their level of heat-resistance. Porcelain withstands heat well and is unaffected by direct sunlight, while quartz surfaces can warp or become discolored over time.