Once you have decided to install new countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, the next step is to choose the right material. Countertop materials differ in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, and more.
Two popular countertop materials on the market are porcelain slabs and quartz. Both materials have their own pros and cons that you should consider before making a final decision.
To help you make a decision, we have created a complete guide of porcelain slab vs quartz countertops. We will compare both materials in terms of their durability, appearance,installation and more over.
What is quartz?
Quartz surfaces are a highly durable, man-made nonporous surface. They're made from polymers and pigments with resin for added durability in addition to the main material--quartz!
▪Durability—Quartz countertops are some of the most durable materials on earth, and they’re even more resistent to scratches than granite. The thickness gives them an excellent feel in your hands while you use it as well- no worries about broken dishes thanks to these heavy duty plates!
▪Heat Resistant—This is a difference that will be very obvious between porcelain slab and quartz countertops.Unlike porcelain , quartz is not as strong of a material. It can be damaged by hot pots but will warp or discolor over time if left unprotected against them without proper protection such as trivets to prevent cracking/warping in some cases.
▪Scratch Resistant—While quartz is highly resistant to scratches, it cannot be said that they are scratch-proof. If enough force (and/or temperatures) are applied in a certain area for too long of an amount time then there will eventually be evidence on your countertop showing its durability has been compromised by these damagesurely not something you want happening!
▪Stain Resistant— Quartz has a good resistance to staining. This is because its resin binder helps to enhance its non-porous characteristics. But quartz is a more costly material and porcelain is just a cheaper alternative.
▪Finish Options—Quartz countertops come in a variety of finishes, from highly reflective to leathered and matte. The best option may be the polished surface which has an almost silklike quality that's extremely popular these days.
▪Veining and Patterns—Quartz is created by combining the resin-like material, rock particles and pigments to give it an appearance that closely resembles other natural stones like marble or granite. The result is one single quartz slab with veining and patterns throughout its depth; you can't get any more detailed than this!
▪Ease of Maintenance—To keep your quartz countertops looking their best, use a damp microfiber cloth and liquid detergent or soft sponge to clean them.
▪Installation—Quartz countertops are bulky. This means that they cannot be installed on cabinets or existing surfaces, but in some cases new ones will have to get put in place for this heavy slab of stone!
What is porcelain slab?
Porcelain is a type of ceramic made by heating materials in an oven at high temperatures. While the composition varies from pottery stone to clay, kaolinite—a mineral found within this earthy substance-lends its wares translucency and durability while petuntse helps give them flexibility .
More info:What is Porcelain Slab and Why You Might Want It
▪Durability—Porcelain slab countertops are very durable and hard, but they need special care in order for you to get the most out of it. If followed properly these countertops have an amazing innate durability with natural stone like qualities! But also remember that porcelain slab is lighter than quartz, so it will crack or break entirely during incorrect installation.
▪Heat Resistant— Porcelain is much more durable and can withstand extreme temperatures with no ill effect, while quartz may crack or warp when exposed for too long in direct sunlight.
▪Scratch Resistant—The hard and compact surface of porcelain slabs make them prone to chipping, scratching or cracking only from blunt force. When this happens it leaves jagged edges that require professional care to restore the surface to its original luster.
▪Stain Resistant—Porcelain is composed of several minerals and is produced using an extreme heating process. Therefore, the extreme heat helps to melt these minerals and cover several pores of the porcelain, which brings a good resistance to stains.
▪Finish Options—Porcelain slab countertops don't have as many finish options; two major ones being high-gloss glaze or matte paint job applied during manufacturing process rather than through sealing techniques like marble does (which would give it more durability).
▪Slab Size and Thickness—Because porcelain and quartz are engineered, they can come in impressively large sizes. You can have a seamless, uniform countertop by using only one slab.Porcelain is usually thinner than quartz. Often, beveled edges are used to create the illusion of a thicker countertop surface.
Blog series：All About Porcelain Slab Thickness
▪Easy to Clean—By using a wet and clean cloth, you can remove dirt from your porcelain slab countertops. If there is an excess of grime or if it has been spilled on to the surface then we recommend that you use some neutral soap solution before wiping away any stains with another type material such as paper towels so they do not continue polluting their environment .
Neither porcelain slab nor quartz countertops requires sealing, reducing costs associated with other natural stone countertops like granite and marble.
▪Installation— When installing porcelain slab countertops, you don't have to worry about the installation being complicated because it can be done without removing any existing surfaces.
▪Cost—Porcelain slab countertops tend to be less expensive in material than quartz, and installation costs are usually lower as well. Both porcelain slabs and quartz are more budget friendly than natural stone.
More info：Is Porcelain Slab Expensive?
Blog Series: Definitive Guide-Porcelain Slab Countertops Pros And Cons
▪Quartz and porcelain are the two common materials used for countertops, but there's key differences in how well they withstand heat. Porcelains can resist high temperatures without warping or discoloring while quartz may change color over time.
▪Porcelain slab countertops will only scratch when significant pressure is applied, whereas quartz countertops may appear due to your careless tool scraping.
More info:Porcelain Slab vs. Granite,Come And Choose!
In addition to being a beautiful and elegant kitchen countertop, porcelain slab can serve as a good choice for the following：
✔Giant Kitchen and Bathroom Walls
✔Floors
✔Cladding
✔Patios
✔Worktops
✔Tub areas
While quartz may be a good option for those who want their countertops to last, porcelain is more durable and offers better heat exposure resistance. Those looking at scratch-resistance are recommended for porcelain due to its awesome scratch resistance which makes it perfect even when used in high traffic areas like kitchens.
Porcelain slab countertops offer all the benefits of natural stone such as granite and marble without the high maintenance. That's why we offer our customers high quality and beautiful porcelain slab countertops. Visit us today or contact us here to learn more.
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