When choosing countertops, you must consider what kind of material will work best in your home or office space. Quartz and porcelain countertops are two popular options.
We will help you decide which of the two materials is best suited for your needs by taking a closer look at the pros and cons of each type.
1) Durability
In general, quartz and porcelain are both durable materials. They are both scratch-resistant and will resist most chemical spills or stains.
The difference between porcelain and quartz lies in their physical composition. While quartz is a natural material, porcelain is not. It is a synthetic material, which is why it is generally more durable than quartz.
Porcelain is composed of crushed minerals and other materials, while quartz is made up of natural sand and other minerals. Porcelain is harder than quartz, which makes it last longer and stronger.
2) Appearance
Porcelain is available in a wide range of colors, including grey, beige, black, and white. Some of these tones can be quite bold, like black and white, while others are more subtle, like beige or grey.
Because quartz is natural, it is available in a limited range of colors. The most common color is white and brown. Due to the material’s natural properties, quartz may often appear dull after installation.
This is because the quartz is not polished and retains the stone’s natural color and abrasions and scratches.
3) Heat and Scratch Resistance
Porcelain has a significantly higher heat resistance than quartz. This means that porcelain countertops are more likely to crack than quartz when exposed to high temperatures.
While porcelain is more scratch-resistant than quartz, the latter material is far more scratch-resistant than granite. This is because quartz is very hard and sturdy, which makes it difficult to have it scratched. It is also susceptible to heat damage.
Quartz is also more durable than granite as well as marble. In addition to being scratch-resistant, quartz is also less prone to stains and will not discolor.
4) Maintenance
Both materials are easy to clean and maintain. Porcelain is scratch-resistant, but you should not use a knife or fork on the surface to avoid damaging it.
Quartz is only moderately resistant against scratches. You should always use a cutting board or a trivet when preparing food and avoid using knives and forks on the surface to avoid damaging it.
Both stone materials are also less susceptible to heat damage and will not yellow or discolor over time.
5) Finish
Quartz is available in a variety of finishes, including high-gloss, low-gloss, and matte. The finish is the most important factor when choosing quartz countertops.
When choosing quartz countertops, you should consider the appearance of the stone before you purchase it. Matte and high-gloss finishes will make your countertops appear more luxurious and expensive, while low gloss and natural quartz will make them appear more affordable and modern.
Conclusion: What Should You Choose?
Based on our comparison, porcelain and quartz countertops are great choices for both your home and office. If your budget is limited, quartz is a great choice because it is much less expensive than porcelain.
Give quartz or porcelain countertops a try with Cutstone Company. We have a number of kitchen countertops in Birmingham, AL that can fit the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Get in touch with us today to learn more.