Should you buy a ceramic worktop? 

Ceramic vs quartz worktops explained 

Ceramic worktops are the new kid on the block. They’ve arrived with a lot of fanfare and a weighty price tag so should you buy a ceramic worktop? 

The current industry benchmark for the best kitchen worktop is a quartz worktop so how does a ceramic worktop compare to a quartz worktop?  

Traditionally, ceramics are not necessarily a material we associate with strength yet a ceramic kitchen worktop comes with the promise of a long list of hardwearing qualities. Let’s see how these pros stack up in reality when you consider a ceramic worktop in terms of the needs of a busy family home. 

Here are the main pros and cons to help you decide whether it’s worth buying a ceramic worktop and how a quartz worktop compares.   

What is a ceramic kitchen worktop? 

Ceramic or porcelain worktops are made from natural minerals manufactured to produce a strong, long-lasting surface. During manufacturing, ceramic worktops can be made to look like marble, other natural stone or fashioned into a wide variety of colours. Ceramic worktops have an appealing, slightly textured, matte finish. 

One of the advantages of a ceramic countertop is that it can be made into worktops that are thinner than those made from other natural stone. 

Should you buy a ceramic worktop? 

Ceramic vs quartz worktops 

Quartz worktops already provide a highly practical solution for the kitchen. They’re hardwearing and resistant to stains, scratches, spills as well as heat.  

Quartz kitchen worktops are available in a vast range of colours and adored for their stunning rich, glossy finish. They also come in all sorts of natural stone effects such as marble, each revered for how closely it resembles the authentic natural stone it mimics. So what does a ceramic worktop offer? 

Benefits of a ceramic worktop 

Pros: 

1. Won’t stain: A ceramic worktop is totally non-porous. It has a robust structure that won’t absorb spills or stain. You don’t have to have any hesitation about using certain types of food, drink or cleaning products on it whilst spills are quick and easy to wipe away without any hassle. 

Like quartz, a ceramic worktop is super easy to look after and can be cleaned with normal cleaning products as part of your daily routines.  

1. Hardwearing: Porcelain worktops are scratchproof and resistant to heat so they’re a practical, long-lasting worktop you can use without worry.  

You can chop, cook and prepare ingredients without any trouble although some ceramic countertops have been known to chip if a super heavy object is dropped on them. Generally speaking ceramic countertops are well suited to everyday wear and tear. 

1. Hygienic: The completely non-porous surface means ceramic kitchen countertops are extremely hygienic. They won’t retain any moisture so you won’t have to worry about even the tiniest amount of bacteria or mould creeping in over time. 

1. Long-lasting: In addition to its hardwearing properties, a ceramic worktop is also protected from fading due to light or UV rays over time. Offering resistance to all the elements including ultraviolet light, ceramic worktops are well-suited to outdoor areas. 

So what’s the catch? 

Cons  

1. Expensive: Of course with anything new there are drawbacks. Ceramic worktops are rarely used in the home because they’re new. That means they are more expensive and harder to come by than quartz worktops. 

At present, ceramic worktops are around 25 – 30% more expensive than quartz worktops. 

1. Value: New means unproven so unlike the guaranteed long term value you’ll gain from a quartz countertop we have no idea how a ceramic worktop installed now will be viewed by homeowners in future. 

On the other hand, quartz worktops are prized by homeowners and guaranteed to retain their value when you come to sell your home in future.  

Conclusion:  

So should you buy a ceramic worktop? 

With there being no discernible benefit to choosing a ceramic worktop over a quartz worktop yet a sizeable hike in price for ceramic countertops, it makes sense to choose a quartz worktop over a ceramic one and ensure you get good value for money.  

Browse our huge range of premium quartz worktops at surprisingly affordable prices today. With our fast and efficient, tailored end to end service you can have your bespoke kitchen worktop installed within 5 days.  

For the finest quality quartz and granite worktops at lower prices than national retailers, shop our enormous collection of quartz worktops today or call 01924 903949.