# 2026 Kitchen Decoration Trends: Which Countertop is More Durable? Porcelain vs Granite vs Quartz
Kitchen countertop selection is one of the most important decisions in kitchen renovation. The right countertop selection determines your kitchen's quality both aesthetically and functionally. In this guide, we compare Porcelain, Granite, and Quartz countertops and address which countertop should be preferred in which situation from a master's perspective. A detailed comparison for our clients doing kitchen renovation in Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Bakırköy, and all Istanbul districts.
Factors to Consider in Kitchen Countertop Selection
When selecting a kitchen countertop, the following factors should be evaluated:
1. Durability: Scratch resistance, stain resistance, heat resistance
2. Ease of Maintenance: Cleanability, special maintenance requirements
3. Aesthetics: Color and pattern options, visual appeal
4. Cost: Initial investment and long-term cost
5. Usage: Daily usage intensity and usage pattern
Master's Note
In kitchen countertop selection, looking only at initial cost is wrong. Long-term maintenance costs and durability determine total cost. For example, granite countertop may be expensive in initial cost but can be used trouble-free for 20 years.
Porcelain Countertop: Modern and Economical Solution
Porcelain countertop is an option that has gained popularity in kitchen renovations in recent years. It stands out with its Quartz-like appearance and economical price.
Porcelain Countertop Characteristics
Durability
- Scratch Resistance: Mohs hardness scale 6-7 (lower than granite, higher than laminate)
- Heat Resistance: Resistant up to 200-250°C (should not be placed directly over fire)
- Stain Resistance: Smooth surface, does not stain
- Break Resistance: More brittle than granite and quartz
Ease of Maintenance
Porcelain countertop is an easy-to-maintain material:
- Cleaning: Easily cleaned with soapy water
- Special Maintenance: Does not require sealing (surface protection)
- Stain Removal: Most stains are easily removed
Aesthetics and Design
- Color Options: Wide color range (white, gray, black, beige)
- Pattern: Quartz-like patterns available
- Joints: Jointless application possible in large format slabs (3 meters+)
Porcelain Countertop Cost
In mid-segment kitchens in Kadıköy and Bakırköy, porcelain countertop costs 800 - 2,000 TL per square meter. Total cost including installation is 8,000 - 20,000 TL for a 3-meter countertop.
Master's Note
Porcelain countertop, when applied in large format slabs (3 meters+), has breakage risk during transportation and installation. Therefore, the installation team must be experienced.
Granite Countertop: Natural and Durable Premium Option
Granite countertop is the most popular option among natural stone countertops. Frequently preferred in luxury kitchens in Beşiktaş and Şişli.
Granite Countertop Characteristics
Durability
- Scratch Resistance: Mohs hardness scale 6-7 (harder than steel)
- Heat Resistance: Resistant up to 300-400°C (hot pots can be placed directly)
- Stain Resistance: Porous structure, can stain (sealing required)
- Break Resistance: High (if thickness is 3 cm)
Ease of Maintenance
Granite countertop requires regular maintenance:
- Sealing (Surface Protection): Should be done every 1-2 years
- Cleaning: Ph neutral cleaners should be used (acidic cleaners damage)
- Stain Removal: Oil and acid stains are difficult to remove
Aesthetics and Design
- Natural Appearance: Different pattern on each slab (unique)
- Color Options: Limited (natural granite colors)
- Joints: Joints required according to slab size (jointless possible in 3 meter+ slabs)
Master's Note
In granite countertop selection, slab thickness is very important. Minimum 3 cm thickness is recommended for kitchen islands, 2 cm for countertops. Thin slabs (1.5 cm) carry breakage risk.
Granite Countertop Cost
In luxury kitchens in Beşiktaş and Şişli, granite countertop costs 2,000 - 6,000 TL per square meter. Total cost including installation is 25,000 - 60,000 TL for a 3-meter countertop.
Granite prices vary according to granite type:
- Local Granite (Burdur, Afyon): 2,000 - 3,500 TL/m²
- Imported Granite (Italy, Brazil): 3,500 - 6,000 TL/m²
- Special Colors (Rare granites): 6,000 TL/m² and above
Quartz Countertop: Premium Hybrid Solution
Quartz (or Quartz), is a construction material made from a mixture of natural quartz stone and resin. It is the most preferred countertop type in modern kitchens in Kadıköy and Beşiktaş.
Quartz Countertop Characteristics
Durability
- Scratch Resistance: Mohs hardness scale 7 (higher than granite)
- Heat Resistance: Resistant up to 200-250°C (should not be placed directly over fire)
- Stain Resistance: Non-porous structure, does not stain (sealing not required)
- Break Resistance: High (2 cm thickness is sufficient)
Ease of Maintenance
Quartz countertop is the easiest-to-maintain countertop type:
- Sealing: Not required (non-porous structure)
- Cleaning: Easily cleaned with soapy water
- Stain Removal: Most stains are easily removed (non-porous structure)
Aesthetics and Design
- Wide Color Options: 100+ color and pattern options
- Consistent Pattern: Same pattern on each slab (different from natural stone)
- Joints: Jointless application possible in large format slabs
Master's Note
Quartz countertop is sensitive to UV rays. In kitchens directly exposed to sunlight, color fading may occur. Therefore, special UV-protected quartz should be preferred in sunlit kitchens.
Quartz Countertop Cost
In modern kitchens in Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and Şişli, quartz countertop costs 1,500 - 4,500 TL per square meter. Total cost including installation is 18,000 - 45,000 TL for a 3-meter countertop.
Quartz prices vary according to brand and quality:
- Local Brands (Vitra, Kalesinterflex): 1,500 - 2,500 TL/m²
- Imported Brands (Silestone, Caesarstone): 2,500 - 4,500 TL/m²
- Premium Brands (Cambria, Dekton): 4,500 TL/m² and above
Comparison Table: Porcelain vs Granite vs Quartz
| Feature | Porcelain | Granite | Quartz |
| Scratch Resistance | Medium (6-7) | High (6-7) | Very High (7) |
| Heat Resistance | Medium (200-250°C) | Very High (300-400°C) | Medium (200-250°C) |
| Stain Resistance | Low | Medium (sealing required) | Very Low (non-porous) |
| Maintenance | Easy | Medium (sealing required) | Very Easy (sealing not required) |
| Cost | Low (800-2,000 TL/m²) | High (2,000-6,000 TL/m²) | Medium-High (1,500-4,500 TL/m²) |
| Natural Appearance | Artificial | Natural | Artificial (natural stone-like) |
Which Countertop Should I Choose When?
Porcelain Countertop Should Be Chosen If:
- Budget is limited: If economical solution is desired
- Modern appearance: If Quartz-like modern appearance is desired
- Low usage: If kitchen is not heavily used
Granite Countertop Should Be Chosen If:
- Natural appearance: If natural stone appearance is desired
- High heat: If hot pots are placed directly on countertop
- Luxury projects: Beşiktaş, Şişli luxury kitchens
- Uniqueness: If different pattern on each slab is desired
Quartz Countertop Should Be Chosen If:
- Ease of maintenance: If you don't want sealing
- Wide color options: If special color is desired
- High durability: If scratch and stain resistance are priorities
- Modern kitchens: Kadıköy, Beşiktaş modern kitchens
Master's Note
In kitchen countertop selection, your kitchen's usage pattern is critically important. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use hot pots, granite should be preferred. If ease of maintenance is a priority, quartz is the ideal option.
2026 Kitchen Decoration Trends
In 2026, the following trends stand out in kitchen decoration:
1. Large Format Countertops
In slabs of 3 meters and above, jointless countertop application is popular. In modern kitchens in Kadıköy and Beşiktaş, large format quartz countertops are preferred.
2. Minimalist Colors
White, light gray, and beige tones are 2026's most popular countertop colors. In modern kitchens in Şişli and Bakırköy, white quartz countertops are common.
3. Island Countertops
In kitchen islands, granite or quartz countertops with 3-4 cm thickness are preferred. In Beşiktaş villas, granite countertops are common in 6-8 meter kitchen islands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which countertop is most durable?
In terms of scratch resistance, quartz (Mohs 7), in terms of heat resistance, granite (300-400°C) is most durable.
Is thickness important in countertop selection?
Yes, thickness is important both visually and in terms of durability. Minimum 3 cm thickness is recommended for kitchen islands, 2 cm for countertops.
Does granite countertop require sealing (surface protection)?
Yes, granite countertop should be sealed every 1-2 years due to its porous structure. Quartz and porcelain countertops do not require sealing.
Conclusion: Get Professional Support
Kitchen countertop selection is one of the most important decisions in kitchen renovation. In Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Bakırköy, and all Istanbul districts, our expert team on kitchen countertop selection offers countertop recommendations suitable for your needs.
By booking a free site visit appointment, you can get the most suitable countertop selection and cost proposal for your kitchen. Free Architectural Site Visit Line: 0501 022 33 75
