Porcelain countertops as the bathroom or kitchen countertops hold on their own when compared to popular countertop options such as Granite or Quartz. They are pretty promising but have a few drawbacks too. Let us understand the pros and cons to decide if it is advisable to remodel your kitchen with a porcelain countertop.
Pros of Porcelain Countertops
Stain-Resistant
Although Porcelain countertops are not 100% stain proof, they come pretty close. They consist of non-porous material, implying that they cannot absorb liquids. You can quickly clean off rare stains that may appear on the surface. Unlike marble, it will not etch or get hazy spots from acidic foods or drinks because they are resistant to most chemicals.
Heat-Resistant
Porcelain countertops can take the heat because their manufacturing process exposes them to extremely high temperatures. Hot pots cannot damage or scorch the surface. Nevertheless, it does no harm to use trivets for hot cookware.
Scratch-Resistant
It isn’t possible to scratch porcelain countertops just like granite and quartz material. However, ceramic knives may scratch the surface.
Chemical-Resistant
Unlike quartz countertops, chemicals cannot discolor or bleach out the surface of porcelain countertops. Acidic drinks, food items, and chemicals cannot etch or dull the surface finish, making it par with travertine and marble.
Hard & Durable
Porcelain countertops are tough and usually stand up to impacts. After stones, porcelain is the most durable material and is primarily wear-resistant. Nevertheless, cracks and chipping may occur sometimes.
Ultraviolet Light Resistant
This material does not fade from sunlight because of its UV resistance. Hence, it is a perfect choice for outdoor kitchen countertops.
Several Colors and Patterns
It is available in almost every pattern, color, and shade that appears like marble and natural stones.
No Sealing Required
It features a unique fire glazing to protect from staining and moisture. It implies that Porcelain countertops do not need any sealing except a few brands or unglazed porcelain. Generally speaking, you rarely need sealing on porcelain, but it is better to clarify before purchasing.
Environmentally-Friendly and Recyclable
You can easily recycle your old porcelain countertops after several years of usage because they consist of 100% natural clay-based materials.
Cons of Porcelain Countertops
Skin Deep
It does not come with a built-in design. Porcelain manufacturers print patterns on top of porcelain slabs. However, it is not much of an issue. If you opt for rounded edges, the printed design shall not be visible. Similarly, in rare chipping cases, the slab interior will be visible. It will consist of the same color, but the pattern will be only skin deep.
Ceramic Knives May Scratch
Although they are scratch-proof, ceramic knives can scratch the porcelain surface. Hence, it makes sense to use a cutting board and avoid using ceramic knives.
Limited Supply & Availability
It is often challenging to find a supplier and a fabricator who understands porcelain stuff well because it has a limited market and is not typical for countertops. However, its trend is catching up very fast. Moreover, their prices vary wildly, so it requires prior research for competitive pricing.
The Verdict: Are porcelain countertops worth the effort?
High-quality porcelain countertops offer strength, versatility, and easy installation. They are sleek and stylish as you can get them in several patterns and colors. You can even get the edges and thickness customized as per your unique preferences. In a fast-paced kitchen life, wear and tear are typical, and porcelain is durable in that sense.
However, skin-deep beauty is a noticeable disadvantage when you get chips and flaws. Moreover, it may be challenging to find a qualified porcelain installer.
In the longer run, porcelain’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks and render it the best countertop material. It can be a practical and fashionable choice for your contemporary kitchen. All that you need is proper planning and care.