Which Reigns Supreme?
Are you torn between quartz and porcelain countertops for your kitchen or bathroom? Both are popular choices for different reasons. Let’s dive into what makes each of these materials unique and find out which one is the better choice for your new countertops.
Quartz: The Tough Cookie
The beauty of quartz countertops is more than just skin deep. They’re a blend of crushed quartz crystals, resin, and pigments, mimicking natural stone while being tougher. They’re nonporous, and therefore less likely to harbor bacteria. Quartz also resists scratches and stains, and doesn’t need sealing. Easy to maintain? Check. Durable? Double-check.
Porcelain: Takes the Heat
Porcelain comes from clay that is fired at extreme temperatures. It’s among the top countertop materials when it comes to heat resistance.
Quartz vs. Porcelain: A Comparison
Both quartz and porcelain have their fan base, but how do they really compare? Let’s break it down.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
Both materials can take a beating, but there are important differences. Porcelain can be damaged by ceramic knives, making a cutting board a must. Quartz, on the other hand is more cut and scratch resistant.
The designs on porcelain are only surface deep, so patterns on porcelain have little depth. Should get a chip or damage your countertop that blemish will be more noticeable on porcelain since the design doesn’t go all the way through the material.
If a quartz countertop is scratched, it is possible to buff or polish out light scratches or repair deep scratches with a filler. We recommend any repairs be performed an experienced countertop installer.
Edging
When it comes to edging, quartz leads with options like ogee, beveled, and bullnose. Porcelain, being the thinner material, sticks mostly to square or mitered edges.
Maintenance
Both quartz and porcelain are considered low maintenance. A glaze, however, is advised with porcelain to reduce permeability and boost durability.
Quartz vs. Porcelain: The Verdict
The key difference between quartz and porcelain is that quartz is a solid and resilient material that will stand up to daily countertop use.
Porcelain’s cool, but when it comes to long-term love, quartz is the real MVP. Its durability, low maintenance, and style adaptability make it a top choice for countertops that need to be both functional and fabulous.