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.

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:
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Kitchens: Sleek surfaces that resist stains and spills
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Bathrooms: Low-maintenance vanities and makeup counters
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Laundry Rooms: Durable and moisture-resistant
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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:
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Outdoor Kitchens: Won’t fade or crack under sun or heat
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Modern Kitchens: Thin, slab-style surfaces with elegant veining
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Wall Cladding: Perfect for backsplashes and seamless full-height panels
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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 |
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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- |
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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