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Quartz vs. Porcelain Countertops
Which is Best for Your Home?

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, choosing the right countertop material is a major decision. Two of the most popular premium surfaces today are quartz and porcelain. Both offer sleek aesthetics, excellent durability, and low maintenance—but they each have unique strengths depending on how and where they’ll be used.

At our Santa Monica showroom, we carry top quartz and porcelain brands, including Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, Pental Quartz, and SapienStone, giving you expert access to the best in modern surfacing.

Kitchen with blue walls

Quick Comparison – Quartz vs. Porcelain Countertops

 

 

When to Choose Quartz Countertops

Quartz is ideal for indoor spaces where beauty and function must coexist. It's the go-to choice for homeowners who want consistent color and patterning, without worrying about maintenance or sealing. Quartz is especially popular in:

  • Kitchens: Sleek surfaces that resist stains and spills

  • Bathrooms: Low-maintenance vanities and makeup counters

  • Laundry Rooms: Durable and moisture-resistant

  • Commercial Interiors: Stylish, uniform finishes for retail or office use

 

Top Brands We Carry:

[✓] Caesarstone – Modern, minimalist quartz with premium durability

[✓] Cambria – Rich, natural patterns made in the USA

[✓] Silestone – Colorful options with antimicrobial protection

[✓] Pental Quartz – Stylish and budget-friendly versatility

When to Choose Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain excels in both indoor and outdoor applications, especially where heat or sun exposure is a concern. It’s incredibly dense, thin, and durable—and it's one of the few materials that can go from indoor kitchen to outdoor BBQ without issue.

Best suited for:

  • Outdoor Kitchens: Won’t fade or crack under sun or heat

  • Modern Kitchens: Thin, slab-style surfaces with elegant veining

  • Wall Cladding: Perfect for backsplashes and seamless full-height panels

  • Fireplace Surrounds: Heat-safe and visually dramatic

 

Top Brands We Carry:

[✓] SapienStone – Italian-made porcelain with rich texture and realism

[✓] Caesarstone Porcelain – Durable, cutting-edge design from a trusted quartz brand

 

Quartz vs Porcelain – What’s Right for You?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Our Santa Monica Showroom

At our Santa Monica tile and surface showroom, we’ll help you compare quartz and porcelain slabs side-by-side, so you can feel the textures, view the patterns in person, and choose the perfect material for your project. Whether you're remodeling a coastal kitchen, upgrading a rental property, or building your dream outdoor living area, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from design selection to expert installation referrals.

Feature
Quartz
Porcelain
Material Type
Engineered stone (quartz + resin)
Sintered porcelain (clay + minerals)
Durability
Highly durable
Extremely durable
Heat Resistance
Moderate (use trivets)
High (safe for hot pots/pans)
UV Resistance
Not UV-stable
Fully UV-resistant
Water/Stain Resistance
Non-porous
Non-porous
Maintenance
Easy – no sealing required
Easy – no sealing required
Look & Style
Natural stone or solid color looks
Stone, concrete, or metal looks
Outdoor Use
Not recommended
Excellent for outdoors
Edge Durability
Strong, thicker profiles available
Thinner edges may be prone to chipping
Cost
$$$ to $$$$
$$$ to $$$$ (often higher install cost)
If You Want-
Choose-
Consistent color and pattern
Quartz
Direct heat resistance
Porcelain
Outdoor countertop use
Porcelain
Thick edge profiles and waterfall looks
Quartz
Ultra-thin modern appearance
Porcelain
Easier fabrication and installation
Quartz
Softer, warmer feel under hand
Quartz
Sleek, architectural minimalism
Porcelain

928 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90401

Parking in the rear

Email  info@ClassicTileFlooring.com  

Tel   310-576-6200

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