Last Updated on June 6, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If you are in the market for a new countertop, you may be wondering whether you should choose porcelain or granite. Both of these materials have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you. In this blog post, we will compare porcelain and granite countertops and help you decide which material is right for your home!
Related: 22 Types of Countertops: Which One Is the Best for You?
Porcelain countertops.
What is a porcelain countertop?
Porcelain countertops are a type of countertop made from porcelain, which is a type of ceramic. Porcelain countertops are very strong and durable, making them a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
Pros of porcelain countertops:
-They are very strong and durable.
-They are heat resistant.
-They are easy to clean.
-They resist stains and scratches.
-They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Cons of porcelain countertops:
Porcelain countertops are not heat resistant. If you place a hot pot on them, they can crack.
They are also susceptible to scratches and chips. And, because they are so hard, if they do chip or scratch, it can be difficult to repair them.
Porcelain countertops can also be expensive.
Porcelain countertops vs. granite countertops
Appearance.
Granite countertops have a more natural look, while porcelain countertops have a more polished look.
Porcelain countertops are available in a variety of colors and patterns, while granite countertops are available in a limited number of colors.
Hardness.
Porcelain countertops are harder than granite countertops. This is because porcelain is a harder material than granite. The hardness of a material is measured on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
On this scale, porcelain is a seven and granite is a six. This means that porcelain is more resistant to scratches and chips than granite. When it comes to hardness, porcelain is the clear winner.
Cost.
Porcelain countertops usually cost less than granite countertops. The price of porcelain varies depending on the brand, style, and quality. Granite is a natural stone, so it’s priced according to the type of granite and the availability. Porcelain is typically less expensive than granite, but the price difference depends on the materials used and the quality of the porcelain.
Composition.
Granite is an igneous rock, meaning it was once molten and has since cooled and solidified. It’s made up of a number of different minerals, including quartz, feldspar, mica, and amphibole. Porcelain, on the other hand, is a man-made material. It’s composed of clay, glass, and metal oxide.
Seam Visibility.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between porcelain and granite countertops is seam visibility. Seams are inevitable with both materials, but they are much more noticeable with porcelain.
This is due to the fact that porcelain is a man-made material, while granite is a natural stone. As such, porcelain countertops will have a more consistent pattern, while granite countertops will have more variations in color and texture.
This means that seams are more likely to stand out on porcelain countertops. If you’re looking for a seamless look, then granite is the better option.
Durability.
When it comes to durability, both porcelain and granite countertops are extremely durable. However, granite is slightly more durable than porcelain.
Granite is a harder material, so it is more resistant to scratches and chips. Porcelain is also very durable, but it is not as hard as granite and may scratch or chip more easily.
Repairs And Replacements.
If you’re considering replacing your countertops, you may be wondering whether to choose porcelain or granite. Both materials have their pros and cons, but when it comes to repairs and replacements, granite is the clear winner.
Granite is a natural stone that is incredibly durable. It’s heat resistant and scratch resistant, so it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. If it does suffer damage, it’s usually not too difficult to repair.
Porcelain is a man-made material that is also quite durable. However, it’s more susceptible to scratches and chips than granite, so it may require more frequent repairs. And if your porcelain countertop does suffer damage, it can be quite difficult and expensive to repair.
So, if you’re looking for a material that is easy to maintain and repair, granite is the way to go.
Maintenance.
When it comes to maintenance, both granite and porcelain countertops are fairly easy to care for. However, granite is a natural stone that needs to be sealed every few years in order to keep it from staining. Porcelain, on the other hand, is a non-porous material that doesn’t require sealing.
Heat Resistance.
In terms of heat resistance, both granite and porcelain countertops are resistant to high temperatures. However, granite is more heat resistant than porcelain. Porcelain can withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, while granite can withstand temperatures up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, if you’re looking for a countertop that can withstand high temperatures, granite is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a countertop that’s less expensive and still has good heat resistance, porcelain is a good option.
Water resistance.
Porcelain countertops are more water resistant than granite countertops. This is because porcelain is a non-porous material, meaning that it does not absorb water or other liquids. Granite, on the other hand, is a porous material, meaning that it can absorb water and other liquids. This means that if you spill something on a porcelain countertop, it is less likely to stain than if you spill something on a granite countertop.
Scratch resistance.
Porcelain countertops are more scratch resistant than granite countertops. This is because porcelain is a harder material than granite. However, both materials can be scratched if they are not properly cared for.
To avoid scratching your countertops, you should:
-Use cutting boards whenever possible when preparing food.
-Wipe up spills immediately.
-Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive scrub pads.
If you do scratch your countertop, granite can usually be repaired by a professional. Porcelain may also be able to be repaired, but it is more difficult and expensive.
Sealing Needs.
Porcelain countertops need to be sealed every few years, while granite countertops only need to be sealed once a year. Granite is more resistant to staining and doesn’t require as much maintenance as porcelain. When it comes to sealing, granite is the clear winner.
Home Resale Value.
When it comes to home resale value, both porcelain and granite countertops can give your home a significant boost. However, granite countertops may offer a slightly higher return on investment than porcelain countertops. If you’re looking to add value to your home for future resale, either option is a great choice.
Installation.
If you’re considering a porcelain or granite countertop for your kitchen, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether to install it yourself or hire a professional. While both options have their pros and cons, installation is generally easier with porcelain due to its lighter weight. Granite, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to work with but can give your kitchen a higher-end look.
If you do decide to go the DIY route, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand before getting started. You’ll also want to take some time to familiarize yourself with the installation process so that you can be sure everything goes smoothly.
Environmental Issues.
Granite countertops are made from natural stone, which must be mined from the earth. This process can have a significant negative impact on the environment, including air and water pollution, as well as habitat destruction.
Porcelain countertops, on the other hand, are made from recycled materials like glass, clay and sand. They are also recyclable, which means they have a much smaller environmental footprint than granite countertops.
Porcelain countertops vs. granite countertops: Final Verdict.
So, which is the better option for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a countertop that’s less expensive and easier to install, porcelain is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a countertop with higher heat resistance and scratch resistance, granite is the way to go. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that you’re making a wise investment in your home. Thanks for reading!
More Countertop Comparisons:
- Laminate vs. Granite Countertops: Which is Better for You?
- Quartz Countertops vs. Laminate Countertops: Pros and Cons
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- Quartz vs. Marble Countertops: The Ultimate Showdown (Cost, Installation)
- Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Installation, Durability, Cost
- Laminate vs. Marble Countertops: What’s the Difference?
- Laminate vs. Solid Surface Countertops: Which Is the Best for You?
- Corian Solid Surface vs. Granite Countertops: Which is Best For You?
- Polyester vs. Acrylic Solid Surface Countertops: Which is Best for You?
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