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. Both materials are slip-resistant, which makes them good options for flooring.
Both materials make stunning additions to homes and commercial areas, but overall quartz countertops outperform porcelain countertops. Quartz countertops are generally more of an upfront investment than porcelain countertops but they are also longer-lasting and require less maintenance.
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.
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.
On the other hand, many granite blades are advertised as also being a fit for cutting quartz. This difference is related to the hardness of porcelain vs. quartz. Both materials are hard, but porcelain can seem more brittle if not cut properly using the correct tools.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
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.
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.
They're highly durable, low maintenance, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Overall, if you're looking for new countertops that will last for years to come, quartz is a great option to consider.
Durability, ease of maintenance, cost, the environment, and project limitations are all reasons why granite is preferable over quartz countertops.
Price: Having one of the highest price tags of all countertop types, the luxury of having quartz countertops comes at a significant price.
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.
Quartz sinks are built to last. Quartz is an incredibly durable material. It is resistant to scratches, stains, cracks, and heat. These traits are some of the reasons it's one of the popular kitchen countertop materials.
Beyond countertops, porcelain can also be used for shower walls and flooring. Porcelain showers are a beautiful option, and when considering porcelain slabs vs quartz, you may want to keep in mind that porcelain can offer a more comprehensive solution for surfaces.
Quartz is incredibly durable and is heat, scratch and stain resistant — ensuring it looks good for many years. Given the higher performance of these sinks, they generally also come with longer warranties. For example, the new range of quartz sinks from Hafele come with a 20-year warranty on manufacturing defects.
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.
If concerned about putting any kind of bleach on an antique porcelain sink, use white vinegar instead. Add undiluted white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the sink, then use a non-abrasive sponge and circular motions to clean the porcelain.
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.
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.
Besides being easy to keep clean, porcelain is also non-porous and stain resistant. That's music to a countertop owner's ears because it means no sealing is required. Quality porcelain used to make countertops is scratchproof, along with being heatproof and highly durable.
While most coffee and tea mugs will not burn through your quartz counter the first time you set them down, you do not want to tempt fate. Use coasters to protect the stone from heat marks. Over time this will help you with the maintenance of your counter.
Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface. Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time.
Generally, quartz can withstand heat up to around 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Celsius. Placing a cup of tea or coffee directly onto a quartz surface shouldn't present a problem. However, we'd recommend exercising caution and using coasters and hot pads if you plan on placing hot items on your quartz surface.