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Porcelain is a relatively affordable, mid-range countertop material. It typically costs between $50 to $70 per square foot.

Compared to quartz, porcelain is slightly more affordable, as quartz generally ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot. However, lower-quality, builder's grade quartz can be similar in price to porcelain.

Compared to granite, the price can be similar, depending on the quality of the stone. While granite slabs can range from $50 to $200 per square foot, you can find lower-end granite in the same price range as porcelain. High-end granites will cost significantly more.

Porcelain is generally more expensive than laminate, acrylic, and ceramic, but less expensive than high-end slate, concrete, and marble. A key benefit is that porcelain does not require sealing, which reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Thinset mortar is the best adhesive for ceramic tiles on concrete. It is easy to work with and has a slower dry time than mastic or epoxy mortars. This longer dry time gives the installer more time to adjust tiles, which is especially useful for DIYers who may not have tile installation experience. It can also be built up to help level any depressions or gaps in the concrete subfloor.

Glass tiles are among the most difficult to install. This is because their transparency makes the adhesive visible, and any imperfections on the opposite side are also likely to be visible. Glass tiles also must be handled carefully during installation, as they are prone to scratching. For these reasons, glass tiles often require professional installation to get the most out of their beauty and unique look.

Yes, provided you aren’t installing drywall over it. But you can skim coat it, apply new tile right on top, paint it, or stencil it. For more budget- and DIY-friendly options, you can install beadboard or apply decals. Just make sure that the current tiles are in good condition and prepped well for the paint or adhesive to stick.