When it comes to installing a new countertop in your kitchen, you have a lot of options. For years, the go to countertop was porcelain, for many reasons. But over the years, new developments in countertop materials and design features have shown homeowners that porcelain is not the only choice when it comes to quality. And these options are not just for the rich, like 100% quartz countertops. One major change has been the addition of composite materials, especially quartz composites. In this article, we will break down the features of porcelain and quartz composites to help you decide on which option to choose for your kitchen.
Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain Countertops have long been a popular choice for homeowners. They are luxurious, have excellent durability, require low maintenance and there are a lot of designs to choose from. Any one of these design choices can complement your kitchen’s style, because porcelain has unique characteristics that elevate your design, no matter what style you choose. With this material, you will find beautiful and charming aesthetics. There are various patterns, textures, and colors to choose from. They even have colors that can mirror rare stones to neutral palettes. Not only are they sure to please the eye, they are low maintenance.
Porcelain countertops resist heat, scratches, and stains, which make them a beautiful and practical option for your kitchen. They’re perfect for busy kitchens because of their durability. Additionally, they are non-porous, meaning food and spills won’t seep into the layers beneath the surface. Therefore, they provide a safer and cleaner surface to work with. Any regular household cleaner will do the job. Another great feature of porcelain is that it doesn’t chip or crack. So, what’s the downside? The biggest problem homeowners on a tight budget have is that they are expensive. However, if your budget is higher, you’ll be thankful you’ve installed porcelain countertops.
Quartz Composite Countertops
When it comes to quartz composite countertops, two leading brands are SILESTONE and Gibraltar. Quartz composite countertops are great for homeowners who want a durable, low maintenance option. It can be expensive, but usually will cost less than porcelain.
This option is made of a combination of natural quartz and other materials that are extremely hard and resistant to scratches heat and chips. The disadvantage is you can’t put any hot pan or electrical appliance directly on the surface because this can cause scorching, dull areas and cracks. Examples include: crock pots, electric skillets, or griddles directly on the surface. However, like porcelain, quartz composite countertops are non- porous. Also, it is renewable and easy to repair. Besides these great features, they are stain, mold, and mildew resistant.
Quartz composite is made with up to 93% high quality natural quartz crystals. These countertops have polyester binders, and unique coloring that holds throughout their depth. Not only elegant, but they are also durable and can be a great option for quartz lovers who can’t bring themselves to purchase a high ticket item such as 100% quartz.
You may be asking yourself, what’s the difference between composite and full quartz? Silestone shares with its customers that the difference doesn’t exist. You are only getting a better value while not skimping on features and aesthetics. In fact, Silestone boasts a variety of bright colors, which you can ‘t get with porcelain or 100% quartz. Wilsonart’s Gibraltar brand, on the other hand, is catered more to homeowners who want solid natural-colored surfaces.
Call A Pro
Whichever countertop you choose, you’ll want to make sure the installation is performed correctly. This job is not for the weekend DIYer. If you are in Upstate South Carolina, call us here at Greenville Refinishing. We will be happy to come to your home and give you a direct quote for the job, unlike our competitors who give homeowners an estimate that is an approximate, fluctuating price. If you want high quality with professional craftsmanship don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Greenville Refinishing
864-252-5106
Written by: Craig Byrne
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