Today, granite and quartz countertops are the most popular. However, as people start thinking practically, they are gradually turning to more affordable materials that maintain the same beauty and utility. The material I am talking about is porcelain. You probably already have a few porcelain utensils in your home, but what about countertops? Although it has yet to be the preferred material for most kitchens, its popularity is growing steadily. In this article, we will talk about its pros and cons and find out if a porcelain countertop is something you’d consider.
Is Porcelain Good for Countertops?
A mixture of pulverized China stone and kaolin (often called China clay) is heated to a temperature of roughly 1400°C to create porcelain. The kaolin helps the product retain its form, while the high temperature helps the China stone to become an extremely durable substance. In the clay, impurities like silica and feldspars contribute to the strength and color rather than taking away its quality. When porcelain countertops are made, a pigmented glaze is applied to them to increase their decorative appeal. This way, you can make porcelain countertops look similar to natural stone. If you don’t want such a design, you can also have your porcelain unglazed.
Heat and UV Resistance
Because porcelain countertops are made at such high temperatures, they can withstand heat. Although hot cookware should always be placed on table mats or stands, placing hot pans on the surface won’t burn or cause damage. Porcelain is also an excellent material for outdoor kitchen counters since it is immune to ultraviolet light and won’t fade in the sun.
Stain Resistance
Porcelain comes close to being stain-proof but is only partially so. Since it is non-porous, liquids do not get absorbed. When stains occur, they usually appear on the surface and are simple to remove. Additionally, unlike marble countertops, porcelain has high resistance to the majority of chemicals and won’t etch or develop dull patches from acidic meals and beverages.
Scratch Resistance
Again, due to its hardness, it is scratch resistant. It is incredibly tough to scratch, much like granite and quartz. However, be careful with ceramic knives because they can use occasionally scratch porcelain.
Durability
Kitchen and bathroom countertops made of porcelain are incredibly strong, resilient, and resistant to impacts unless you drop a heavy object from a substantial height. They are typically untouched by wear and tear, either. However, there is still a chance for chips and cracks, so try to be cautious.
Design and Colors
As porcelain is a manufactured material, It can be found in almost any color or pattern, and wide varieties resemble marble, granite, or other types of natural stone.
No Sealing Required
For the most part, porcelain doesn’t require sealing since this fire glazing protects it from stains and moisture. However, if your porcelain countertop is unglazed, sealing may be required.
What are the Downsides of Porcelain Countertops?
As a countertop material for the kitchen or bathroom, porcelain has a lot to offer. It competes favorably with other popular natural stones like quartz and granite countertops. However, you should also be aware of the disadvantages that come with porcelain.
Superficial Beauty
Porcelain does not have its designs pre-built, unlike natural stone and other tabletop materials. This means that designs and patterns need to be printed on top of it later. This is more of a minor inconvenience rather than a serious issue, but you should know that the edges of your porcelain countertop might not have any imprinted design. The same issue will occur if your countertop gets chipped.
Not Scratch-proof Against Ceramic Knives
As we’ve already established that porcelain is hard and scratch-proof against almost all household materials. But ceramic knives are the one thing that it is not immune against. While the obvious suggestion is to not use ceramic knives but if that doesn’t work for you, make sure you always use a chopping board.
Limited Finishes
Although there are fewer finish options than granite, marble, or other natural stones, most of the common varieties are still available. During the production process, it is simple to obtain a smooth or textured porcelain finish. For countertops in bathrooms or kitchens, high-gloss polished and honed surfaces are the most popular.
Limited Edges
Although it is possible to make all the common edges, including straight, beveled, and round, you might prefer a different way than some of these. Porcelain’s edge designs are fewer than those of natural stones since its patterns are merely superficial. The pattern will be removed if you choose more elaborate edges.
Conclusion
Porcelain is a hard material that resists wear and tear, is sleek and modern, is UV-resistant, and comes in various hues and designs. You can tailor anything to your preferences, including thickness and edge types. The main drawbacks of porcelain countertops are their superficial elegance and the likelihood that any chips or imperfections will be seen. However, porcelain’s advantages ultimately exceed its disadvantages, placing it among the top countertop materials available. So, with the proper maintenance, porcelain countertops are both a functional and stylish option for your modern kitchen. Check out Tez Marble’s catalogs if you decide to get porcelain or any other type of countertops.