If you are planning a kitchen remodel and thinking about porcelain or granite, you are at the right place.
It can be very overwhelming as the decision is kind of a permanent one. you will not be doing this for at least 10 years.
In this article porcelain countertop vs granite, I will cover everything you need to know about both the materials.
Once you are done reading, you will be able to decide which material would work best for your project.
So let’s get started….
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This Post is about porcelain countertop vs granite.
List os Topics:
- What is Granite
- What is Porcelain
- Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops (appearance, durability, heat resistance, maintenance & Cost)
- Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops (appearance, durability, heat resistance, maintenance & Cost)
- Which One is the Best ?
- FAQs
What is Granite ?
- Granite is a natural stone.
- It is an igneous rock that forms when magma cools slowly beneath the earth’s surface, developing visible crystals of feldspar, quartz, and mica.
- These give it a speckled look, with every slab having a unique design.
- Granite slabs are one of the hardest material available natural stone countertops.
- Granite is extracted from quarries using very heavy machinery. The machines extract large blocks. These block are then taken to the factories to be cut into slabs. the slabs are then polished.
What is Porcelain ?
- Porcelain is a man made material.
- Porcelain is a type of ceramic that has been fired under very high temperatures .
- Traditionally porcelain tiles have been used for flooring for a very long time.
The manufacturing process of porcelain slabs looks like this:
- Porcelain is made from a mixture of raw materials like natural clay, feldspar , mineral oxides and kaolin.
- This mixture is commonly know as China Clay. The mixture is wet-milled to a liquid slurry.
- This slurry is then dried and formed into large slabs of porcelain.
- Once the slabs are formed, each slabs is fired under extremely high temperatures.
- Porcelain countertops have been around for a while however they have become trendy in recent years.
Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops :
Appearance:
Granite countertops offer a one-of-a-kind look, as no two slabs are identical.
The natural patterns and colors can vary significantly, giving your space a unique and personal touch.
Granite countertops are available in a various colors, from light to dark, and can feature veining, speckles, or swirls.
Durability:
It is a very durable surface. It’s one of the best choice for kitchen countertops.
Heat Resistance:
Granite is heat resistant. You can put hot pans directly on the countertop surface.
Scratch Resistance :
Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut or chop right on the countertop surface.
Maintenance:
Granite being a porous material. Even though it is a very hard material, granite requires sealing. having said that, granite is a very low maintenance durable option. You need to seal it once a year and you are good.
For cleaning, you should stay away from harsh cleaners. Use cleaners that are meant to clean natural stone countertops.
Outdoor Applications:
Granite is a great choice for outdoor kitchen countertops. The direct sunlight does not cause any damage to the surface of the material.
Edge Options:
Granite slabs are typically available in two thicknesses: 2cm, and 3cm.
You have a lot more edge profile options for your kitchen countertop material as compared to porcelain slab countertops.
Cost of Granite Countertops:
The square foot cost of granite countertops typically ranges from $40 to $60. Some exotic granite can cost up to $200.
Installation fees can range from $30 to $50 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project.
There would be additional charges for sink cutouts and edge profiles.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops
Appearance:
Porcelain materials are also available in a wide variety of colors.
One of main differences between granite & porcelain is that porcelain surfaces are available with the look of natural stone.
Porcelain kitchen countertops are available with the look of marble.
They mimic naturals tone product so well.
Durability:
Porcelain is also a very durable material.
Heat Resistance:
Porcelain is very heat resistant also. You can put hot pots directly on the surface.
Scratch Resistance :
Porcelain is also scratch resistance however it may show signs of wear and tear sooner than granite.
I would recommend using cutting boards.
Maintenance:
One of the pros of porcelain countertops is that it is zero maintenance.
Since it is a man-made product, it is non porous. No sealing is required.
You can clean the surface with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Outdoor Applications:
Porcelain can also be used in outdoor kitchens.
It is uv resistant. It can take extreme heat well. That’s what makes it a popular choice for commercial spaces as well.
Edge Options:
Porcelain slabs are generally thinner than granite.
The standard thicknesses are typically around 6mm (approximately 1/4 inch) and 12mm (approximately 1/2 inch).
Due to its thinner nature, porcelain offers fewer edge choices.
Mitered or square edges are commonly done with porcelain to give an illusion of a thicker countertop surface.
Cost of Porcelain Countertops:
The cost of porcelain countertops material and installation is more than granite.
Porcelain countertops can range $40-$60 per square foot for the material.
The installation can range anywhere from $60-$80 per square foot.
Porcelain slabs are tricker to install and there is a great change of breaking the slab due to the slabs being thinner.
Things to keep in mind :
- You have to remember that my cost are just an average to give you an idea. Installation cost will vary a lot depending on the design and nature of the project.
- One of the important things to keep in mind is that if heavy objects hit both types of materials, they will be damaged.
- However, porcelain is more prone to chipping than granite.
- Granite takes extra points as compared to porcelain when it comes to fixing chipped corners. Porcelain countertops can not be fixed. But granite chipped edges can be fixed.
- The durability of porcelain is somewhat similar to granite.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN READING PORCELAIN VERSUS QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Which One is the Best ?
If you ask me, my vote will go to porcelain. For me Porcelain is the best because it’s available in so many color and pattern options.
Imagine having your countertop look exactly like marble countertops with no maintenance.
The only downside it that chipped corners are not fixable. And of course the cost is higher.
Here is a Video by Mark Tobin . He talks about porcelain countertops and shows samples for different colors.
Granite is a great option, how ever it does need sealing and it does not have as many choices as porcelain.
The good news is that it requires lower budget as compared to porcelain.
Granite will also have the real more natural look.
I will leave it up to you as to which is the right material for you. what would work for you when comparing all the features .
FAQs
Is porcelain more durable than granite?
While both materials are very durable, porcelain is non-porous, making it more resistant to stains and scratches.
Which one is more expensive, porcelain or granite?
The cost can vary widely for both, but generally, porcelain tends to have a higher installation cost.
Do both materials require high maintenance?
Granite requires regular sealing to protect it from stains, while porcelain is virtually maintenance-free.
Can porcelain mimic the look of granite?
Yes, one of the advantages of porcelain is that it can mimic various materials, including granite.
Which one adds more value to a home?
Both materials are high-end choices that can add value to your home, but granite has been a popular premium material for a longer time.
Disclaimer :
The information in this post is for general informational purposes only. The author
and publisher are not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss that may occur from using the
information provided. Readers should follow safety guidelines and take necessary precautions
as listed by installation countertop professionals.
This Post was about porcelain countertop vs granite.
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