Care + Maintenance | Quartex Surfaces Inc.
DESIGNER: SE7EN INTERIORS // CONTRACTOR: ADAM PATEL //PHOTOGRAPHER: MIKE CHAJECKI
What's the difference between quartz and porcelain?
Both materials have been engineered to premium quality standards which give them their durable and low-maintenance characteristics.
The differences that do exist between quartz and porcelain is their aesthetics and applications. Depending on the application and look you're going for, find out what option is best for your project.
- Full bodied veins.
- Consistent patterns slab-to-slab.
- Unique & modern take on marble. - Resistant to wear and tear.
- Highly scratch resistant.
- Easy to clean and care for.
- Not UV ray resistant.
- Not heat resistant.
Pros & Cons of Porcelain
- Looks and feels like a natural stone.
- Resistant to wear and tear.
- Resistant to ice and frost.
- Resistant to ultra-violet rays.
- Bending strength.
- Pattern is only on the surface.
- Limited edge finishes available due to slim slabs.
- Thin profile on cuts outs such as under-mounted sinks.
Quartz has been the go-to material when sourcing for new countertops for several years. This is due to the abundance of colour options and consistency in the slabs which is the opposite to natural stones like marble and granite. Since quartz is an engineered stone – it’s very durable and resistant to stains, scratches and impact without any sealing or polishing required.
Can porcelain be used as countertops?
Absolutely! Europeans have been installing porcelain countertops for many years. Today, we see porcelain countertops in homes across North America.
Many people have the misconception that porcelain slabs will chip/crack easily since they are a slim material - this is false. When porcelain countertops are installed correctly, they are just as durable as quartz.
Do quartz/porcelain countertops stain easily?
No surface is 100% stain-proof but porcelain and quartz come very close. Since the materials are both non-porous, liquids are unable to penetrate into the surface. The rare stain is usually on the surface and easily cleaned off with soap and warm water. More stubborn stains can be taken out with Vim® Bleach Cream and the green side of a Scotch-Brite™ pad.
Let's be real - countertops are meant to get messy! That's why our stress-free surfaces are resistant to several chemicals and will not etch or get dull spots from acidic foods and liquids like marble.
If you have a scratch, mark or stain, please contaact us for assistance!
Do quartz/porcelain countertops scratch easily?
Quartz and porcelain surfaces are almost indestructible. They both have impressive durability and are highly scratch resistant. However, the surfaces are not impossible to scratch.
We strongly suggest not dragging any heavy items like ceramic pots over your quartz/porcelain countertop and to clean any sandy grit when spotted.
If you have a scratch, mark or stain, please contact us for assistance!
Are quartz/porcelain countertops low maintenance?
Yes! Unlike natural surfaces that require special cleaning and constant re-sealing, the hardness of Quartex Surfaces and the non-porous composition makes clean up and maintenance easy!
Our quartz and porcelains can be cleaned with just soap and water and never have to be sealed.
Natural surfaces are porous and bacterial bugs can get trapped inside, creating bacterial growth – something you definitely don’t want in your kitchen or bathroom!
Because all our surfaces are non-porous - bacteria causing agents are unable to penetrate the surfaces and create bacterial growth, making all our surfaces completely hygienic.
Is quartz/porcelain heat resistant?
Our quartz is heat resistant. However, if exposed to extreme heat your quartz could be at risk to discolour or even crack. Avoid this by never placing hot pots/pans from the stove or oven directly onto your quartz countertop. Be sure to always use trivets.
Our porcelain countertops are so great with heat that they are commonly used for fireplaces. Since the slabs are fired at extremely high temperatures hot pots/pans set on the surface won’t scorch or damage, but it is always advised to use trivets for hot cookware.
Are quartz and porcelain slabs expensive?
When comparing the cost of quartz and porcelain to a natural stone like marble, our manufactured surfaces are reasonable.
Our collections pretain to different price categrories according to their complexity and demand.
What makes Quartex Surfaces different than other brands?
Why trust Quartex Surfaces with your project? The answer is simple: quality and service you can rely on.
By constantly adapting to change, we have made sourcing slabs easier than ever by introducing the industry’s first online store. Saving you time and unwanted mark-ups, you can now source and purchase our premium products from the comfort and safety of your own home.
Here at Quartex, we believe in assisting you every step of the way to ensure your project is done right the first time.