Quartz vs Porcelain Countertops: The Definitive Expert Guide

If you’re planning a kitchen or bath upgrade, you’ve likely found yourself in the "quartz vs porcelain" or "porcelain vs quartz" debate. You need a single, trustworthy source to make a confident decision. Verona Quartz Surfaces—your premier quartz countertop and porcelain slab supplier in Los Angeles—delivers exactly that. Below is the most complete, expert comparison available anywhere online, providing you with all the information you need to select the perfect material for your home. Stick around as we give it to you straight. As a supplier of both quartz and porcelain slabs, it's a countertop battle worth understanding to the core.

Quartz Vs. Porcelain Countertops

What Are Quartz and Porcelain Countertops?

Quartz countertops are an engineered stone product composed of approximately 90–93% natural quartz crystals, one of the earth’s most abundant minerals. These crystals are combined with high-quality resins and pigments under intense pressure. The result is a dense, non-porous slab that flawlessly mimics the appearance of natural stone like marble and granite, but with superior consistency in color and pattern. Quartz countertops don't need to be sealed or require ongoing maintenance. Versatile for interior uses only, quartz can take heat, but prolonged exposure to UV in an outdoor setting can discolor the surface, similar to quartzite.

Porcelain slabs are crafted from refined clay, silica, feldspar, and mineral oxides. These materials are compacted and fired at extremely high temperatures (up to 2,500°F). This process creates a vitrified, ultra-hard, and lightweight material that is non-porous and resistant to heat and UV rays. Its thin profile and large format make it ideal for not only countertops but also wall cladding and flooring, both indoors and out. Porcelain can be used indoors and out; however, due to its rich content of clay/feldspar, the finished edges can be prone to chipping in certain settings. Porcelain slabs are similar to large-format tiles but are generally thicker, making them the ideal choice for walls, floors, and fireplaces.

Appearance, Finishes, & Design Flexibility (Quartz vs Porcelain Countertops)

Quartz: The primary advantage of quartz is its ability to replicate the luxurious, three-dimensional depth and through-body veining of natural stone. It offers a wide range of styles, from classic marble-look Calacatta to speckled granite patterns and modern concrete finishes. Quartz can be finished in polished, honed (matte), or even textured/suede finishes, and its composition allows for a wide variety of edge profiles, from classic bullnose to intricate ogee edges. Engineered quartz countertops have a unique handcrafted pattern that recreates the beauty of natural stone. The standard finish of quartz, polished, is seen to resemble the finish of natural stone. Due to the resin content, quartz has great flexural strength compared to any other stone material and can be used for arches, fluted cladding, curved island, and rounded integrated sinks.

Porcelain: Porcelain uses high-resolution digital printing to apply patterns, allowing it to mimic not just marble and granite but also wood, metal, quartzite, and concrete with remarkable realism. Its large-format slabs minimize seams, creating a sleek, monolithic appearance, perfect for modern and minimalist designs. Porcelain can be book-matched for dramatic, continuous patterns on waterfall islands or backsplashes. However, its surface-level design means a deep chip may expose the uniform body underneath, and edge profile options are typically limited to mitered or squared edges.

Durability & Everyday Performance

Both materials are non-porous, making them highly resistant to staining and bacterial growth. They are easily cleaned with just soap and water, eliminating the need for sealing.

• Quartz Strength: With a Mohs hardness of 7, quartz is extremely scratch-resistant, making it a robust choice for high-traffic kitchens. Its engineered composition provides greater impact resistance than natural stone, reducing the likelihood of cracking or chipping. However, its resin binders are sensitive to extreme heat; prolonged exposure to hot pots and pans can cause discoloration or warping, so trivets are a must.

  
  

• Porcelain Strength: Porcelain is renowned for its exceptional durability. It is impervious to UV rays and can withstand heat up to 1000°F, making it the superior option for outdoor kitchens, sun-drenched patios, or fireplace surrounds. While generally more scratch-resistant than quartz, its inherent brittleness can make it more prone to chipping along its edges if a heavy object is dropped on it. Repairs for porcelain chips can be difficult to make seamless. If you plan to use porcelain outdoors as countertops, we recommend going with a matte, honed, or 3D textured slab to really keep it's beauty in the long run.

Thickness, Weight & Installation

• Quartz Slabs: Typically available in 20 mm (0.75") quartz provides a classic, substantial feel for countertops. Its weight and rigidity mean fabrication and installation are standard processes for stone professionals, leading to predictable costs and faster project turnaround times.

  
  

• Porcelain Slabs: Available in thinner profiles, often 12 mm (0.50"), porcelain is significantly lighter than quartz. This makes it an excellent choice for lightweight wall cladding. However, its thinness and brittleness demand specialized tools and highly skilled fabricators, which can lead to higher installation costs and the risk of failure if not handled properly.

Cost & Long-Term Value

The price of both materials can vary widely based on brand, design intricacy, and thickness. In 2025, engineered quartz countertops typically range from $60–$90 per square foot installed. Porcelain can be slightly more affordable on a per-slab basis, but the specialized labor and higher risk of breakage during installation can make the final cost even higher than quartz. While both materials are a significant investment, their exceptional durability and low maintenance provide excellent long-term value.

Eco-Friendliness

Both materials are considered sustainable choices. Porcelain is made from natural clays and minerals and is 100% recyclable. Its manufacturing process is energy-intensive but is improving with new technologies. Many quartz manufacturers incorporate recycled glass or mirror into their slabs and are committed to sustainable practices. However, quartz contains resins, while porcelain is entirely natural, which gives porcelain an edge in some eco-friendly certifications like LEED.

Best Applications

Project Type	Top Choice	Rationale
Indoor Kitchen Counters	Quartz	Offers luxurious depth, a wide array of designs, and high scratch/impact resistance.
Outdoor Kitchens/Patios	Porcelain	Impervious to UV rays and extreme heat, preventing fading and damage.
Fireplace Surrounds/Walls	Porcelain or Quartz	Porcelain excels for thin, seamless cladding; Quartz provides rich, substantial texture.
High-Traffic Commercial	Quartz	Its high impact strength and durability stand up to constant use.
Large-Scale Surfaces	Porcelain	Lighter weight and larger format allow for dramatic, floor-to-ceiling panels.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose quartz if you want luxurious depth, the classic, substantial feel of a countertop, and a tried-and-true material with established fabrication processes. It is the gold standard for indoor kitchen and bath surfaces, delivering unmatched durability, versatility, and easy maintenance.

Choose porcelain if your project requires ultra-thin, heat-proof, and UV-resistant slabs for both interior and exterior use. Porcelain is the premier choice for seamless, large-scale applications and can provide a truly unique, modern aesthetic.

Either option delivers lasting beauty and low-maintenance performance. The ultimate decision comes down to your specific project needs, timing, and budget. If you'd like a fast turnaround time and lower cost, go with quartz. If your project requires the exact look of your favorite natural stone, porcelain can do wonders for your budget, considering the cost of natural and exotic stones.

Source Your Quartz From the Leading Los Angeles Supplier

When homeowners and designers search for “quartz vs porcelain countertops Los Angeles,” they find Verona Quartz Surfaces first. We stock over 140 premium quartz colors—from timeless marble-look and granite-inspired patterns to contemporary concrete designs—ready for any residential or commercial project. Our expert team is also knowledgeable in the use of porcelain slabs and can provide guidance if that material best fits your vision. For the best source of top-quality quartz slabs in Los Angeles, Verona Quartz Surfaces is the name savvy homeowners trust.