13 Main Porcelain Countertops Pros and Cons | Porcelain Countertops Cost & Maintenance
Porcelain Countertops Pros and Cons | Porcelain Countertops Cost & Maintenance | Porcelain Countertops Vs Granite Vs Quartz
Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain is a ceramic product created by heating minerals, often kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures ranging between 1,200 and 1,400 °C (2,200 and 2,600 °F).
Porcelain’s strength and translucence, in comparison to other forms of pottery, are mostly due to vitrification and the production of the mineral mullite within the body at these high temperatures.
Porcelain is mostly used in the decorative industry to make countertops, dinnerware, pottery, and other homeware.
Porcelain countertops are a type of surface that is typically used in kitchens. They are available in many different colors, shapes, and styles to suit any taste or decor.
Porcelain has several benefits over other types of countertops such as granite, including being non-porous so it doesn’t harbor bacteria or stains easily.
It also requires less maintenance than most other surfaces since it’s much harder to scratch the material compared with stone.
Porcelain can be installed on top of an existing kitchen countertop without having to replace it entirely if you choose this option instead of tearing out your old counters for a full installation.
This is especially helpful if you’re handy around the house and want to save money by doing some of the work yourself.
The cost of both types of materials depends on where you purchase it and how much area you need to cover.
A small porcelain countertop will usually cost around $60 while a granite countertop can run up to $300 per square foot before installation.
Porcelain has the added benefit of having very little or no maintenance, depending on its finish or style, whereas granite must be resealed every few years to keep it looking bright and new.
Cost of Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain is a type of natural stone which can be used as a kitchen or bathroom countertop.
They are the perfect material to use in modern kitchens, and their clean look will last you many years.
There are many factors that go into pricing porcelain countertops, but the price for installed porcelain countertop material ranges from $6-$24 per square foot, depending on the size and thickness you choose.
Porcelain Countertops Pros and Cons
Pros of Porcelain Countertops:
- 1. Porcelain countertops are durable:
A porcelain countertop is a good option if you want something that’s going to last. This material can be used for countertops, kitchen cabinets, and even the flooring of your bathroom and kitchen areas.
2. Porcelain countertops don’t harbor bacteria:
Bacteria and germs love to hide and grow in moist environments. A porcelain countertop is very dry so it will help to prevent bacteria from growing on or around the surface of the countertop.
3. Porcelain countertops are easy to clean:
Porcelain is easy to clean. It is durable but can be easily wiped down with the use of a soft sponge
If your porcelain countertops are damaged or cracked, you can easily replace it with a similar or new model. A porcelain countertop is very resistant to scratches, damages, and stains.
4. Low water absorption:
A porcelain countertop will absorb less than 5% of its weight in water. This makes it easy to clean because you don’t need to use too much water so it won’t take up too much of your water supply.
This fact makes granite and other types of bathrooms much less appealing in comparison.
5. UV Light Resistance:
Another great thing about a porcelain countertop is that it has resistance to UV light. UV light comes from the sun and can attack your countertops and make them look dull or ruin the material completely.
6. Porcelain countertop comes in different colors and patterns:
A porcelain countertop comes in several different colours, patterns, and designs. You can install a new one anytime you want to change the look of your kitchen.
7. Porcelain countertops are more resistant to heat:
Although porcelain can be damaged by high temperatures, it is relatively more resistant to heat. It won’t crack easily when it gets too hot or if you set hot pots or pans on its surface.
8. Environmentally Friendly:
A porcelain countertop is made of natural elements. This makes it environmentally friendly.
9. Porcelain countertops are inexpensive:
Porcelain is very inexpensive when compared to other countertop materials like granite or marble. A porcelain countertop can be installed on your own for a very low cost.
Cons of Porcelain Countertops:
1. Extreme Heat Damage:
The one disadvantage of having a porcelain countertop is that it can be damaged if you put hot dishes or pots on top of it. The heat can melt your surface or even burn you while you stand there looking at it.
2. Porcelain countertops need to be installed:
This is the downside to this material because it requires the installation process to be done professionally in order for you to get what you’re paying for.
3. Porcelain countertops are easy to crack:
Because porcelain is very brittle, it can easily crack if it’s dropped from a great height or if it’s hit against a hard surface.
4. Limited countertop edge profile options:
Porcelain countertops can only be installed on a smooth surface. If you want to put them around your kitchen sink, for example, they won’t look quite right with the edge against the sink.
Porcelain Countertops FAQs
Is porcelain good for kitchen counters?
Porcelain is a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear that most kitchens have to deal with.
Compared to other types of countertops, it’s easier to maintain and last much longer without being replaced.
Porcelain countertops are a good option for those who also want a surface that can be laid upon if they do not have a full kitchen renovation budget.
This type of countertop won’t break easily, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it after a few years or so of being used.
Do porcelain countertops chip easily?
While porcelain is incredibly durable once fitted, it is quite fragile throughout the fabrication process and may easily be chipped or cracked, making it critical to locate an expert fabricator.
Porcelain must be installed properly in order to stay in good condition for many years.
It’s also important to maintain the material with proper care so that it’ll look great for many years to come without the need of replacement.
Does porcelain crack easily?
Porcelain is known for its toughness but can crack under extreme pressure. Contractors should plan the installation of porcelain countertops properly, taking into consideration how heavy it can be and where to place it in your home.
Porcelain must also be protected against thermal shock since the material expands and contracts at different temperatures.
This means storing hot pots and pans on the countertop can cause fractures and cracks on its surface.
What are the cons of porcelain countertops?
Porcelain countertops may be more expensive than other types of countertops like laminate. The material is also very heavy, so it can be difficult to move and install.
You also have to be careful when handling the material so they won’t get chipped or cracked through the installation process.
Proper planning and a strong team of professionals is a must in order for contractors to install this type of countertop properly.
Are porcelain countertops cheaper? Porcelain Vs granite
Prices for porcelain countertops might be lower than those for granite and are typically lower than those for quartz.
However, the cost is comparable to that of granite and quartz countertops.
Here’s the deal: depending on the granite color chosen, granite can be fitted for much less in certain situations or much more in others.
The benefit of porcelain is that it’s a sturdy and durable option so you don’t have to replace it every few years.
What are the benefits of porcelain countertops?
Porcelain countertops can last much longer compared with other materials such as granite, even without any maintenance. The material lasts for many years and is almost impossible to scratch or chip.
Porcelain countertops are highly durable due to their resistance to heat, scratches, and UV rays, allowing them to be used as countertops, cladding, and flooring in both indoor and outdoor applications.
Which is better porcelain or granite?
It’s almost impossible to say which one is better since this depends on your needs and preferences. Both materials are quite durable and can withstand heavy use in the kitchen.
Porcelain is more resistant to staining, however, while granite has a cooler look that may be best for contemporary kitchens.
As previously stated, porcelain is more durable than even the hardest granite – about 30% more so.
Porcelain’s strong structure makes it scratch-resistant as well. You may even slice and dice food straight on it without fear of harming the surface.
What are the Pros and Cons of porcelain kitchen countertops?
Pros of porcelain kitchen countertops:
Other than durability, porcelain kitchen countertops can also come in different styles including natural white, black, beige/cream finish, and gray color. They come with different sizes to choose from as well.
Granite kitchen countertops are a popular choice because they provide a rich, warm look that can fit any type of kitchen theme and design.
Granite is also more affordable compared to other types of countertop materials.
Porcelain countertops are great alternatives to granite kitchen countertops because they are less expensive and are also easier to maintain.
Cons of porcelain kitchen countertops:
Porcelain is vulnerable to cracks if it’s not installed properly or it’s subjected to heat or cold temperature changes.
Though granite is quite durable, it may be more expensive compared to other types of countertop materials. It also requires the proper installation to be maintained over the years.
Which is cheaper porcelain or quartz?
Quartz is clearly more expensive than porcelain slabs in terms of both material and installation expenses.
Furthermore, when compared to porcelain slabs, quartz necessitates a more complex installation process.
If you go with a simple design and a thin layer, then porcelain can be much cheaper than quartz.
You should also take into consideration that quartz countertops will fade over time due to exposure to natural light, which isn’t the case with porcelain.
Which is better porcelain or marble?
While both types of tiles are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, marble tiles are more visually appealing than porcelain tiles.
When compared to porcelain tiles, marble tiles are easier to install. Although porcelain tiles are less difficult to clean than marble tiles, they are more prone to breaking.
Although marble is particularly beautiful, porcelain is definitely the better choice because it’s stronger and less expensive.
Porcelain can also come in more different sizes and colors than marble, so you won’t have to settle if you prefer a variety of options.
Marble may be more attractive than porcelain due to its exotic nature but it’s far less durable than this material. Marble is easily chipped or cracked and requires constant upkeep to keep it looking great.
Which is more expensive porcelain or marble?
Marble is definitely the more expensive material. Because it requires proper installation, marble is also more costly than porcelain.
If you want to install marble tile on your own, you’ll need to hire a professional to finish the job instead of simply laying down the porcelain tiles yourself.
Porcelain tiles typically cost between $5 and $15 per square foot, including supplies and installation.
Marble tile is generally more expensive, with supplies and installation costing between $6 and $20 per square foot on average.
How do you clean porcelain countertops?
Cleaning porcelain is an excellent way to remove stains. A good way to clean them is by using a dishwasher and a soft cloth.
The dishwasher can be used when it’s in the “normal” cycle but you need to add a little bit of your favorite dishwashing liquid in order for it to work properly.
You can also use a special cleaner that is specifically designed for porcelain countertops and other non-porcelain surfaces.
Conclusion
Porcelain countertops are a great option for homeowners who want the convenience of granite with the affordability of laminate.
Unlike other materials, porcelain is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also nonporous so it won’t absorb stains or odors from food or otherwise.
The material is durable enough to withstand heavy traffic in busy kitchens, but still strong enough for more delicate tasks like baking and serving at home parties.
Porcelain countertops are a type of countertop material that is smooth and easy to clean.
They look similar to granite but because they are made from much more durable materials, they can withstand the wear and tear of day-to-day use.
There’s no need for sealant as porcelain has natural resistance against stains such as coffee or wine.
