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Countertops typically hang over base cabinets by 1.5 inches. This slight overhang protects cabinet faces from spills and provides a finished look. The overhang may extend 12 inches or more for kitchen islands or breakfast bars to allow for seating and comfortable eating.

Quartz countertops are known for their durability, but they aren’t indestructible. Quartz countertops can crack under extreme pressure, like when experiencing a heavy impact. The same can happen with regular exposure to high temperatures. Finally, improper installation makes the quartz more vulnerable. 

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.

The average countertop square footage in a kitchen is 30 square feet, but that number varies widely depending on the size of the kitchen. Some smaller kitchens may only have one stretch of countertop or an L-shape. Larger kitchens can include an island or peninsula and more expansive countertops. When deciding what works best for your home, measure your kitchen countertop and make sure to include countertop cost calculations in your budget.