They're both great in their own waysŌĆöbut find out which one is a better fit for you
Porcelain and quartz countertops are both durable.
There are lots of color and design options for both countertop types.
Porcelain is more heat and stain resistant.
Quartz is more scratch resistant and expensive.
Bringing your dream kitchen or bathroom to life requires some important decisions, like choosing which countertop to go with. There are lots of options out there, but if you are stuck on trying to figure out which is better—porcelain versus quartz—consider all of these pros and cons. More than likely, you will see that one is a better fit for your home, whether it is for aesthetic or practical reasons.
The key differences between porcelain and quartz countertops are that porcelain is more heat and stain resistant, as well as more eco-friendly. Quartz is also durable and more scratch resistant than porcelain. Depending on what you are looking for in terms of appearance, you may naturally gravitate toward one over the other. If you prefer a naturally sparkly look, you are likely to go with quartz. If you like a surface that mimics materials besides natural stone, then porcelain may be your pick.
Manufacturers make porcelain countertops with a mixture of minerals including powdered china stone, china clay, feldspar, metal oxides, and silica. This mixture is heated up to extremely high temperatures around 2,642 degrees Fahrenheit. Manufacturers can choose the shape, size, glazing type, and pigmentation of the countertops.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heat resistant | Cannot withstand blunt force |
| Stain resistant | Difficult to install |
| Environmentally friendly | Only two edge options |
Best for:
Any kitchen or bathroom
Homes seeking to install a countertop with no VOCs
Outdoor kitchens in any area, even with severe weather
You can put hot pots and pans on your porcelain countertop without causing damage.
Porcelain is nonporous so it does not stain easily.
Porcelain is made with mostly natural elements and has no VOCs.
Porcelain cannot handle blunt force like a metal object falling on it.
Installation is difficult because you have to handle the material with great care.
You only have the choice between square and mitered edges.
Manufacturers make quartz countertops with crushed quartz, resins, polymers, and pigments. Workers mold the mixture into slabs and then place them under heavy pressure around 100 psi. Afterward, they cure, polish, and finish the slabs with various colors and designs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Scratch resistant | Can be damaged by heat |
| Etch resistant | Indoor installation only |
| Easy to maintain | Costly |
Best for:
Indoor kitchens and bathrooms
Those who want the look of natural stone without high maintenance
People who want to invest in a long-lasting countertop
Quartz countertops do not easily scratch, but you still need a cutting board.
Acidic food will not damage quartz.
Regular cleaning is the only maintenance required.
It requires coasters, trivets, and the like to prevent damaging your countertop.
Quartz cannot handle extreme temperature changes or UV rays.
These countertops can cost more than natural stone.
Here are some major points to consider when you are trying to decide between porcelain and quartz countertops for your kitchen.
Whether you prefer the look of porcelain or quartz countertops is likely to boil down to personal preference. Both porcelain and quartz are available in a range of similar colors including whites, grays, black, and light green. The advantage of quartz, however, is the sparkle in the countertop which porcelain can only emulate.
And if you would like counters that mimic natural stone like granite or marble without the expense or hard work of maintenance, you can go with either porcelain or quartz. But if you are looking for a countertop that can mimic materials other than natural stone, then porcelain is your best bet. You can get porcelain countertops that look like wood, concrete, and metal.
Although porcelain offers more options as far as appearances go, when it comes to finishes and edges, quartz is the winner. Porcelain slabs are thin, so you can only choose between mitered or squared edges. You may have the option of additional edges if you order a thick custom slab. The finish options you have are high-gloss glaze or matte finish, and you can get porcelain countertops polished or unpolished.
On the other hand, you can choose from plenty of edging options for quartz. Whether you want eased, straight, bullnose, bevel, or ogee, choose the one that best fits your vision. For finishes, you can decide between honed, sueded, or polished.
Porcelain countertops are more durable compared to quartz. They are more resistant to heat and stains. You can install porcelain countertops outdoors because they can withstand harsh weather, freeze and thaw cycles, and UV rays. The downside is that, if you accidentally drop something heavy onto porcelain, you could end up with jagged edges that are difficult to repair.
Even so, quartz countertops are also a durable option. They are also heat and stain resistant, just not as much as porcelain. You cannot set any hot pans on a quartz counter because they will warp or discolor the surface, but quartz counters do win in terms of scratch resistance.
Porcelain countertops cost $55 to $120 per square foot, while quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot. The prices for both materials vary depending on the size of the slab, the grade of the material, the finish, and the edging type you choose.
Installing porcelain counters is a fairly difficult process because the material is so fragile. If someone accidentally drops a hammer on the slab, the entire thing could break. But that is not to say that quartz countertop installation is easy in comparison—quartz slabs are extremely heavy and require skillful installation, too.
You should not attempt to install either material on your own. Hire a countertop installer near you to help you handle the project.
Most people can DIY small chip and crack repairs for porcelain and quartz countertops using color-matched epoxy. It is also possible to buy quartz repair kits that come with acrylic for filling cracks that is hardened using an LED light. Bigger damage to porcelain counters, however, tends to leave jagged edges. These are harder to DIY and you are better off hiring a pro to complete the repair.
Both porcelain and quartz countertops are easy to maintain, especially since they do not require sealant. To keep your porcelain in good shape, you can clean it with soapy water and a soft cloth. It can handle harsh chemical cleaning products, but they are not necessary. Dry the countertop thoroughly to avoid discoloration.
For quartz countertops, only clean with water that is at room temperature. Hot water can damage the resins. Otherwise, use soapy water and a soft cloth. You can remove stubborn stains with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Just like with porcelain, do not let spills linger on the counters too long.
Porcelain countertops last 50 years, while quartz countertops are supposed to last 30 to 100 years. The lifespan of your countertops may vary depending on how well you take care of them. Overall, both types last longer than concrete or laminate countertops.
When considering porcelain countertops’ pros and cons, take a look at their eco-friendliness. The natural materials in porcelain countertops do not emit VOCs, formaldehyde, or other allergens. Quartz countertops contain resins, so to be on the safe side, you can check with the manufacturer for information on certifications like LEED or GREENGUARD to find out if there are VOCs.
Porcelain countertops do not add to your home’s resale value. If you are looking for a good ROI, you should look at alternatives like quartz or natural stone. Quartz has a high ROI of 60% to 80%. For the best results, look for high-quality quartz and invest in professional installation.
