Raphael Stone E-Catalog
Raphael Stone is a top player in wholesale distribution. They specialize in quartz, porcelain, and quartzite for countertops, walls, and floors. Their products suit commercial, residential, medical, and industrial spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Raphael Stone has over 50 years of experience. His leadership offers vision and expertise for your quartz and porcelain projects. Every tile is carefully chosen to meet high standards of quality and design. Whether you want book-matched slabs, a classic stone look, or a modern style, we’ve got you covered.
QUARTZ vs PORCELAIN
Quartz vs. Porcelain: Understanding the Differences
When picking a surface material for your home or business, think about quartz and porcelain. They are both popular options. Both materials are beautiful and durable. However, they differ in composition, features, and uses. Knowing these differences will help you make a smart choice that fits your needs and style. Composition and manufacturing process.
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Quartz: Quartz countertops are made from natural quartz crystals. They mix these crystals with resins, pigments, and other materials. The result is a strong, non-porous surface. It looks like natural stone and performs even better. The manufacturing process offers many colors and patterns. You can choose from subtle, marble-like veining or bold, modern designs. Porcelain: Porcelain surfaces are made from ceramic clay. This clay is fired at very high temperatures. The material is glazed. Sometimes, it is printed with high-definition patterns. This makes it look like natural stone, wood, or concrete. Porcelain is dense and durable. This makes it a great choice for many uses, like countertops, wall cladding, and flooring. Durability and maintenance.
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Quartz: One of the key benefits of quartz is its durability. Quartz countertops resist scratches, stains, and impacts. This makes them great for busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz is non-porous, so it doesn’t need sealing. This makes cleaning and maintenance easy. Just wipe quartz surfaces with soap and water to keep them looking great. Porcelain: Porcelain is also incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. It chips and cracks less than natural stone. Its non-porous surface is also very hygienic and easy to clean. Porcelain, unlike quartz, resists UV rays. This makes it great for outdoor use since it won’t fade over time. Porcelain can be more brittle than quartz. So, handle it carefully during installation to avoid damage. Aesthetic Options
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Quartz: The way quartz is made offers many design choices. Quartz surfaces can mimic natural stones like marble and granite closely. They also provide unique patterns and colors not seen in nature. Quartz is popular because it offers a custom look that fits your design vision.
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Porcelain: Porcelain also offers a wide range of aesthetic possibilities. Thanks to new printing technology, porcelain can look like many materials. It can imitate marble, wood, metal, and concrete. Porcelain's large-format slabs make seamless designs easy. They reduce grout lines and create a clean, modern appearance. Also, porcelain can be made into ultra-thin slabs. These slabs are great for wall cladding and other creative uses. Cost considerations.
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Quartz is usually seen as a mid- to high-end material. Its prices show its durability and beauty. Quartz may cost more at first than some other materials, but it offers great long-term value. This is because it lasts a long time and needs little upkeep.
Porcelain costs can differ a lot. This depends on its design, thickness, and material quality. Some porcelain options cost about the same as quartz. But others can be cheaper, especially if you pick standard designs. However, intricate or custom designs in porcelain may increase the cost. Environmental Impact
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Quartz: Quartz is a green option, especially when sourced responsibly and made efficiently. Some manufacturers offer recycled quartz. These slabs use post-consumer glass or stone.
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Porcelain: Porcelain comes from natural clay and other materials. Making it usually uses less energy than producing quartz. Porcelain is fully recyclable. Its durability gives it a long lifespan, so it needs less replacement. Applications and versatility.
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Quartz is predominantly used for countertops, backsplashes, and other interior surfaces. Don't use it outdoors. Prolonged sunlight can fade its color over time. Its flexible design and low upkeep make it a favorite for kitchens and bathrooms.
Porcelain is very versatile. You can use it in many ways, like:
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Countertops
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Flooring
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Wall cladding
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Outdoor surfaces
Its resistance to UV rays makes it suitable for outdoor kitchens, patios, and façades. Large-format porcelain slabs enable creative uses in architecture and design.
Choosing quartz or porcelain.
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Consider your needs, style, and the material's intended use.
Quartz combines natural beauty with strong durability. It’s perfect for interior spaces that need a classy look and easy maintenance. Porcelain is a great choice for indoor and outdoor use. It’s durable and cost-effective. Plus, it offers many design options. Both quartz and porcelain are great materials. They can enhance the look and function of your space. Knowing their unique features helps you pick the one that meets your design goals and needs.