Granite or Porcelain Slab Countertops: Which Is Right for You?

Are you looking for a long-lasting yet attractive countertop for your upgraded or new kitchen? There are multiple options to consider when it comes to the best material, including granite and porcelain.

Both offer excellent resilience so are popular among homeowners. Granite is a natural stone formed from igneous rock that is made up of several minerals, including quartz and mica. Together these minerals make granite highly durable. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is manufactured in a factory using clay with very fine grains at extremely high temperatures.

In this post, we compare granite and porcelain stab countertops so you can determine which is right for your home.

Let’s get started.

Choosing Between Granite and Porcelain Slab Countertops

Below are a few factors to consider when choosing between granite and porcelain for the custom countertops in your Toronto-area home.

1. Durability

Granite is one of the most durable stones on the planet. Besides diamond, it is the hardest natural stone. Compared to granite, the higher durability of porcelain comes from processing. And the more a porcelain slab is kilned, the tougher it becomes. Moreover, both of these slabs are resistant to scratches and dents.

However, granite has higher scratch and crack resistance than any other natural stone, but porcelain may chip if heavy objects fall on it.

2. Appearance and Colours 

Granite has warm tones and grainy textures that give it depth. Indeed, its appearance may change the character of the space in which it is mounted. Granite slabs are available in earthy colours like red, black, beige, and grey.

Porcelain comes in diverse textures and sophisticated patterns, and its finish ranges from glazed to matte.

3. Resistant to Moisture

Like other natural stones, granite is porous and can absorb a lot of moisture. It only resists moisture if it is properly installed and sealed.

However, porcelain is resistant to moisture and is widely used in occasionally humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Maintenance

As granite is porous it is susceptible to staining. Therefore, all spills must be cleaned up immediately. Like other natural stones, it requires only occasional sealing to prevent discolouration or staining. Usually, wiping with warm water and dish soap is enough to maintain granite countertops.

Porcelain is manmade and does not fade or stain easily so requires almost no maintenance. No sealing is required as it does not have a porous surface.

5. Easy to Install 

As granite countertops are very heavy and difficult to move, professional installation is always recommended.

Porcelain slab countertops are comparatively lighter and may be transported much more easily. However, it is still recommended that they be mounted by expert installers, just like granite countertops.

6. Resistant to Heat

Granite countertops are heat resistant so will not get damaged even when hot pans or pots are placed on them. Porcelain kitchen countertops are also resistant to heat and do not crack or chip, even when exposed to heat.

7. Thickness 

Porcelain slab countertops are thinner than granite ones. This leads to various limitations that you should be aware of when purchasing.

For instance, thickness can affect the kinds of edges needed. The slab should be thick enough to have a profiled edge. But porcelain countertops are too thin for an edge profile so options for their design are limited.

Granite countertops are comparatively thicker and may be easily profiled using diverse techniques for making decorative edges.

8. Price

Porcelain countertops cost less and are easier to maintain and install, making them a more affordable option than granite countertops. As granite is a natural stone, it requires more maintenance and costs more to install.

When choosing granite and porcelain slab countertops, note that each has distinct properties. Which is most appropriate for your kitchen? If you are still struggling to decide, contact MaxSpace Stone Works. We are a leading fabricator of porcelain and natural stone countertops in Toronto.