In the realm of interior design and construction, porcelain has long been a popular choice for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding due to its durability, heat resistance, and elegant look. However, a new contender, printed quartz, is rapidly emerging as a superior alternative. When comparing porcelain vs quartz, the latter offers significant advantages in terms of durability, aesthetic versatility, and ease of maintenance, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
In this article, we’ll explore why printed quartz outperforms porcelain and why it’s becoming the material of choice for homeowners, architects, and designers.
What is Printed Quartz?
When it comes to interior design and construction, two materials often come into the spotlight: porcelain vs quartz. Both materials are popular for surfaces like countertops, flooring, and wall cladding, but they offer different benefits. With the rise of printed quartz, it’s becoming clear that quartz offers advantages in terms of durability, aesthetic flexibility, and ease of maintenance, making it a top choice over porcelain.
In this article, we will dive into the comparison of porcelain vs quartz and explain why printed quartz is the superior choice.
You can explore our detailed analysis on printed quartz here.
Porcelain vs Quartz: Key Differences
1. Customizable Design Flexibility
One of the most significant advantages of printed quartz over porcelain is its design flexibility.
- Printed quartz allows for highly detailed, customizable designs through digital printing technology. This means that architects, designers, and homeowners can create any design they envision—from replicating the natural beauty of marble to incorporating completely unique patterns.
- In contrast, porcelain tiles and slabs are limited to pre-manufactured patterns. While porcelain can replicate natural stone to a degree, it lacks the versatility and precision of printed quartz.
Example:
A homeowner looking to replicate the intricate veining of Calacatta marble on their kitchen countertop can achieve this with printed quartz. In contrast, porcelain tiles may offer a close match but lack the depth and richness that printed quartz can provide.
2. Superior Durability
While porcelain is known for its durability, printed quartz offers superior strength.
- Printed quartz is composed of 90-95% natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, which gives it a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and impacts—ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and commercial flooring.
- Porcelain, although durable, is more susceptible to cracking or chipping under heavy impacts or during installation. Its strength does not compare to the engineered quartz material used in printed quartz slabs.
Example:
In a busy restaurant kitchen, printed quartz countertops would withstand heavy usage, knife scratches, and heat better than porcelain tiles, which are more prone to chipping or cracking under similar conditions.
3. Water and Stain Resistance
Both printed quartz and porcelain are non-porous, meaning they resist water absorption. However, printed quartz goes a step further in terms of stain resistance.
- The non-porous surface of printed quartz means that liquids like wine, coffee, or oil cannot seep into the material, making it extremely resistant to stains. This feature also makes printed quartz more hygienic and easier to clean, as it does not harbor bacteria.
- Porcelain, while also non-porous, is often installed with grout lines, especially in tile form. Grout can absorb stains and dirt, which requires more maintenance over time compared to the seamless surface of a printed quartz slab.
Example:
For a busy family kitchen, printed quartz countertops offer superior resistance to everyday spills and stains, whereas porcelain tile surfaces may require regular grout cleaning to maintain their appearance.
4. Heat Resistance
Both porcelain and printed quartz offer excellent heat resistance, but printed quartz has a slight edge.
- Printed quartz is designed to handle the heat of pots and pans directly off the stove without damage. Thanks to the quartz’s natural properties combined with resin technology, printed quartz can withstand higher temperatures than porcelain before showing signs of damage.
- Porcelain, while heat-resistant, can sometimes develop cracks when exposed to extreme temperature changes. This makes printed quartz the safer choice for areas like kitchen countertops where extreme temperatures are common.
Example:
A homeowner can place hot pots directly on a printed quartz countertop without worrying about damage, while porcelain might crack or discolor if subjected to the same heat.
5. Easier Maintenance
Printed quartz is virtually maintenance-free, while porcelain may require more care.
- Printed quartz requires only basic cleaning with soap and water to maintain its appearance. Its non-porous surface resists stains, bacteria, and mold, so it does not need regular sealing or special treatments.
- Porcelain, especially in tile form, may require regular cleaning and grout sealing to prevent dirt and stains from accumulating in the grout lines. Over time, porcelain tiles can lose their luster if not properly maintained.
Example:
A printed quartz kitchen countertop offers a seamless surface that requires no special maintenance, while porcelain tile countertops may require more upkeep to keep grout lines clean and protected.
6. Long-Term Value
Printed quartz offers better long-term value than porcelain, both in terms of performance and resale value.
- Printed quartz slabs are designed to last for decades without showing significant wear and tear. Their combination of durability, stain resistance, and customizable design means they retain their value longer than porcelain.
- Porcelain tiles, while durable, are more prone to chipping, cracking, and requiring grout maintenance. Over time, these factors can diminish the appearance and reduce the overall value of the surface.
Example:
For a homeowner looking to renovate their kitchen or bathroom, printed quartz will offer a better return on investment compared to porcelain, as it will stay looking new for many years with minimal maintenance.
Porcelain vs Quartz: Conclusion
In the porcelain vs quartz debate, printed quartz clearly emerges as the better alternative. With its superior durability, design flexibility, stain resistance, and low maintenance, it’s no wonder that printed quartz is rapidly becoming the material of choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
When deciding between porcelain vs quartz for your next project, consider the long-term benefits of printed quartz, from its customizable aesthetics to its durability and ease of care. Whether you’re designing a kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity, or commercial flooring, printed quartz offers everything you need—and more.