What are the Key Differences Between Porcelain and Quartz Benchtops?
What are the Key Differences Between Porcelain and Quartz Benchtops?
Our design experts field all kinds of design questions each day. Of these, one of the more common inquiries is, “should I use quartz or porcelain for my benchtop?” Considering the benchtop is the workhorse of any kitchen, it’s certainly an important topic to explore. At Archant, we love to educate others about the various aspects of great design. Keep reading to get the lowdown on which surface might be best for your project.
Porcelain and quartz are both gorgeous, long-lasting options that are hard to beat. Still, in working with thousands of clients around New Zealand, we know that every homeowner has a list of what features are essential for them. To get a better feel for these two surfaces, it helps to understand the key strengths and weaknesses of both. It’s not just the style that makes an impact, but overall durability, and of course, price.
We will cover all those considerations and more in this article. We trust this knowledge will help you determine the perfect benchtop solution for your kitchen.
Real World Durability - Quartz vs Porcelain Surfaces
Let’s put your mind at ease right from the start. With both porcelain and quartz surfaces, you can expect a product that is long-lasting and strong. And while they each feature robust durability, there are some key differences you should know about.
3 Reasons Why Porcelain Has the Advantage
Perhaps we should have given a spoiler alert. Yet, if you’ve researched benchtops in the past, you’re likely aware of the superior durability of porcelain. There are three main distinctions in comparing how these surfaces will function.
- Porcelain benchtops boast incredible heat-resistant Quite frankly, it’s super convenient to put hot cookware directly onto the surface without burning it. Quartz worktops on the other hand are mixed with resin which burns upon contact with a frying pan from the oven. For some, this high level of heat resistance is not necessary. Plenty of homeowners are quite happy to simply use a trivet. Yet, in busy kitchens, many prefer the flexibility of porcelain here. Consider your specific kitchen workflow to help guide you here.
- When it comes to stains and scratches, both surfaces offer excellent resistance. This is thanks to their non-porous nature. Yet, here again, the level of scratch and stain resistance is far greater with porcelain. For example, you can cut directly on the benchtop without requiring a chopping block. Alternatively, if you’re chopping veggies on a quartz surface without a cutting board, you can potentially damage the stone. So, while both options are durable, porcelain offers a bit more convenience in the kitchen.
- The colour of porcelain will not fade or yellow over time. UV rays that would discolour a quartz surface do not affect porcelain surfaces, even when used outdoors.
Cost of Porcelain vs Quartz Surfaces
All things being equal, a quartz benchtop will be easier on the budget when compared to porcelain. The reason for this is due to the more sophisticated fabrication and installation process of porcelain. The expertise needed to manage and maintain the integrity of porcelain slabs is more involved. With fabrication and labour times increased, the cost will be affected.
And while the price difference may only be 10 – 15%, it’s worth noting for those looking for the most cost-effective option. As many of our clients already know, quartz is an amazing, and budget-friendly option to design the kitchen of your dreams around.
As part of the discussion on cost, it makes sense to also look at product warranties. With Archant Porcelain, the benchtops come with a generous lifetime warranty. This provides homeowners with outstanding peace of mind. Our warranty for Quartz surfaces is still considerable at 12 years but falls short in comparison.
For more details on the cost differences between quartz and porcelain, be sure to check out our pricing guide here.
Which Surface is More Stylish, Quartz or Porcelain?
What do you envision when you think about your ideal benchtop? Is it an elegant surface that looks like marble, or is it the rugged appearance of concrete? Then again, you may prefer something more industrial. With porcelain, we have a massive variety of styles to upscale nearly every design aesthetic.
Additional options include the popular rustic look of our metal collection, the vintage quality of stone, or simple solid colours. Whatever expression you choose, porcelain can elevate your design to a whole new level of sophistication.
To further customise the look and feel of your space, you can choose from various finishes. Some clients love a polished and modern appearance, while others prefer a more textured, or matte finish. Either way, the quality of the material is world-class, as is our fabrication and installation process.
Quartz has also been widely embraced as one of the premiere benchtop solutions in New Zealand. Manufacturers continue to develop new colours and features every year. If you’re looking to make a splash in your project and create a new style that hasn’t necessarily been done before, you’ll be pleased by the immense range of quartz options to choose from.
The Archant collection alone features over forty styles to review. These aren’t limited to highly polished finishes, but other matte and textured surfaces as well. For example, many of our customers love the distressed look and feel of our Metropolis range.
What's Your Benchtop Preference?
An increasing number of homeowners are discovering the many benefits of porcelain and quartz benchtops. They are both valuable additions to kitchens of all shapes and sizes. With a huge array of styles as well as rugged durability, porcelain does have an advantage over quartz as a whole. Then, there’s the lifetime warranty which is hard to beat. For some, though, these differences are not worth the added cost over quartz. Either way, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting a stylish benchtop that will transform the look and feel of your home.
Have Questions About Your Kitchen Renovation?
At Archant, we understand just how important it is to choose the right benchtop for your kitchen. We encourage you to stop into one of our New Zealand showrooms. Take a close look at the quartz and porcelain slabs. Feel the finish, explore the colours, and ask our design experts for their feedback. Whichever surface you end up choosing, we’re confident you will not only love it, but enjoy it for many years to come.
Related Links
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Porcelain vs Quartz Benchtops: Which is the Best Surface For Your Kitchen? (Comparison)
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