Choosing between Granite vs Porcelain

Choosing between Granite vs Porcelain

21 Feb 2022

Table Of Contents

We understand how difficult it gets to decide on the most viable stone for your project. Often, we're caught between choosing a natural and processed stone. This question often arises while comparing Granite and Porcelain. We have compiled their features and benefits for you to compare and pick the best one for your construction project.

Origin

Granite is a naturally formed ingenious rock that contains several minerals like quartz. Together these minerals make Granite extremely durable. Contrastingly, Porcelain is not a natural stone. It is a kind of ceramic manufactured with clay of finer grains at higher temperatures. This major difference contributes to the properties of respective stones.

Durability

Granite is one of the toughest and most durable stones on the planet. Besides diamond, it is the hardest natural substance. Granite pavers and tiles are hence all-time dependable products for all constructions. Conversely, porcelain's durability comes from its processing. Since it is not a natural stone, the more it is kilned, the harder it becomes. On the scale of durability, a rating higher than 3 makes them durable enough for residential projects.

Both these stones are resistant to denting or scratching. But granite has the highest crack and scratch resistance than any natural stone. Therefore, Granite pool copings, floor tiles, and cobblestones leave you worry-free. However, porcelain can chip if heavy objects fall on it though they are more scratch resistant compared to natural stones.

Colours and appearance

Granite has warm tones and grainy texture which gives it depth. The appearance can alter the character of the space it is installed in. Granite pavers and tiles come in an earthy colour spectrum including black, grey, beige, red, and more. On the other hand, Porcelain has stylish patterns and versatile textures that lend a great decorative value. The finish of porcelain varies from matte to glazed. Mostly it mimics the look of stone, and at times wood.

Irrespective of the above, Granite is a winner when it comes to appearance. It is a product of nature which means all stones are different. No two stones look the same and that makes them visually unique. Porcelain pavers and tiles have no difference whatsoever. They have no variation in colours or patterns. Hence a natural feel is absent from Porcelain.

Moisture resistance

Every natural stone has natural pores on its surface. Granite too is a porous stone with high moisture absorbency. Though it can tolerate moisture only when it is properly installed and sealed. Porcelain is impervious to moisture. Hence Porcelain tiles and paving are preferred in bathrooms, kitchens, or humid outdoors.

Maintenance

Granite being highly porous is prone to staining and hence all spills should be cleaned as soon as possible. Like all natural stones, it needs occasional sealing to keep it protected from staining or fading. Generally, a damp mop or warm soapy water is enough to clean and maintain Granite floors.

Nevertheless, such is not the case with Porcelain. Since Porcelain is an engineered stone, it does not stain or fade quickly which makes it easy to maintain. It is generally not sealed because it doesn't have porous a surface. If Porcelain is glazed, it can easily be cleaned with a wet cloth/mop.

Maintenance of Granite is simple. Though it is not maintenance-free unlike Porcelain, it still is the most preferred stone for most of the constructions.

Ease of installation

Since Granite is heavy and moving it around is not easy, a professional installer is required. Porcelain is not as heavy as Granite and can be lifted or transported with ease. However, a professional installer is still recommended to install Porcelain pavers just as much as for Granite flooring.

Heat resistance

In the aspect of heat resistance, Porcelain is the clear winner. It offers high heat resistance than any other paving material. Porcelain tiles and pavers and do not get hot in the sun.

Granite when exposed to direct sunlight gets very hot. The darker the colour of Granite, the more heat it will absorb. Having said that, Granite countertops are highly heat-tolerant and do not crack or blister when hot pots are kept on them. Its heat tolerance makes it an ideal material for paving floors where barbeques or fireplaces are arranged. Porcelain countertops are also extremely heat tolerant and do not burn or crack when subjected to heat.

Cost

Porcelain is more affordable in terms of material and installation cost. Also, since Porcelain has a low maintenance cost, it is budget friendly as compared to Granite. Since Granite is a natural stone that has its benefits and cost of maintenance, it generally costs slightly more than porcelain.

Summing up

Granite and Porcelain share a lot of similarities starting from durability to maintenance. Yet both the stones are poles apart, on their origin, colours, heat resistance, and porosity. Keeping their properties in mind, both are used in different applications. There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing one of these for your property. Knowing the basic differences would help you decide better.

*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.

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*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.

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