There are numerous natural and engineered surfaces to consider if you’re looking for a sturdy yet aesthetically pleasing countertop for your upcoming remodeling project. Options like stone and porcelain provide extraordinary durability, which you will surely enjoy from a practical aspect. But how do these two materials differ from one another? You need to take into account the function they provide and your preferred aesthetic because they are priced similarly.
What is the Difference Between Granite and Porcelain?
Due to its hardness and accessibility, natural stone has been chosen for construction for hundreds of years. Granite is one of the most popular selections today since it can be cheaper than other available natural stones. On the other hand, porcelain countertops and flooring have started to gain traction. Due to its adaptability, its popularity has skyrocketed, and new fashion trends are likely to emerge in the near future.
Origin
Granite: Granite is created as magma slowly crystallizes beneath the Earth’s surface. Granite is mainly made up of feldspar and natural quartz, with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other raw materials. This enables the formation of massive mineral crystals. These crystals are what give granite its color. Granite is a very popular material to consider for home remodeling projects since it is available in a range of hues, and it is usually used for counters in kitchens and bathrooms. There are several varieties of granite; some even simulate other stones like marble.
Porcelain: China stone and kaolin are heated at high temperatures to create porcelain. The kaolin helps the China stone keep its shape while the heat makes it incredibly robust. A colored glaze is used to enhance the decorative charm of porcelain surfaces. The glaze will allow you to replicate natural stone designs on porcelain tiles or surfaces. If you prefer to keep things basic, you can order your porcelain unglazed.
Appearance
Granite: Granite gives your countertop an elegant appearance. Every area of the house that uses this natural stone will look more appealing right away. Granite often features a considerable amount of depth in addition to a dynamic interaction of texture and color. The composition of granite contains visible mineral crystals.
Porcelain: Being an artificial substance, porcelain has a wide range of color and design options, and uniformity is easier to obtain. Throughout the manufacturing process, colors and designs are printed on the porcelain’s surface, enabling elaborate designs and vivid colors. With enough money, you can have porcelain truly unique to you.
Note: Seam visibility is among the most crucial factors to take into account when deciding between granite and porcelain surfaces. Both materials will inevitably have seams, but on porcelain, it will be far more obvious. Granite countertops have greater differences in color and texture, whereas porcelain will have a more uniform pattern as they are artificial. On porcelain surfaces, seams are, therefore, more likely to be visible. Granite is a better option if you’re going for a smooth appearance.
Durability
Granite: Since granite is a natural stone, you can assume it is tough. It has a Mohs hardness rating of seven! As a result, when placed properly, it will survive a very long period and not require replacement during your lifetime. The only reason you’ll replace it is so you may redesign the house. Unless you aggressively hit granite with a hammer, it won’t scratch or crack. Granite is incredibly durable. It is also reasonably heat resistant, so if you use one as a kitchen countertop, a little bit of heat from a pan here and there won’t do any harm. I would still use caution because prolonged exposure to heat may harm the sealing. However, I would exercise caution because extended exposure to heat could damage the sealing.
Porcelain: Porcelain surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms are extraordinarily durable, tough, and impact-resistant—until you drop a large load from a considerable height. They normally don’t experience degradation either. Don’t be too careless, though—still, there’s a risk of chips and cracks. It is scratch-resistant due to its hardness, just like quartz and granite. Ceramic knives can occasionally harm porcelain, so use them with caution. Countertops made of porcelain can survive the heat since they are created at such high temperatures. Even though hot kitchenware should always be set down on mats or trivets, doing so won’t burn or harm the surface. Since porcelain is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and won’t fade in the sun, it is a great material for outdoor kitchen counters.
Maintenance
Granite: When your granite countertop has been professionally sealed, it is easy to maintain. Use a soft cloth to dust the surface. You might also wipe it with some water or mild dish soap. If you need to clean your granite countertop thoroughly, use a pH-neutral granite cleaner. You should never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. You will need to re-seal it once every two years.
Porcelain: It is moisture and stain-resistant and is simple to clean. Although the material is sturdy, the grout used in the installation is more vulnerable to moisture and requires a surface sealant to prevent water absorption. If it does get wet, it could ruin the countertops or floors and cause the growth of mold. Other than that, you don’t really need to do much in terms of maintenance. Just make sure you clean it with mild soap and water after each kitchen session. Porcelain is non-porous. It is already sealed because it has been fired with a glaze; therefore no more measures are necessary to ensure hygiene.
Cost
The average cost of granite porcelain is quite similar. Granite typically costs between $40 and $100 per installed square foot. This amount may reach $200 if the granite is a rare variety. Based on the style of beveled edge you choose and the complexity of the project, installing slab porcelain countertops can cost between $50 and $100 per square foot. If there are more cutouts and corners, the cost per square foot is probably going to rise.
Conclusion
Although granite and porcelain share many similarities, they also stand out as two distinct materials. Compared to granite, porcelain slabs have a wider range of styles and hues. Porcelain slabs can have their chips and cracks repaired, but the damage will still be visible afterward. On the other hand, in addition to all the other advantages, granite has a more natural appearance. It all comes down to your preferences. Check out Tez Marble’s catalog for a more visual approach when you’re done reading this article.