I too am interested in this. I have had granite for many years in my house and am now moving into an apartment where I am going to change the new kitchen they put into one a bit more upmarket. I was going to use quartz but I was told by a top designer here that he has had many problems with installation because of it arriving warped, so he no longer carries it. I then decided on Silestone but found out that it too is quartz. I wanted to find out more about Quartzite, so I did a search. Read the comments on the link. https://www.consumerreports.org/kitchen-countertops/difference-between-quartz-and-quartzite/ I know nothing about porcelain countertops so I will do that next

I also like Porcelain counters, but heard the slabs are only 8 feet, so if you have any larger islands you would not be able to have one slab and it would have a seam. I opted with Silestone Calcattta Gold quartz and I absolutely love it! Good luck with your project! :)

Another view of my counters, as you can see my door and drawer fronts are not on yet.

I think I read that Porcelain goes up to 12' (3700mm)

I am now thinking about porcelain, heat proof, no sealing required, just don't drop anything on it. It's also easy to clean.

Valerie g, are you saying don't drop anything on it because what you drop will shatter or because of damage to the porcelain?

I was told and read that the porcelain will crack. The pros outweigh the cons, so I will be careful with it when we get it done.

Either porcelain or engineered stone ("quartz") would be a fine choice. They're both beautiful and durable, but neither is indestructible.

I've never seen or heard of a warped sheet of engineered stone ("quartz") and would consider it unlikely, as it is a manufactured and branded material and a reputable manufacturer would not be likely to place a warped sheet in the sales channel. If someone did attempt to get you to accept a warped sheet (of this or any other material), the thing to do is to reject it before fabrication. Any reputable fabricator will do the same. So I would not consider that one person's opinion in this decision.

Let me assure you, engineered stone quartz sheets are usually all warped, some more than others. The manufacturers have tolerances as to how much is acceptable.

This is why you want a fabricator who has Gorilla Grips or another clamping system capable of pulling the warp out of the sheet until the adhesive sets and holds it in place flush.

Quartzite does not have to be sealed, not if it is true quartzite.

I think there is some confusion about the products in question; Quartzite is a natural stone. Quartz is a man-made product.

If you are comparing a natural stone and porcelain go for the natural stone! The porcelain will cost twice as much to fabricate and be much more susceptible to chipping around the sink and on the edges and these chips are virtually unrepairable! Stone on the other hand is amazingly durable and repairable.

If the concern is sealing I can only ask, have you ever sealed a countertop? It is very easy. My kitchen only takes me a half hour to seal. It is also no longer a yearly thing if you use a high quality product. There is a brand of sealer on the market called Dry Treat.

All in all in my professional opinion use the Quartzite (natural stone) and you will be vary happy that you did. Plus it will do more for your house value:)

European M&G, what is your opinion of Porcelain for countertops?

When I was remodeling I had some vendors tell me they didn't carry certain products (such as encaustic tile) because it was poor quality material (blanket statements about the material, not specific to a manufacturer). What I learned after more research was that this was a sales diversion. Anybody who tells you quartz (all quartz) is a poor quality or unadvisable product is either uninformed or not being honest - they just have chosen not to sell something so they steer you away from wanting it. If you just don't like it or want it that's fine of course, but don't rule it out because someone tells you there's no such thing as good quartz products.

Geoluxe at Coverings 2017.

To the original poster- I’m curious what did you end up choosing? Quartzite or porcelain? I’m in the same boat currently and would love to hear about your choice and if you’re happy with the decision. Thanks!

Kristin,, just to further add to her sentence about quartzite. 'if it's true quartzite, you won't have to worry about staining or etching. and it's harder than granite." With the porcelain, think of it as one giant floor tile. If you hit the edge w/something hard, it will chip. (I just hit the corner of my quartz counter w/an iron skillet and knocked a big chunk out of it, so it does happen)

Porcelain also needs to be installed with complete back coverage w/thinset mortar. (no spot install with blobs of adhesive. So just be aware of that )

Also too, some of the new porcelain slabs they have now are so real looking.

Hi Kristin - we ended up going with quartzite, and I absolutely love it. It has sustained some tiny chips, which we were about to have repaired before #globalpandemic began, but it is super gorgeous and it doesn't stain AT ALL. Everyone thinks it's marble when they look at it.

Which pattern is this quartzite? It’s beautiful!

Emily, that quartzite is gorgeous!!!

Emily - would love to know the pattern of your quartzite!

Emily- in the same boat right now. Your quartzite is beautiful! Do you know how quartzite compared to the porcelain in price?

Emily your quartzite is beautiful! What is the name of it?

browsermum,,,,if she doesn't answer you, I will.

It looks very similar to Shadow Storm.

of course every slab varies. and some carry it as a granite, some a marble.

Thank you, Beth! That is very helpful!

I can't remember the name of the quartzite - I think it was Arctic White??

Thanks for this thread!! Debating the same and would love to see other photos. We would be cladding the back side of the 7’ island with quartzite or porcelain too, so cost is a factor. Yours answers have all been so informative.

I love our quartzite more and more each day!! heartily endorse!!