Have you chosen porcelain as your go-to material for your countertops? Do you want to know whether porcelain is good for countertops and the pros and cons of porcelain countertops?
Porcelain may not be the most used material for countertops but its popularity is rising. Why? Well, firstly because it is much stronger than granite and is almost as hard as quartz.
In this article, we will detail the pros and cons of porcelain kitchen countertops, their durability, and where you can buy them.
Pros Of Porcelain Kitchen Countertops
Stain-Resistant
It’s not possible for a surface to be 100% stain-proof but porcelain comes really close. It is non-porous so liquids don’t absorb and if there is a stain, it is usually on the surface and easily cleaned.
Heat-Resistant
Porcelain tile countertops are manufactured at extremely high temperatures so it can take the heat. Hot pots set on the surface won’t scorch or damage.
Scratch-Resistant
Porcelain resists scratching from the best of them. Like granite and quartz, it is hard to scratch. But you have to be careful with ceramic knives as they can scratch porcelain.
Chemical-Resistant
Acidic foods, drinks, and chemicals will not dull or etch the surface finish or porcelain like marble. Also, chemicals will not bleach or discolor porcelain kitchen countertops as can happen to quartz countertops.
Ultraviolet Light Resistant
Porcelain is also resistant to ultraviolet light which will stop it from fading due to sunlight so it is a great choice for outdoor kitchen countertops.
Various Colors And Patterns
Porcelain countertops come in almost all shades or patterns and with many that look like marble and other natural stone.
Sealing Is Usually Not Necessary
Generally speaking, porcelain does not need any sealing because the fire glazing blocks against staining and moisture. But sealing can be needed in certain instances.
Environmentally Friendly And Recyclable
Porcelain is made of 100% natural, raw and clay-based materials. It doesn’t have any harmful chemicals and resins like quartz or other man-made surfaces.
Cons Of Porcelain Kitchen Countertops
Skin Deep Beauty
Compared to stones and other countertop materials, porcelain doesn’t come with its design built-in. Patterns are basically printed on the top This means that your printed designs will not be visible where the edges are rounded. Also, in case it is chipped, the interior of the slab will be the same colour but the pattern does not exist all the way through.
Ceramic Knives May Scratch
Porcelain kitchen countertops are essentially scratch-proof but ceramic knives are the one thing that may scratch the porcelain. So, either don’t use ceramic knives or opt for a cutting board.
Limited Supply And Availability
One of the only other con of porcelain kitchen countertops is finding a supplier and fabricator that knows the material well. Since it is not a common material for countertops, the market is limited. But here at Artline Kitchen & Bath, you can get Porcelain Countertops at ideal rates, so this con is essentially addressed once you visit us in Buffalo Grove, IL.
Also, check porcelain countertop costs when you are finding a supplier as they can vary wildly. Overall, it can be achievable to find a manufacturer with competitive prices.
What is Porcelain Countertop?
Do you want to know what is porcelain countertop? Porcelain is mainly made from clay. But the clay used to create porcelain is a specific kind of clay called ‘China clay’. This clay has a high percentage of a mineral called kaolinite along with silica, feldspar, and other mineral oxides which combine to create the strength and durability of porcelain.
This combination is put into a kiln and fired at temperatures of 2550℉ / 1400℃. This results in an extremely dense material that is almost unaffected by stains, heat, UV rays, scratching, chips and cracks.
To create different colours and patterns on the porcelain, pigmented glazes are added during the manufacturing process. You can also opt for glazed or non-glazed porcelain. A matte or high-gloss glaze (with or without a pattern) is applied and then the porcelain is fired a second time to adhere the glaze completely.
The glaze lowers the porosity and risk of staining and increases durability, and gives the porcelain a shiny finish.
Is Porcelain Good For Countertops?
Porcelain is an excellent choice for countertops because it is as hard as granite and quartz, and in some cases, even harder. It is also difficult to scratch, chip, or crack.
Porcelain is also moisture resistant and waterproof, ensuring that nothing will penetrate the body of the material and that it is easy to clean. It is also frost-resistant, making it the perfect choice to be installed in Alaska since no sealers are needed.
Porcelain kitchen countertops also resist the most aggressive chemical agents. Acids found in foods like tomatoes and lemon juice are impenetrable; they won’t get etched or develop dull spots.
Want to buy porcelain countertops? Book a consultation and get a free estimate right now.
Are Porcelain Countertops Durable?
Let’s take a look at how porcelain stacks against other countertop surfaces when it comes to hardness. Marble ranks at about 3–5 on the MOH’s hardness scale, while granite comes in at 6–7 and engineered quartz comes in around 7.
Porcelain can have a hardness rating that is 30% higher than granite, which comes in at 7–9. Diamonds, the hardest substance on earth, are the only material to rank at the peak hardness of 10.
Because of this, porcelain tile countertops are resistant to chips, cracks, scratches, and abrasions that could ruin other countertop surfaces.
Still curious about how durable porcelain countertops really are? Visit our porcelain showroom near Buffalo Grove.
Porcelain Countertops Cost
Because of its fragile nature and complex fabrication process, porcelain kitchen countertops are slightly higher-priced compared to quartz. Another factor that proves to contribute to the cost of porcelain countertops is finding a fabricator with good experience working with these porcelain slabs.
Porcelain Vs Marble
Porcelain can be used both in interior and exterior applications while marble is more suitable for indoor use. Marble offers easier installation as compared to porcelain. While porcelain is easier to maintain than marble, they are more prone to cracking.
Where To Buy Porcelain Countertops?
There are various markets in the city from where you can buy porcelain kitchen countertops. All of the suppliers will have different rates and colours and patterns so do your research before buying one. Or simply visit Artline Kitchen & Bath and discover an ultimate selection of Porcelain featured at the best price range in your vicinity.
Conclusion
In the long run, the benefits of porcelain do outweigh the drawbacks and rank porcelain among the best of all countertop materials. So with the right planning and care, porcelain tile countertops can certainly be a practical and fashionable choice for your modern kitchen.
