Choosing a suitable surface for your kitchen is a crucial decision. An ideal kitchen countertop should be durable and easy to maintain, given its frequent usage. There is a wide range of options available in the market for kitchen countertops – from quartz to porcelain. But which material would be the optimal choice for your kitchen? Let’s explore in depth the differences between porcelain and quartz so you can determine which material is suitable for your elegant kitchen space.

Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Quartz is a mineral found abundantly in nature. The countertops are made of crushed quartz crystals with resin and pigments, which are combined to imitate the look of stone. It is durable, non-absorbent, scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Additionally, unlike natural stone countertops, quartz doesn’t need a coating of sealant. However, quartz countertops can’t endure the heat for long periods of time.

Properties of Quartz

Mentioned below are the special properties of quartz that make it an attractive material for the kitchen.

• Aesthetics:Quartz is designed to replicate the look of natural stone, making it a cost-effective material to elevate the appearance of your kitchen.
• Non-porosity:It is non-porous in nature, which means that it doesn’t absorb any liquid, making it anti-bacterial.
• Durability:It is a dense and strong material as well as scratch resistant. However, it isn’t highly stain-proof.
• Ease of maintenance:Quartz doesn’t require an additional coating of the sealant like other materials. Moreover, you can clean the surface simply by using a soft cloth and water or mild detergent.

Porcelain Kitchen Countertops

Porcelain is a type of ceramic material made from refined clay, made at extremely high temperatures, which makes the end product heat resistant. It is available in various colours and designs that emulate natural elements like marble. It is durable, non-absorbent, stain and scratch-proof, and easy to maintain.

Properties of Porcelain

Here are some unique qualities of porcelain that makes it appealing kitchen top surface.

• Aesthetics:Porcelain is available in many different designs that mimic the look of marble, which elevates the appearance of the room.
• Heat resistance:As porcelain is baked at extremely high temperatures during its manufacturing process, it creates a heat-resistant product.
• Long-lasting colour:Even if the material is exposed to direct sunlight for hours, it doesn’t change or fade its colour, unlike other materials.
• Scratch resistance:Porcelain is a robust and durable material that is resistant to stains and scratches.

Key Differences Between Porcelain and Quartz

One of the main distinguishing features between the two materials is that porcelain has a better heat tolerance than quartz. As the kitchen is a space that must endure hot temperatures, porcelain has the upper hand when it comes to offering countertops that can withstand extreme heat.

Although both quartz and porcelain are hard surfaces, porcelain takes it to the next level by allowing your countertop to be used as a cutting board. You may not want to take that that risk with quartz surfaces.

Last but not least, cleaning of porcelain surfaces would require less effort compared to quartz. The absorbance rates are lower for porcelain surfaces which makes it even more unlikely to stain compared to many other materials including quartz.

Are you shopping for porcelain countertops for your kitchen? Get the best porcelain products from Northern Lights Porcelain. We specialize in creating large format slabs made with high-quality materials, which are ideal for walls, floors and kitchen countertops. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products.