Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz: A Comprehensive Comparison for Your Home
When selecting the perfect countertop for your home, two of the most popular are porcelain and quartz. Both are functional, stylish, and long-lasting, but they have significant differences that will determine your decision.
Choosing the right countertop is important—not only for aesthetics, but also for long-term maintenance, cost, and use based on your lifestyle. Whether you are redesigning your kitchen or bathroom, being aware of these differences will allow you to make an informed choice.
In this article, we're going to contrast porcelain vs. quartz countertops based on durability, maintenance, cost, appearance, eco-friendliness, and longevity—allowing you to determine which material is best suited to your needs and budget.
If you are looking for help selecting the perfect countertops for your home, contact us. Our countertop specialists will help you choose the right countertops for your project.
Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz
1. Durability
Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz: Both extremely durable, but they handle daily wear and tear differently.
When investing in a countertop, durability is something to consider. Porcelain and quartz are both extremely durable, but they handle daily wear and tear differently.
Scratch and Heat Resistance
Porcelain's scratch and heat resistance are very high, making it an excellent choice for busy kitchens. Because it is made through the process of compressed and heated clay, it is extremely durable and non-permeable, preventing surface scratching by knives, hot skillets, and other cooking devices. Quartz, although scratch-resistant and hard, is not as heat-resistant as porcelain. Application of direct intense heat can yellow or char quartz countertops, so using trivets or hot pads is recommended.
Impact Resistance and Day-to-Day Wear
Both are hard, but quartz is ever so slightly more resistant to impact. Since quartz uses resins, it has a slight give that makes it less prone to chipping or cracking when subjected to pressure, such as dropping a heavy pot. Porcelain, being very hard, will chip or crack if struck hard enough, especially on the edges. Its surface remains resistant to wear and tear of everyday life, including stains and water damage.
Compatibility for Heavy-Traffic Kitchens
If you do a lot of activity in a busy kitchen, both porcelain and quartz can handle it. If you are a chef or you like to cook every day, then porcelain is a great choice because of it stain and heat resistance. If you are a family with children and your countertops get a lot of heavy use, then quartz would be a great option. The one you choose will depend on whether you are looking for heat resistance and minimal maintenance, which you get with porcelain or impact resistance and ease of use, which quartz gives you.
2. Maintenance
Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz: Both materials are easy to care for.
When you are choosing a countertop material, consider how easy they are to clean. Both porcelain and quartz are known for their low-maintenance qualities, but there are some differences in how you’ll need to care for each.
Porcelain vs. Quartz: Cleaning
Porcelain countertops are relatively easy to clean. Since they're non-porous, a wipe-down with mild soap and warm water will erase food particles, spills, and grease. They're also resistant to harsh chemicals, so you don't have to worry about damaging the surface if you use more aggressive cleaners.
Quartz is also easy to maintain, but since it contains resins, the best option would be to use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners for fear of dulling the surface over time. Warm water mixed with mild dish soap is the ideal choice for daily cleaning. Avoid using strong chemicals or acidic cleaners, as they will weaken the resin and cause discoloration.
Stain and Moisture Resistance
Both quartz and porcelain are great at resisting stains, but porcelain is superior. Because it is completely non-porous, it won't soak up liquids, oils, or bacteria, which makes it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where there are frequent spills.
Quartz is stain-resistant too, but since it contains resins, contact with something such as wine, coffee, or acidic liquids for extended periods can sometimes cause discoloration if it is not quickly wiped up. Quartz never has to be sealed, as does natural stone, so it is easier to take care of than granite or marble.
Special Care Considerations for Each Material
Porcelain is heat and chemical-resistant, meaning it requires little special care beyond regular cleaning. However, since it can chip along the edges, you’ll want to be careful with heavy impacts, especially near corners.
Quartz is sensitive to heat. Always use trivets or heat pads when placing hot cookware on quartz surfaces to prevent scorching. In addition, while quartz is highly durable, direct sunlight exposure for a long duration will eventually make it fade, so it's most suitable for use indoors.
Overall, both materials are easy to care for, but if you’re looking for the most worry-free option, porcelain requires even less maintenance than quartz.
3. Cost
Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz: Understanding the price determinants will help you make a well-informed choice within your budget.
Cost is also a major determinant in choosing between porcelain and quartz countertops because the two have different price ranges and value in the long run. Understanding the price determinants will help you make a well-informed choice within your budget.
Price Range of Porcelain vs. Quartz Countertops
Porcelain countertops tend to fall in the middle to high price range and depend on brand, style, and slab thickness. Porcelain averages around $60 to $120 per square foot with material and installation costs included. Specialty finishes or custom work can cause the cost to escalate.
Quartz countertops come in a wide price range, generally between $50 and $150 per square foot. Affordable quartz options are possible, but upscale quartz designs—especially those with the appearance of natural stone—can be almost as expensive as high-end porcelain.
Installation Fees and Factors that Affect Pricing
Your installation costs for both a porcelain and quartz countertop will vary depending on several factors. These include the following:
The complexity of the project
Your local labour costs
If you want any custom features
You need to remember that porcelain slabs are thinner and lighter than quartz. This makes them easier to handle and install. However, since porcelain is thinner, it is more susceptible to cracking. Therefore, cutting and edging will require specialized tools and expertise. This can increase your labour costs.
Quartz, on the other hand, is denser and heavier than porcelain. Because of this, it will likely require sturdier cabinetry to support its additional weight. Although quartz is easier to cut and shape compared to porcelain, if you want to have custom edge profiles, then your overall cost of installation may go up.
Long-Term Value and Return on Investment
Both items offer excellent long-term value, but porcelain has a slight edge in durability and longevity. Since it is completely non-porous, heat-resistant, and UV-resistant, it remains looking great for decades with minimal upkeep and is a great investment for kitchens and bathrooms.
Quartz is also a very good return on investment, particularly if you are using a premium quality brand. However, you need to make sure that you keep it properly maintained because it tends to lose its brightness with too much sun exposure. It is also heat-sensitive.
4. Appearance
Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz: Both are available in numerous colours, patterns, and finishes
When choosing between quartz and porcelain countertops, looks is a big factor. Both are available in numerous colours, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to find an appearance that complements your home. However, there are also differences in looks as well as being able to design them to your own specifications.
Variety of Colours, Patterns, and Finishes
Porcelain countertops are available in a wide variety of colours and designs that imitate natural stone, concrete, or even wood. The latest printing technology allows for the creation of excellent veining and textures that can replicate high-end marble or granite. Porcelain is also available in matte, glossy, or textured finishes, giving you the freedom to have the look you want.
Quartz, too, comes in a vast array of colours and patterns, but it is generally more even in appearance. While the patterns on some types of quartz are meant to resemble natural stone, they may not be as varied as with porcelain. Quartz countertops usually have matte or polished finishes that will give you a clean, modern look.
How Each Material Imitates Natural Stone
If you’re looking for a countertop that looks like natural stone, both porcelain and quartz are great options. Porcelain, however, usually looks more like natural stone. This is because its design is printed directly on the surface and it can continue over the edges and seams, creating a seamless look. Porcelain slabs can also be made in large sizes. This cuts down on the need for visible seams.
Quartz countertops, while beautiful, possess more uniform patterns that are less rich in depth and movement than real marble or granite. Nevertheless, high-end quartz producers have created stunning appearances that nearly match the appearance of natural stone.
Customization and Edge Profile Options
Porcelain countertops tend to be thinner than quartz, and this may limit edge profile options. Contemporary fabrication, however, allows for mitered edges that create the appearance of a thicker slab.
Quartz, on the other hand, is available in various thicknesses, which makes it easier to design with a different edge profile. Some of the more popular edge profiles include beveled, ogee, or bullnose. If you want a decorative or traditional countertop edge, quartz is often your better choice.
5. Environmental Friendliness
Overall, porcelain has a lower carbon footprint than quartz.
Both quartz and porcelain are environmentally friendly materials, but they do have different production processes, recyclability, and total carbon footprint.
Sustainability of Production Processes
Porcelain is made from natural clay, minerals, and water that are heated to very high temperatures to create a durable surface. Since it is made up mostly of raw, abundant resources, porcelain is occasionally considered more green. Recycled content is also utilized in certain production, reducing waste and new material usage.
Quartz countertops, nonetheless, are a mixture of resin binders and natural quartz crystals. While quartz is an accessible mineral, synthetic resins, which are products derived from petroleum, are involved in the process. This might make quartz less environmentally friendly compared to porcelain.
Eco-Friendly Certifications and Recyclability
Both of these products are available with environmental certifications, such as GREENGUARD for minimal chemical emissions and LEED credits for green building products. Porcelain is 100% recyclable, which means that worn-out countertops can be repurposed for new building projects. Quartz, however, is less recyclable. This is because of the resins used in it production.
Which Material Has a Lower Carbon Footprint
Overall, porcelain has a lower carbon footprint than quartz. This is because it is naturally composed and recyclable. Additionally, you can also purchase renewable resource-based porcelain countertops. Even though quartz is very durable and resistant, it does have a more energy-intensive production process which means its carbon footprint is larger. This is especially true if you include the mining, resin production, and fabrication.
If sustainability matters to you, then porcelain is the eco-friendlier choice because of its natural ingredients, recyclability, and minimized carbon footprint.
6. Porcelain or Quartz: Which Is the Best for You?
Porcelain is often less expensive than premium quartz, especially when taking installation costs into account.
If you are trying to decide between quartz and porcelain countertops, consider your budget, kitchen design, and everyday needs. Both products have advantages, which is why you need to decide which one will work best in your home.
Best for Homeowners Concerned About Cost
If cost is an issue, porcelain could be your better choice. It is often less expensive than premium quartz, especially when taking installation costs into account. However, if you would like a wider selection of styles and finishes to pick from, quartz may give you better value for money even though it is a bit more expensive.
Which Material Is Suitable for Your Kitchen Design?
Both materials are applicable to most kitchen designs:
Contemporary Kitchens – Porcelain's ultra-thin, large-format slabs and patterns give a modern, clean appearance.
Classic Kitchens – Quartz offers warmer color and classic patterns that mimic natural stone and is perfect for traditional or farmhouse-type kitchens.
Luxury Kitchens – Both quartz and porcelain are considered to be high-end materials, but quartz may give you a richer, more sophisticated look than porcelain will.
Things to Consider Depending on Lifestyle and Use
If you use your kitchen a lot on a daily basis, porcelain's scratch and heat resistance make it a great choice. If low maintenance and little cleaning are crucial, quartz can be the better option because it contains a non-porous surface. Consider your cooking habits, cleaning requirements, and overall design goals to get the perfect countertop for your home.
Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz: We Can Help You Decide
If you are searching for the perfect countertops, come to Natural Stone City. We have the largest selection of Granite, Marble, and Quartz in Southern Ontario, with over 1,000 slabs of different colour options.
You can choose from standard colours to super exotic options, shipped directly from Italy, Brazil and around the world. We carefully select each one, keeping the satisfaction of our customers in mind.
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get:
Installations in as little as 1 week
Any colour you want and more
Help from our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists
Contact us today and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Gia was very helpful and had great advice and direction on what best suited my needs.. Very friendly and professional staff.
Delivery and setup was quick and prompt. Follow up service for minor concerns were looked after right away . So impressed with my new countertops I have recommended Natural City Stone to others who are doing kitchen remodeling.
Thank you!!”
— Beverlee Ament
