There are many different types of countertops to choose from when renovating your kitchen, and porcelain countertops are one option that has both pros and cons.
On the plus side, porcelain is a solid and durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It's also easy to clean and maintain and won't absorb stains or odors like some other materials can. However, porcelain can be expensive and relatively brittle, so it can chip or crack if not handled carefully.
Overall, porcelain countertops are a good choice for those who want a stylish and low-maintenance surface, but some may have better options.
These are pros and cons of porcelain to give you a better idea of how it can be designed, how to care for it, how long it lasts, and how much it costs.
Pros:
They can take the heat:
Since it was made at such high temperatures, it makes sense that one of its benefits is that it can withstand heat. Even if you put hot pots and pans on a porcelain countertop, you shouldn't have any trouble with them.
Durability and Hardness:
The rigid structure of porcelain also makes it hard to scratch. You can even cut and dice food on it without worrying about damaging the surface with your knives. But you might want to avoid doing things like cleaving meat.
Low Water Absorption:
Almost no water can get through porcelain. The Tile Council of North America says it only soaks up less than 0.5% water. So, don't worry about cleaning up spills as soon as they happen.
Easy Maintenance:
Porcelain is not only easy to clean but also doesn't absorb stains and doesn't have pores. That's good news for people who own countertops because they don't have to seal them. Quality porcelain used to make countertops are heat-resistant, can't be scratched and lasts a long time.
UV Light Resistance:
One significant advantage of porcelain over quartz countertops is that it won't change color if it's in the sun for a long time. What a relief it is to plan the layout of your kitchen countertops without having to think about where the windows are.
Patterns and colors:
Natural pigments may give you a wide range of color options depending on the manufacturer. Since porcelain is an artificial stone, colors and patterns can be added when it is made. You can get a countertop that is a solid color or one that looks like marble. So, it will look like marble but will last a lot longer.
You can make your porcelain countertop look like any material you want, like marble, wood grain, concrete finishes, or rusted steel, and it will still look natural.
Size and Thickness:
You might think that something as vital as porcelain would also have to be very thick, but that's not the case.
In reality, porcelain is a very light material that can be installed in many different ways. Also, extra-large porcelain slabs can be made so that there are fewer seems to be made. This makes it a good choice if you want to cover the kitchen island with a single slab.
It's good for the environment:
Lastly, one of the best things about porcelain is that it is green. It's 100% natural and made from raw materials and clay, so it's nice to know you can recycle it someday.
Cons:
Easy to Crack:
A few things are wrong with countertops. One is that it will break if you hit it hard. It's strong, but not as strong as that. It will be fine if you don't hit it with a hammer or a meat cleaver.
Edge Styles:
Compared to other materials, there aren't as many edge profiles for countertops, but each one is unique. The usual edges are round, beveled, straight, covered, and waterfall. You can also have the advantage of making a pattern, with a square edge being the most common choice. Since porcelain countertops are thinner than some others, a mitered edge is an excellent way to make it look like the slab is thicker than it is.
The Cost:
When making countertops, it's always a lot harder to work with high-density materials. Since the material is so thin, it is hard to find the right person to make the full-sized slabs. But granite, marble, and quartz all cost more than porcelain. The good news is that it doesn't cost much to keep up once it's set up.
Conclusion:
Porcelain is a beautiful and durable option for kitchens and bathrooms. They are heat-resistant and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for busy homeowners. However, countertops come with a few drawbacks. They can be expensive, and they are also susceptible to chipping and scratching. If you're considering porcelain countertops for your home, carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.