Porcelain Kitchen Countertops For 2023

This article will be an overview of the benefits in choosing a porcelain kitchen countertop for your kitchen design. There are many benefits, so let’s jump right in, starting with answering the following question.

What are porcelain countertops?

Although porcelain countertops are fairly new in Canada, they have been in use for many years in Europe.

Porcelain, a man-made product, is made from clay. It is composed of a combination of Kaolinite and Silica, Feldspar and other minerals, which work together to give porcelain its strength and durability.

The mixture of these materials is then put in a kiln and fired at very high temperatures. This results in a dense, nearly impervious material that is almost completely resistant to stains, heat UV rays and scratching

Porcelain countertop manufacturing uses pigmented glazes to make different colours and patterns on the porcelain slab. Unglazed and glazed porcelain are available. Glazing increases the durability of the slab and creates a shiny finish. This reduces porosity, which means that there is less chance of staining.

Drawbacks of porcelain countertops

Glazed porcelain has one major disadvantage: the design or colour is printed only on the surface of the tile or slab. This means that the interior colour could be different, which can cause problems if the tile or slab is chipped.

That said, unglazed porcelain has the same colour both on the exterior and interior of the slab.

Porcelain Colour & Pattern

Porcelain countertops can be found in many colours and patterns, just like other countertops.

Remember that the colour and pattern will not be applied to the slab's interior. It is applied only to the counters when glazing takes place.

Porcelain Countertop | Choice Of Edges

The edges of porcelain countertops are very unique. Because porcelain's patterns and colours are printed only on the surface of the countertop, edges are less flexible than natural stone or quartz. For example, a rounded edge would eliminate the pattern. To preserve the colour and surface pattern, most people choose a square edge.

Durability

Porcelain slabs are extremely strong once they have been installed. However, they can be very lightweight and thin. Porcelain countertops are typically 1/4 inch thick (6 mm) and 1/2 inch (12 mm). It can also be made in large slabs measuring approximately 126"x62". This allows one slab of material to be used to cover an entire island, without seams. Direct heat will not damage the porcelain countertop. A hot pan or pot can be placed on it without affecting or damaging the porcelain.

Are Porcelain Countertops Fragile?

Porcelain is extremely durable and hardy once installed. After countertops have been installed, cracking is not an issue.

Do porcelain countertops chip easily?

Porcelain countertops are not impervious to damage. When chopping or slicing on porcelain countertops, it is best to use a cutting board.

Because the colour and pattern are only visible on the surface, chips, cracks and scratches can be easily seen. The only caveat to this is that if you choose solid-colored porcelain without any pattern, the colour inside your slab will match the surface, making chips and cracks less noticeable.

Do porcelain countertops chip easily?

Porcelain countertops are very easy to clean and maintain, with no resealing needed like with granite countertops. Porcelain countertops are non-porous and stain resistant, perfect for any homeowner!

Porcelain Benefits At A Glance

• Can withstand heat however, we recommend using a trivet or hot pad regardless.
• Once installed, it is extremely durable.
• Porcelain is resistant to scratches (except for ceramic knives).
• Porcelain has no pores (i.e. It doesn't absorb liquids and is stain-resistant, so sealing is not usually necessary.
• Can be cleaned and maintained easily.
• Comes in a variety of colours and patterns.
• Porcelain has UV resistance so prolonged sun exposure won't cause porcelain countertops to turn yellow.
• Porcelain is eco-friendly.
• You can install porcelain countertops directly on top of existing countertops..
• Porcelain won't etch or become dull from acidic foods, as marble does.

Want to learn more or get a quote about buying a porcelain kitchen countertop for your kitchen? Contact us today!