Porcelain and granite are both great worktop materials. They share various similarities, which can make it difficult to pick between the two.
In this article, we’ve done a detailed comparison between porcelain vs granite countertops to help you choose the right one for your bathroom or kitchen.
Porcelain vs Granite Worktops: Quick Comparison
Here is a quick glance at the differences between porcelain and granite countertops. We go into more detail about each aspect in the following sections.
Parameters | Porcelain | Granite | Verdict |
Material/Composition | Made from compressed clay, minerals & powders | Natural stone quarried from the earth | Different base materials |
Durability | Highly durable, maintenance-free | Durable but needs periodic sealing for longevity | Porcelain wins |
Scratch resistance | Extremely high resistance, rarely scratches | Good resistance but can scratch with heavy use | Porcelain wins |
Heat resistance | Excellent – up to 1000°F. | Excellent – up to 1200°F. | Both win |
Porosity | Non-porous | Porous (needs sealing) | Porcelain wins |
Cost | £200 to £450 per square metre | £100-£150 per metre square | Granite wins |
Appearance | Sleek, modern designs. Large range of colours available. | One of a kind beauty of natural stone. Luxurious appearance. | Both materials win |
Granite vs Porcelain Countertops: Detailed Comparison
Here’s how each countertop material fares as per different parameters:
Composition / Material
Porcelain countertops are engineered using high-quality ceramic materials that are pressed into slabs under extreme pressure and heat.
These slabs are made from fine clay, minerals, and natural ingredients.
On the other hand, granite is a completely natural stone quarried directly from the earth.
It’s composed of interlocking mineral crystals, primarily quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving each piece its unique patterns and characteristics.
Appearance
Porcelain is available in a vast array of colours, patterns, and finishes and even mimics the appearance of stone.
Manufacturers can basically create different looks, from solid colours to marble-like veining. This makes it an ideal choice for you if you’re looking for more designs and versatility.
Granite, on the other hand, has a natural beauty that is further enhanced through its unique patterns of speckles and swirls, all formed over millions of years.
Every granite slab that is cut is unique, with its own unique mineral formations and differences in colours that cannot be replicated entirely. All these features make granite an excellent pick for people who want a more natural and luxurious look.
Durability
Due to their engineered composition, Porcelain worktops stand out for their excellence in durability.
They are impact and chip-resistant, and when you take proper care of them, you can maintain their beauty for years to come.
Although granite is widely known for its hardness, it requires sealing from time to time to ensure it lasts longer. You can read about sealing granite worktops in detail here.
Natural stones may also crack or chip easily when they come into contact with heavy objects, especially on the edges.
Ultimately, both granite and porcelain can last for decades if you take good care of them.
Scratch Resistance
Thanks to its engineered composition, porcelain provides 30% higher scratch resistance than granite.
Porcelain scores up to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it easily withstand daily usage without any prominent signs of wear and tear. Moreover, it doesn’t require using special cutting boards (although it’s still recommended to use one).
Similarly, granite ranks between 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
This hardness makes it easy and ideal for daily use. However, it can still develop scratches from sharp objects or hard objects, as per the test conducted by Use Natural Stone.
While both materials require you to use cutting boards and careful use, porcelain clearly has an edge over granite.
Porosity
Porcelain is essentially non-porous, making it highly resistant to stains and bacterial growth.
It doesn’t require sealing and won’t absorb liquids, making it exceptionally hygienic for kitchen use.
On the other hand, granite is naturally porous and needs regular sealing (typically annually) to prevent staining and moisture absorption.
Without proper sealing, granite can absorb liquids, potentially leading to staining or harbouring bacteria. However, sealing granite worktops is easy and can be done with the help of a professional. Once granite is sealed it is virtually non-porous and won’t harbour bacteria.
Porcelain vs Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons
While both porcelain and granite countertops have their advantages, they also come with their own disadvantages. Here’s a quick glance at both their pros and cons:
Porcelain Pros
- Extremely resistant to scratches
- Never needs sealing
- UV and heat-resistant
- Wide colour selection available
Porcelain Cons
- Higher initial installation cost
- Limited edge design options
- Can chip at edges
You can also check out our detailed porcelain pros and cons guide to read more.
Granite Pros
- Adds to home resale value (i.e many buyers prefer granite in their kitchens)
- Unique natural patterns
- Durable when maintained properly
- More affordable installation options
Granite Cons
- Requires regular sealing
- Colours are limited to what is produced by nature
- Heavier than porcelain
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reached the end of our comparison, choosing between porcelain and granite worktops ultimately depend on your specific needs:
- Choose porcelain if you want a low-maintenance, highly durable surface that won’t require regular sealing and offers consistent patterns. It’s perfect for busy households that prioritise practicality over natural stone aesthetics.
- Choose granite if you appreciate unique natural patterns and don’t mind annual maintenance. It’s ideal for homeowners who value traditional elegance and are looking for a potentially budget-friendly option that can still last for decades.
Need Help in Choosing Between Porcelain and Granite?
At Paramount Stones, our trained fabricators can guide you in picking the best countertop material tailored to your needs and budget. You can reach out to us at 01482 585600 via call or email us at info@paramountstone.co.uk today!