what is better for my kichen counters granite or porcelain /?

Answer 1

granite...won't crack if something falls on it (at least not as readily)...easier to keep clean...
actually I'd get a synthetic (like Corian), cheaper, sturdier, easier to keep clean and comes in ALL colors and you can shape it easier. (different edges, undermount in counter sinks...)

Answer 2

I have never heard of anyone putting porcelain on their countertops. Could you be referring to something else? Plastic laminate, granite, solid surface material (such as Corian), stainless steel, marble, cement and tile are all used on countertops on a regular basis. Granite is definitely better than marble since it absorbs less. It is, on the other hand, quite a bit more expensive than some of the alternatives. But it looks great and really sets a high-class look for the kitchen.

Answer 3

Granite is a great surface. Durable, resists heat well, and looks great. From an investment perspective, it's a surface that many home buyers look for these days so that's definitely a plus. One thing about granite is that it will need to be sealed every so often to keep it looking nice.

Another surface that is gaining popularity is the quartz based engineered surfaces. They often have a look similar to granite but they require less maintenance. A friend of mine put them in his kitchen and is very happy with them. Here's a post with some pictures of his kitchen remodel. The brand he used is called Caeserstone. http://www.yellowbungalow.com/static/Home-1032/Post-1031

Good luck with the remodel!

Answer 4

You mean solid porcelain (never heard of that) or porcelain on steel (doubtful) Solid porcelain is going to have to be in sections to fire to size and POS is going to chip if anything hard is dropped on it.
Considering discussions on This Old House, etc., granite is the only choice of these two.

Answer 5

porcelain is man made
very hard
only granite and quartz are harder
can be polsihed
it can chip
does not burn
comes in tiles as far as i know
can be shaped like granite
though i prefer ( and have ) granite tops

Answer 6

Try Silestone. It is real quartz, so you get the heavy, solid, cool feel but it is cheaper than granite because they break it up and meld it together again. It is easy to keep clean and is scratch/stain/scorch resistant, and actually harder than granite so won't crack or chip as easily... I roll dough out right on it!

Also there are lots of color/design choices. You can get Silestone through Home Depot.

This fact sheet is great:
http://www.silestoneusa.com/aboutus/fact...

http://www.silestoneusa.com/

Answer 7

first off corian would be best, but as far as which is better on the countertop itself i would say granite (a) its generally smoother, usually polished which makes it very easy to clean. it is very hard to stain granite, porcelain is going to be a little tougher to clean and may stain easily. plus granite looks 1000 times better.