New technologies are allowing kitchen countertops to constantly be evolving & changing for the better. Over the last 3-5 years, the popularity of porcelain kitchen countertops have been on the rise. Curious if porcelain countertops are right for your project? Follow along to learn more about this material.
What are porcelain countertops made of?
Porcelain countertops are a ceramic material that are a mix of clay, feldspar, & other minerals (sometimes quartz is a part of this mix depending on the brand). Every brand has a different formula, however, they all mix materials with the clay that give the countertops their strength & durability. Porcelain countertops are basically a large format porcelain tile used for large-scale applications.
Are porcelain countertops durable?
Durability is typically the highest priority homeowners have for their countertops, and rightfully so! You’ll want to make sure your countertop lasts many, many years. Porcelain countertops are very durable, and listed below are the main reasons why. Porcelain countertops are:
Scratch resistant
Stain resistant
Heat resistant
Non-porous
UV resistant
Freeze resistant
Can I use porcelain outside of the kitchen?
Yes! You can use porcelain in bathrooms, flooring, fireplace surrounds, and even outdoors! Since porcelain is UV & freeze resistant, it is perfect for an outdoor kitchen countertop. While quartz does have some options for outdoor applications, the selection is limited. Most brands & colors of porcelain countertops can be used outside (there may be a few exceptions).
What are some important things to consider?
The only edge profile that’s possible with porcelain countertops is an eased/square edge. If you are looking for a more unique or ornate edge profile, then porcelain would not be right of you.
Another important note is that unlike quartz and other stone countertops, the pattern/veining is only on the top of the porcelain countertop surface and the color does not run through the material. Therefore, the edge of porcelain countertops will be a solid color (either white, gray, or black depending on the primary color of the slab). Recently, some companies have started making colors that are “through-body” (meaning the pattern does run through the entire material) and we hope to continue to see more of these available in the near future!
Lastly, the standard thickness for porcelain is 2cm (~¾”). Depending on the color/brand, you may be able to get a thinner slab. Built-up mitered edges are possible for a thicker look (and this would allow you to see the edge/pattern on the edges instead of a solid color). However, mitered edges can get pretty pricey depending on the square footage of the project.
What are my color & finish options?
Just like quartz, porcelain has a lot of different color and finish options. Porcelain countertops typically mimic the look of natural stone such as marble or soapstone which allows you to have the look of natural stone without any of the maintenance that comes with it. The finish options differ depending on the brand, but your standard options are either polished, matte, or textured. Listed below are the main brands we work with for porcelain countertops and a link to their color & finish options:
How do I take care of porcelain countertops?
Porcelain countertops, like quartz, are low maintenance. They do not require sealing and only need dish soap & water with a wet sponge for everyday cleaning. Each brand has different recommendations for how to take care of more stubborn messes. Listed below are the links to each different brand’s recommendations:
To Wrap it All Up
There are many material options when it comes to kitchen countertops, and porcelain is just one of them. If you are curious about all the kitchen countertop material options, be sure to ask your kitchen designer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our showroom to browse our countertop samples & porcelain countertop display to see if this material is right for your project.