When designing a kitchen for the residential or contract sectors, the design concept can be enhanced by choosing to include a kitchen top, backsplash coverings, worktops or furniture. In this way, a sophisticated touch can be added, which customers will certainly appreciate.
But what are the best-performing materials for coverings?
Nowadays, quartz and porcelain stoneware tops are two popular options, both of which are known for their aesthetics and performance.
In this article, we will be looking at the characteristics, performance and environmental sustainability of these two materials and we will try to find out which of these offers the greatest advantages in the kitchen, also in the long term.
Quartz surfaces are made from a mixture of quartz, resins, polymers and pigments and allow for a large variety of finishes, despite being artificially manufactured.
This degree of versatility allows for a high level of customisation.
Quartz tops have a non-porous surface, which make them easy to clean: all you need is water, soap and a soft cloth. Quartz is resistant to stains and chemicals, making daily maintenance easier.
Quartz tops perform well against stains and chemicals, but their poor resistance to nicks and heat are a major drawback.
The fact that it contains resin means that the surface is vulnerable to direct heat, which makes it less suitable for use in high-temperature environments such as kitchens.
Additionally, quartz tops scratch easily, which is a crucial factor to consider when it comes to durability.
As we said, quartz kitchen tops in different colours and finishes are made using chemical components.
It is also necessary to check how much quartz is actually contained in the top (manufacturers use vastly different amounts).
In a nutshell, this material is not sustainable.
Porcelain stoneware kitchen tops, made from a combination of clays and feldspars, is an outstanding option for anyone looking to achieve a blend of aesthetics and superior performance.
This natural material is pressed and fired at high temperatures, which makes it extremely resistant.
Due to its composition, it is especially suited to withstand chemicals, heat, and daily wear and tear, delivering long-lasting high performance.
Since porcelain stoneware has a non-porous structure, this type of surface is extremely easy to clean as it absorbs liquids, making daily maintenance easier.
Porcelain stoneware is the most sustainable material on the market for making kitchen tops, since it is exclusively made up of natural elements.
For this reason, it is also called natural ceramics, which better describes its sustainable and environmentally friendly nature.
When comparing quartz and porcelain stoneware tops, the latter offers more advantages in terms of performance, resistance, aesthetic appeal and environmental impact.
While quartz comes in a wide range of finishes, its composite nature means that it has limited thermal resistance and durability.
Porcelain stoneware, instead, sets itself apart with its superior thermal shock resistance, its ability to retain its look over time, as well as its various designs inspired by natural materials.
In terms of environmental impact, quartz can hardly be considered a fully sustainable material, since its colours are produced artificially. On the other hand, porcelain stoneware is a natural, eco-friendly material, since it is made up of natural elements.
SapienStone is a brand that specialises in porcelain stoneware kitchen tops, wall coverings and worktops. As a brand that is part of the Iris Ceramica Group, the company combines style and technology, and its materials embody a cosmopolitan lifestyle and the most refined contemporary trends.
With its variety of natural materials and finishes, offering a wide range of possibilities that is unmatched worldwide, it is able to meet even the most demanding customisation requests.
The brand supplies customers with porcelain stoneware tops offering outstanding resistance and durability by recreating the characteristics of materials found in nature in a sustainable way:
Due to its matchless technical and aesthetic properties, SapienStone porcelain stoneware is the perfect material for spaces used daily, such as kitchens.
In addition, SapienStone ceramic surfaces are suitable for use outdoors as they are UV-resistant and their durability is sure to exceed customer expectations.
If you are looking for a kitchen top for your interior design project that is aesthetically pleasing, durable and environmentally friendly, please don’t hesitate to send us an enquiry by filling in the form.
In the meantime, if you want to take a look at the SapienStone range, you can download our catalogues here.
