Should I Buy Porcelain Worktops or Quartz?

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When selecting the right worktop for your kitchen, there are many circumstances to consider. For example, do you want something that is heat resistant? Non-porous? Outdoor suitable? Here we will compare porcelain and quartz worktops to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and needs.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• Why You Should Consider Porcelain or Quartz Countertops
• The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Worktops
• Which Is More Durable: Porcelain or Quartz
• What is More Heat-Resistant: Porcelain or Quartz?
• Which One is More Stain-Resistant: Porcelain or Quartz?
• Comparing Porcelain and Quartz Worktops
• Further Reading: Other Worktops Materials to Consider

Introduction: Why You Should Consider Porcelain or Quartz Countertops

Are you considering new worktops for your kitchen or bathroom? If so, you may wonder whether to choose porcelain or quartz. Both materials have pros and cons, so it’s essential to learn as much as possible before deciding.

Porcelain or sintered stone is a new ceramic comprising refined glass, quartz and other raw minerals. It is highly heat resistant, long-lasting and durable, making it an ideal material for countertops. Porcelain worktops are available in various colours and finishes, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

Quartz is a manufactured material consisting of a minimum of 90% ground quartz and approximately 10% polymer resins (depending on how much quartz percentage there is on the slab).

In addition, quartz is non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing like other materials such as granite or marble. Quartz is also more resistant to scuffs and stains than other materials, making it a good choice for busy families. However, quartz can be more expensive than other options, such as laminate or solid surface countertops.

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For example, if you’re looking for a durable interior decoration material that, when you touch, feels like natural marble or granite, then quartz may be the right worktop. However, if you work on an outdoor kitchen project, porcelain may be better.

So, should I buy porcelain worktops or quartz? -The pick comes down to your personal preference, lifestyle and budget.

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Worktops

Both quartz and porcelain have pros and cons that you should consider before deciding. Porcelain worktops are a new type of ceramic surface comprising different raw materials from traditional ceramic. They are fired at higher temperatures (usually over 1200 Celsius) than conventional ceramics, which makes them more resistant to staining and scratching.

Porcelain is also non-porous, which means it does not absorb liquids or odours. As a result, porcelain is an ultra-compact, durable material resistant to scratches and stains.

It is also non-absorbent so it won’t absorb spills and bacteria. You can choose porcelain worktops in many colours and designs and mimic the look of stone, wood, metal, and other materials.

Similarly, porcelain worktops are a good choice for busy kitchens because they are so easy to keep clean.

For example, you don’t have to worry about sealants or wax, and you can use any conventional cleaner on them without damaging the surface. Porcelain is also highly heat resistant (most types resist a minimum of 250 Celsius), so you can put scorching pans and pots directly on the top without worrying about damaging the countertop.

Porcelain Considerations

The only downside to porcelain countertops is that they can be somewhat expensive. Its fabrication can be more labour-intensive than traditional materials such as marble and limestone, which reflect in their final price. They are also rather brittle and can chip or crack under accidental impact.

If you decide to choose porcelain countertops, be sure to select a worktop supplier who has experience installing them so that they will be installed correctly and will last for many years.

Quartz countertops comprise natural Quartz stone combined with resin and other materials. Quartz is also a hard, durable material resistant to scratches and stains. In addition, it is non-porous and antibacterial, making it an excellent choice for food preparation. You can choose quartz countertops from various colours and designs, but most are unsuitable outdoors, like porcelain worktops.

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Which Is More Durable: Porcelain or Quartz?

Regarding durability, both quartz and porcelain worktops are excellent choices. Porcelain from leading brands includes a product warranty ranging from 2-25 years.

Quartz is an engineered stone comprising natural quartz aggregate (sand), resins, and pigments. It is also robust and resistant to scratches, staining, and heat. And the leading quartz brands in the UK offer 2-30 years warranties.

Regarding these worktop materials’ hardness, a brand of porcelain like Dekton rates 8 (behind diamond rated 10, and ruby rated 9) in the Moh’s hardness scale. On the other hand, Silestone Quartz rates 6 Moh’s hardness scale, alongside granite and quartzite, the two most robust natural stone worktop materials.

Therefore, both materials are highly durable and scratch-resistant. However, because porcelain is a less flexible material, it is slightly more likely to chip or crack than quartz.

So, if you are still asking yourself ‘should I buy porcelain worktops or quartz?’ when it comes to durability, either will meet the durability test.

What is More Heat-Resistant: Porcelain or Quartz?

With granite and limestone being out of the picture for some modern homes, the worktops’ market has been shifting towards more heat-resistant materials such as porcelain and quartz. But which one should you choose?

Quartz is a composite material comprising natural stone and resin. It is one of the most heat-resistant options on the market. Quartz can withstand up to 150 degrees Celsius without damage.

Porcelain, on the other hand, is a 100% natural product made from minerals. And because it does not contain polymer resins, it cannot burn them under high temperatures. Therefore, a good quality porcelain stone will usually withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees without damage.

So, in this regard, if you are still asking ‘should I buy porcelain worktops or quartz?’ and on the market seeking a worktop that can resist high temperatures, porcelain is the better choice.

However, if you need a more robust product with a generally lower price tag, quartz may be a better choice for you.

Which One is More Stain-Resistant: Porcelain or Quartz?

Kitchen surfaces take a lot of abuse, from spills to scratches, so choosing a material that defies intense use is essential. If you’re debating between porcelain and quartz, you’ll want to know which one is more stain-resistant.

Porcelain is non-porous, and so is quartz, making both resistant to staining.

So, which one is more stain-resistant? Both porcelain and quartz are equally stain-resistant. However, because porcelain does not undergo ‘Vibro-compression’ during its manufacturing, it has virtually no pores, which means it is even more stain-resistant than quartz.

Some high-quality porcelain brands like Dekton comprise a liquid absorption rate as low as 0.02%. And comparing quartz’s heat resistance with the same manufacturer of Dekton porcelain gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect from Quartz in terms of heat resistance.

Silestone is a quartz brand from Cosentino alongside Dekton, a porcelain brand. And according to the Silestone technical datasheet, quartz worktops offer a liquid absorption rate of 0.05%. Whilst slightly higher than porcelain’s, it remains below a negligible 1%, classifying quartz as a non-porous worktop material. 

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Which One Is Better for Outdoor Projects: Porcelain or Quartz?

When deciding which is the right worktop for your kitchen or bathroom, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if you’re looking for a surface that can withstand the elements, you may wonder: are porcelain worktops or quartz more outdoor-suitable? In other words, which one is more outdoor-suitable: porcelain or quartz?

Let’s take a closer look at these worktop materials to see how they compare:

We mentioned that quartz worktops are non-porous, heat-resistant, and resistant to scratches and staining. However, quartz can fade or get tanned in direct sunlight over time.

Porcelain is UV-suitable, meaning its colours and shades do not alter when exposed to sunshine for extended periods.

In comparison, most quartz products are susceptible to sun rays when exposed to them for long periods. The direct sunlight isn’t strong enough to affect a quartz worktop in an interior space, but it would be when applied outdoors.

So, if you are on the market searching for a worktop that can resist high temperatures, porcelain is the better choice. However, if you need a more robust product with a generally lower price tag, quartz may be a better choice for you.

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Pro Tip: Have you seen the new Caesarstone porcelain range of worktops for indoor and outdoor kitchens? It replicates concrete, metal, marble, and many more traditional decoration materials without their inherent maintenance.

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The Bottom Line: Comparing Porcelain and Quartz Worktops

If you’re considering installing new worktops in your kitchen, you may wonder whether to choose porcelain or quartz. Should I buy porcelain worktops or quartz?, you may wonder. -Both surfaces have advantages and disadvantages, so weighing your options carefully before deciding is crucial.

Porcelain worktops comprise a new ceramic material that is extremely strong and durable. In addition, porcelain is resistant to scratches, heat, and stains, and it is also non-porous, which means it won’t absorb liquids or harbour germs.

Porcelain worktops require very little maintenance and are easy to clean; however, they are more susceptible to chipping and cracking than quartz if they are not appropriately handled. Porcelain worktops are also generally more expensive than quartz countertops.

So, Should I Buy Porcelain Worktops or Quartz?

Quartz worktops comprise a combination of natural quartz and a small percentage of polymer resins. Quartz is also strong, durable, and resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. Like porcelain, quartz worktops are non-porous and easy to clean; however, they can be damaged by temperatures over 150 Celsius. Quartz countertops are available in more colours, sizes and styles but are unsuitable outdoors like porcelain worktops.

Ultimately, the final decision is down to your lifestyle, the use you give to the worksurfaces in your kitchen, and your budget. One thing is sure: whether you select quartz worktops or porcelain, neither of these top work surfaces will disappoint.

Further Reading: Other Worktops Materials to Consider

In addition to porcelain and quartz, there are a few other worktop materials you might want to consider for your kitchen.

• Solid Surface: Solid surface worktops contain a mixture of acrylic or polyester resins and fillers. They are non-porous, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant; you can mould them into almost any shape. One huge downside of solid surface countertops is that they can be scratched or burned much more quickly than any stone.
• Laminate: Laminate worktops comprise layers of paper or plastic bonded with resins. They are inexpensive and easy to care for, but you can easily damage them with heat and scratches.
• Concrete: Concrete worktops are becoming more popular in recent years. They are durable and heat-resistant, but they can be expensive and difficult to install. In addition, natural concrete can easily stain if the sealants don’t protect it at a 100% rate.

If you are in a hurry and don’t have much time, you can watch our video below summarizing the key concepts in this article.

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