When you think of porcelain, you might think of fragile traditional tableware or ornate teapots, but ceramics are now more often used as a construction material in kitchens and bathrooms. In countertop form, porcelain is actually very durable, stain resistant, and easy to maintain, which may explain why it's becoming more popular. According to Google Trends, interest in porcelain countertops started growing in 2017 and is still steadily increasing, with searches for the topic more than doubling in the past seven years.
Gail Conroy, vice president of marketing for Caesarstone of the Americas (which produces a line of porcelain countertops), says that porcelain for countertops is still a relatively new idea, but that “a 12-millimeter thin It's popular in Europe because of its edge profile.” But we're seeing porcelain gaining momentum here in the United States. We see people getting excited about achieving the rich look of natural stone while being durable enough to withstand use in the kitchen. ” Therefore, the advantages of porcelain countertops far outweigh the disadvantages. Find out why porcelain countertops are so great and how they compare to other popular materials like quartz and granite.
What is porcelain countertop?
Since these are porcelain, which is a man-made material, they are technically considered man-made countertops. Conroy explains that the countertops are made using high heat in much the same way that many people would expect from traditional porcelain manufacturing.
“These are made through a process of mixing raw minerals, forming a slab, and firing it at high temperatures. After firing, the porcelain slab undergoes additional polishing and honing to achieve the desired finish and texture. “You may undergo steps,” she says.that Radical It is durable and heat resistant because it can withstand high temperatures (over 2,650 degrees Fahrenheit).
durability
Porcelain is Technically It is stronger than granite thanks to the extreme heat and homogeneous combination of raw materials used in the production process. It is comparable to quartz and granite and is also scratch resistant. The only weak point is the sharp ceramic knife, which can leave some cuts. However, regardless of the material, you should never chop food directly on the countertop.
Heat-resistant
As mentioned earlier, porcelain is manufactured at extremely high temperatures, so it doesn't require a trivet and can withstand hot pots and pans. Relatedly, it can also withstand the intense warmth of the sun. It's unaffected by UV rays, so it won't fade over time, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens.
cleaning and maintenance
Porcelain countertops are essentially non-porous and almost impermeable to water, so stains are not an issue. Additionally, no special cleaners are required. Conroy says, “It's easy to clean with just soap and water. If it's really dirty, we recommend using a soft cleanser like Bar Keeper's Friend.” Also, unlike natural stone countertops, , there is no need to reseal, so long-term maintenance is also hassle-free.
install
Porcelain is surprisingly light compared to other countertop materials, making it easy to handle during installation. Additionally, they are typically very thin so they can be installed over existing countertops. However, porcelain countertops are very thin and do not require DIY installation. Although they are very durable once installed, handling thin materials during installation without experience can be very dangerous and may cause cracks to form during installation.
colors and patterns
Unlike natural stone, porcelain is man-made and can be made into almost any shape you like. Essentially, you get the look of marble for a fraction of the cost, and it's much more durable.
How much do porcelain countertops cost?
According to Angi's 2024 estimates, installation costs for porcelain countertops can range from $1,500 to $3,800. Typically, slabs cost between $50 and $120 per square foot, while tiles cost between $10 and $50 per square foot. (So if you want to cut costs, choosing tiles is a good way to go.)
Comparison with other countertop materials
Porcelain is nearly as good as quartz in terms of stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and appearance. This is because both are man-made products and can imitate almost any natural stone. However, porcelain is slightly more heat resistant and quartz is slightly more durable. Both materials are more durable and easier to clean than granite, but granite is just as heat resistant as porcelain. In terms of cost, porcelain is generally cheaper than quartz or granite.
