At least 42% of homeowners claim to favor engineered quartz for their countertops compared to using porcelain. This is often because this material is shown to be easier to maintain and has a high rating of durability. However, homeowners are also becoming more open to using porcelain because of its high heat resistance ratings.
In comparison, quartz actually warps when under the pressure of high heat. When it comes to the debate of quartz vs porcelain countertops, there’s a lot to consider. Knowing which option makes the most sense for your home will depend on what you’re looking for, your plans for your home, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences.
Keep reading to get a full comparison of the two to make your decision between quartz and porcelain a bit simpler.
Quartz Vs Porcelain Countertops
When it comes to quartz vs porcelain countertops, both options are virtually indestructible. Keep in mind that quartz, for example, is engineered stone. A lot of homeowners are opting for quartz because they want something durable.
They want luxury countertops without the high price tag. Homeowners are also seeing the advantages that porcelain counters have to offer. This is because of porcelain’s strength, scratch resistance, and high endurance against high heat.
For example, porcelain can withstand up to 2,642 degrees Fahrenheit of heat exposure. Quartz does not compare in this way by a long shot. Not to mention, porcelain is significantly more durable making it a lot stronger than granite.
Its strength level is so high to the point that can be resistant to scratches. Staining also isn’t something that you have to worry about like you do with quartz.
One question that a lot of homeowners ask when it comes to finding the best countertops, is what option would match their lifestyle. Think about whether you have children or how much you cook.
If you want something extremely versatile, quartz could be a great way to go. If you do a lot of cooking, have limited heat-resistant space to place things like hot pots and pans, or simply need more durable space while cooking, porcelain would be the best choice.
The main difference between the two is their ability to handle high levels of heat. Porcelain, for example, isn’t impacted by direct sunlight at all. This makes it a good option for someone with a lot of windows or skylights in their kitchen that let in a lot of natural light.
Break Down the Benefits of Quartz For Your Counters
Quartz countertops have the ability to increase your home value. The good part is that it’s seen as one of the more affordable luxury countertop options. After realizing how affordable it is, especially among real estate investors, flippers, and new homeowners, quartz has started to gain more popularity.
This engineered stone offers a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive choice for homeowners looking to enhance both the practicality and aesthetics of their kitchens. Consider how the advantages of quartz align with your needs.
The Durability
One of the most significant advantages of quartz countertops is their exceptional durability. Composed of natural quartz crystals and also combined with resin, these countertops are engineered to withstand daily wear and tear making them a good option for large families.
They are highly resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, making them a reliable option for busy kitchens and high-traffic areas.
Stain Resistance
Quartz countertops are non-porous. This simply means they have a minimal number of pores that can absorb liquids. This type of characteristic makes them very resistant to stains from common household spills like wine, coffee, and different oils used for cooking.
With proper cleaning and maintenance, spills can be easily wiped away without leaving a trace on quartz. The thing is that stain ‘resistant’ and stain ‘proof’ aren’t the same thing.
Quartz isn’t stain proof so there’s still the chance that it could be stained. This isn’t something you need to worry about if you’re cleaning it well.
Design Variety
One of the standout features of quartz is its versatility in design. Manufacturers can create quartz countertops in multiple colors, patterns, and finishes.
Whether you’re aiming for the classic look of marble or something more contemporary, there’s a quartz option that can make it work.
Easy Styling From It’s Appearance
Since quartz countertops are engineered, they offer a consistent and uniform appearance. Unlike natural stone, which can have variations in color and pattern, quartz provides a reliable and predictable look, making it easier to plan your overall kitchen design although there are a good variety of options.
Could Be More of A Hygienic Surface Option
The non-porous nature of quartz countertops not only contributes to their stain resistance but also makes them more hygienic. Without pores to influence the growth of bacteria and germs, these countertops are a suitable choice for any food prep area. Keep in mind though, that any surface can be just as hygienically acceptable with the right cleaning technique.
Investment Value
Quartz countertops are often considered an investment in your home due to their durability and general appeal. Not to mention, it’s affordable. The starting range for quartz might be cheaper than porcelain but the higher end of the range is more expensive in comparison to porcelain.
However, it still makes a good option for those who don’t want to break the bank when finding an aesthetically pleasing countertop design. Their longevity and attractive appearance can add value to your property as we mentioned which goes a long way as well.
Understanding the Advantages of Porcelain Counters
Porcelain has a lot to offer for kitchen remodeling. The size and the thickness of the material give off a modern look. However, it can match any other aesthetic easily if modern isn’t what you’re going for.
The cost is often in the ballpark of homeowners and investors as well which is a major turning point. It’s even a good option for those who might be concerned about heavy items falling and damaging their counters. Aside from these things, there are a few other benefits to be aware of.
The Hardness of It
The makeup of porcelain is what gives it its strength. The material is made from a combination of white china clay and powdered china stone. What’s special about this mixture known as Kaolin is the high heat used to mix it; 2,642 degrees Fahrenheit.
This high-heat mixture equals high durability. This also means that porcelain can withstand high-traffic kitchens and families with children.
Low Rate of Water Absorption
Porcelain is a very smooth material and it’s more dense than other options. This is what makes it more resistant to absorbing liquids. Porcelain is considered to be waterproof which makes it a hot pick for kitchens that see a lot of traffic as well.
Cleaning spills is much easier and what’s additionally great about porcelain is that it’s also frost-resistant. This makes it an ideal material for countertops in outdoor kitchens as well.
Resistant to UV Light
The firing process used to create porcelain countertops, which is a step in the heating process, is what makes the material resistant to UV rays. This is another advantage that makes porcelain suitable for an outdoor kitchen setup along with an indoor kitchen. Consider that porcelain in general is also resistant to common types of damage.
The Variability
Porcelain comes in a variety of different shades and can also come in different textures. This material can mimic the look of other materials like stone or wood and can be used on a variety of different surfaces. This is a good sign if you want to keep your home’s surfaces uniform in style without the high price tag.
Consider the Disadvantages of Both
There aren’t too many notable disadvantages with these types of countertops because the pros significantly outweigh any of the cons. However, it can be helpful to take note of their limitations. When it comes to porcelain you should be mindful that you won’t have a lot of choices when it comes to the edging of your countertop.
The material doesn’t accommodate rounded or other similar edge options well. However, it makes up for this by accommodating different colors, styles, and designs.
Porcelain is also durable but you still need to be aware that it’s not invincible to every type of force. This means that cracks or chips can still happen – but with enough force, this could happen with any surface. With quartz, you’re going to be limited on its installation location as well.
This means that while it’s a great option for indoor use, it’s not the best option for outdoor kitchens. It also doesn’t withstand high heat exposure like porcelain but still makes a good overall choice considering that it’s a luxury option.
Using Next-Generation Materials To Advance Your Counters
When it comes to quartz vs porcelain countertops, there are a variety of advantages. Between durability, heat resistance, multiple design variations, and more, both options could make sense for your countertops. The type you use should be primarily based on your preference.
To make your dream design a reality, get in touch with Bauteam today.
