Porcelain and quartz countertops are two of the most popular options for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects today. But which material is truly better? Here is an in-depth comparison of porcelain vs quartz countertops to help you decide which is right for your needs.
Durability
When it comes to durability, porcelain countertops are the clear winner. Porcelain is an incredibly hard and dense material that is highly resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, heat, and stains. Unlike natural stone, porcelain will not etch when exposed to acidic foods like lemon juice or wine. Porcelain countertops can withstand years of heavy daily use without showing signs of wear.
Quartz countertops are also durable, but not quite as indestructible as porcelain. Made from crushed quartz mixed with resin, quartz countertops stand up well to everyday wear and tear. However, quartz can be prone to scratches from sharp objects. Quartz is also sensitive to heat and may crack under extreme temperature changes. For busy kitchens that see a lot of traffic, porcelain is the more durable choice long-term.
Appearance
When it comes to aesthetics, porcelain and quartz offer different visual styles. Porcelain countertops come in a wide array of colors and realistic stone and marble looks. Matte, polished, or textured finishes are available to complement any decor. The dense composition gives porcelain a smooth, glass-like look. Minimal visible seams also enhance porcelain’s appearance.
Quartz countertops showcase flashy speckles, veins, and patterns for vivacious style. There are hundreds of unique quartz color and pattern options to fit any design taste from modern to traditional. But some homeowners dislike the recognizable quartz look. Seams are also more noticeable with quartz countertops. Those wanting a convincing natural stone or marble look tend to prefer porcelain.
Maintenance
To keep them looking like new, porcelain countertops require very little maintenance. Their non-porous, stain-resistant surface can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. Porcelain does not need periodic sealing or polishing. For busy homeowners, the ease of care is a major perk of porcelain countertops.
Quartz countertops also resist staining and etching. But they do require more routine maintenance. Quartz needs to be sealed once a year to prevent permanent damage from spills. It also needs occasional polishing to keep the surface glossy. While quartz is low-maintenance compared to natural stone, porcelain is still the simpler option when it comes to care.
Cost
Porcelain countertops tend to cost less than quartz on average. The price can range between $40-$100 per square foot installed. This affordable price point makes porcelain a popular choice. Due to porcelain’s hardness and durability, it offers excellent value for the cost.
Quartz countertops range from $80-150 per square foot installed. The higher resin content makes quartz a pricier option. But the variety of colors and patterns available give homeowners more choices to create a custom look. Those wanting a specific quartz style may find the extra cost worthwhile.
Are Porcelain Countertops Better for Kitchens?
With their rugged durability, realistic visuals, effortless maintenance, and cheaper cost, porcelain countertops are often a better choice for kitchens. Porcelain stands up beautifully to heavy daily use, cooking messes, hot pans, and sharp knives. The smooth, non-porous surface also resists kitchen stains and germs very effectively. Home chefs will appreciate porcelain’s resilience in the heart of the home.
Are Quartz Countertops Better for Bathrooms?
For bathrooms, quartz countertops can make an excellent choice. The water-resistant properties and easier cleaning of quartz work well in bathrooms. Quartz comes in brighter, livelier colors to energize a bathroom’s look. The higher cost may be less concerning for a smaller bathroom project. Quartz offers a vibrant, low-maintenance surface well-suited to bathroom vanities.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops
Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch/chip resistant
- Stain, heat, and water resistant
- Easy maintenance without sealing needed
- Realistic natural stone visuals
- Matte or glossy finish options
- Seamless look with fewer grout lines
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Can crack if subjected to impact
- Limited bold color choices
- Grout lines still needed between tiles
- Professionally installation advised
- Can feel cool or icy to the touch
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Pros:
- Durable surface resists scratches
- Hundreds of bold colors and patterns
- Resists stains and burns
- Low maintenance required
- Neutral, modern visual appeal
- Consistent color throughout thickness
Cons:
- Needs yearly sealing
- Visible seams
- Not heat or impact resistant
- Can appear synthetic-looking
- Higher cost than porcelain
Are Porcelain Countertops Better Than Quartz? – The Verdict
While both offer pros and cons, porcelain countertops edge out quartz for several key reasons:
- Superior durability: Porcelain is practically indestructible, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
- Easier care: Porcelain needs virtually no sealing or polishing, unlike quartz.
- Cost: Porcelain costs less installed on average.
- Realism: Porcelain looks more like authentic stone. Quartz has a more artificial appearance.
- Resilience: Porcelain withstands heat, stains, and heavy use better long-term.
So in terms of longevity, easy maintenance, affordability, and natural beauty, porcelain comes out on top as the better overall value for most homeowners. While great for bathrooms, quartz simply cannot compete with porcelain’s virtues in the kitchen. For those seeking the toughest, most realistic countertops that require little upkeep, porcelain cannot be beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is porcelain more durable than quartz?
Yes. Porcelain’s incredibly dense composition makes it the most durable countertop material. Quartz is prone to scratches, cracks, and damage from heat that porcelain can easily withstand.
Does porcelain stain like quartz?
No. Thanks to porcelain’s non-porous surface, it resists stains far better than quartz. Quartz can absorb stains over time if not properly sealed.
Is porcelain cheaper than quartz?
In most cases, yes. On average, installed porcelain costs $40-100 per square foot compared to $80-150 per square foot for quartz. Porcelain offers greater value overall.
Can porcelain crack or chip?
Porcelain can crack if subjected to heavy impact or improper installation. But under normal conditions, it’s highly resistant to chips and cracks compared to other materials.
Does porcelain need to be sealed?
No. Due to its dense, non-porous quality, porcelain does not require regular sealing like natural stone or quartz. Mild soap and water is all that is needed to clean it.
Conclusion
When deciding between porcelain and quartz countertops, carefully consider your needs in terms of durability, appearance, maintenance, cost, and usage. For busy kitchens and homeowners that want tough, affordable, low-maintenance surfaces, porcelain is generally the smartest choice. But for those seeking vibrant, bold bathroom style, quartz certainly has its perks. By weighing your needs against the pros and cons of each material, you can confidently choose the best countertops for your home. If durability and ease of care are priorities, porcelain will excel as a countertop material that withstands the demands of real-life use.