When it comes to choosing new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, two popular options are porcelain and quartz. Both offer elegant good looks, durability, and easy maintenance. But which one is the more budget-friendly choice? Here is an in-depth comparison of porcelain vs quartz countertops to help you decide which is cheaper.
Porcelain Countertops Overview
Porcelain countertops provide a high-end look at a more affordable price point compared to natural stone. Porcelain is made from purified clay and minerals that are compressed under high heat and pressure to create a dense, non-porous material.
Some key features of porcelain countertops:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Stain, heat, and water resistant
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
- Can mimic look of natural stone or concrete
- Non-porous so does not need frequent sealing
- Resists growth of bacteria and mold
- Easy to clean and maintain
Porcelain offers great value in terms of its strength, durability, and resistance to staining and damage. It stands up well in busy kitchens and requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone. The material is more budget-friendly than quartz or granite.
Quartz Countertops Overview
Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from about 90% ground quartz particles blended with resin and pigments. The result is a durable, attractive countertop material that has gained popularity in recent years.
Some key attributes of quartz countertops:
- Extremely hard, scratch and stain resistant surface
- Non-porous so does not require sealing
- Resists heat, scratches, and stains
- Available in wide array of colors and patterns
- Does not need frequent polishing or sealing
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- More expensive than porcelain
Quartz offers superior durability and stone-like elegance. But it comes at a higher price than porcelain. Quartz typically costs $80-$120 per square foot installed. It’s about 20-50% more expensive than porcelain.
Cost Comparison of Porcelain vs Quartz
So when it comes to affordability, porcelain generally provides better value for money than quartz. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Porcelain countertops – $40-$75 per square foot installed
- Quartz countertops – $80-$120 per square foot installed
Porcelain is the cheaper option based on square foot pricing. The overall cost difference for a typical 25 square foot countertop installation may be $500-$1000 less for porcelain compared to quartz.
Keep in mind costs vary by:
- Type of material: Calacatta porcelain or exotic quartz patterns cost more than plain white options.
- Edge treatments: Decorative edges like bullnose or ogee raise costs.
- Installation challenges: Complex layouts cost more.
But in most cases, porcelain delivers an elegant high-end look at a lower price point than quartz.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain vs Quartz
Here’s a quick comparison of the pros and cons when choosing between porcelain and quartz:
Porcelain Pros:
- More affordable than quartz
- Highly durable and scratch resistant
- Resists staining, etching, and heat
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
Porcelain Cons:
- Can chip if subject to impact
- Prone to cracking if not installed properly
- Surface can be damaged by dropped heavy objects
Quartz Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant
- Easy maintenance and heat/stain resistant
- Consistent patterns and colors throughout slab
- More resistant to chips and cracks than porcelain
Quartz Cons:
- More expensive than porcelain
- Limited number of patterns/colors
- Can be damaged by heavy impact
- Needs periodic resealing of seams
Which is Better for Your Home?
While porcelain generally provides greater value, quartz is unmatched for resilience and durability. Which is best comes down to your budget, style, and how you use your kitchen. Consider:
Pick porcelain if you want:
- Affordable elegance that mimics high-end looks
- Huge variety of colors and patterns
- Busy kitchen prone to stains, heat, and wear-and-tear
Pick quartz if you want:
- Superior durability and scratch resistance
- Stone-look patterns consistent throughout
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- A long-lasting investment for decades
Conclusion
When choosing between porcelain and quartz countertops, porcelain generally offers greater affordability and value. But quartz provides unparalleled durability and resilience for years of beauty with minimal upkeep. Consider how you cook, entertain, and use your space to decide if lower-cost porcelain or indestructible quartz best fits your lifestyle and budget. With some smart shopping, you can find a gorgeous counter material that looks like a million bucks without the mega price tag.