Whether porcelain is "better" than quartz depends entirely on your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. Neither is universally superior, but they excel in different areas: porcelain is the undisputed champion of heat and UV resistance, while quartz is tougher against chips and easier to repair.
Average Costs at a Glance: Porcelain prices swing from about $55 to $120 per square foot. Quartz? You're looking at $45 to $200 per square foot. That's quite the spread!
We have compiled a list of our top-selling and most popular kitchen countertops over the past year.
No, you should avoid using Clorox wipes on quartz. The harsh acids (like citric acid) and disinfectants in the wipes can break down the resin binding the quartz together. Over time, this causes the countertop to lose its shine, discolor, or turn yellow.
Yes, you can safely put a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop. A freshly brewed cup of coffee typically sits between 140∘F and 180∘F (60∘C and 82∘C), which is well below the threshold where quartz resins begin to be damaged (usually around 150∘F to 300∘F depending on the brand).
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for quartz countertops. It is one of the best everyday cleaners you can use, provided it is heavily diluted with warm water.
Countertops in 2026 are shifting away from sterile, cool grays toward warm, organic, and dramatic looks. The biggest trends prioritize inviting neutrals (creams, beiges, and taupes), sweeping natural veins, and bold, earth-toned statement stones.
It is not recommended to use vinegar for the regular cleaning of quartz. Because quartz surfaces are made of crushed stone held together by resin binders, the high acidity of vinegar can break down those resins, causing the surface to dull or become permanently discolored.
Those crystals are the foundation of granite's reflective quality. The most important minerals responsible for sparkle are quartz and mica. Quartz crystals are naturally glassy and reflective. Mica, especially muscovite and biotite, produces tiny reflective flakes that shimmer under light.
Yes, you can use Windex on quartz, but you should only use ammonia-free formulas (such as Windex Multi-Surface or Windex Vinegar). Avoid classic blue Windex, as it contains ammonia, which can degrade the resin binding the quartz and cause discoloration or dullness over time.
In 2026, kitchen color trends are moving away from stark white and cold gray, shifting toward warm, nature-inspired, and earthy tones. The aesthetic of "warm minimalism" dominates, favoring softer hues like creamy white, taupe, mushroom, terracotta, muted olive green, and deep teal-blues.
These factors influence countertop selection just as much as appearance.
In fact, the average cost of quartz puts it somewhere right in the middle of countertop prices. Most quartz countertops cost anywhere from $90 to $185 per square foot. That's much higher than a laminate counter ($20 to $60 per square foot) or a tile countertop ($25 to $90 per square foot).
Quartz and natural quartzite are the top trends, favored for their durability and striking, high-contrast veining. Alongside these, matte finishes, earthy tones, and ultra-durable porcelain are redefining kitchen spaces.
Porcelain countertops are highly durable, heat-resistant, and non-porous, but they have notable drawbacks. Key cons include the potential for chipping on edges, the risk of cracking from blunt impact, the inability to repair chips easily, and complex, expensive fabrication and installation processes.
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick.
Granite’s decline in popularity largely stems from shifting design trends. The heavily patterned, multi-colored granites popular in the early 2000s now look dated to modern homeowners. Furthermore, the rise of uniform, low-maintenance alternatives like quartz has pushed granite out of the design spotlight.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on granite. Because it is a mild, pH-balanced detergent, it is an excellent and safe choice for everyday cleaning.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for quartz countertops. It is one of the best everyday cleaners you can use, provided it is heavily diluted with warm water.
Yes, using Clorox wipes on quartz countertops can cause damage. While a single wipe-up in an emergency likely won't cause immediate harm, relying on them regularly can break down the polymer resin binder in the quartz, leading to dullness, a loss of shine, and discoloration over time.
What Stains Quartz Countertops the Worst?
A kitchen is typically considered outdated when it suffers from a combination of failing appliances, poor lighting, worn-out surfaces, and an isolating, disjointed layout. Trends evolve, and what was once fashionable can make the entire heart of the home feel less functional and visually unappealing.
Shades like olive green, inky blue, or even a warm charcoal instantly feel a bit more luxurious and layered. These shades add depth and look incredibly refined (especially when paired with brushed brass or burnished bronze hardware) in a way that whites or pale stone and grey often lack."
Yellow is considered one of the best colours for a kitchen according to Vastu. It symbolises sunshine and happiness, stimulating a positive atmosphere and aiding digestion. Light shades of green and orange are also favourable for their refreshing and appetising effects.