About Porcelain Slab Countertops and Surfaces
The porcelain countertops and surfaces crafted by WilgusIQ in Springfield, Missouri, are not porcelain tiles but full-size slabs of amazing strength and versatility. What are the pros and cons of porcelain? Could it be right for your home or business? To find reliable answers, scroll or click on one of the questions below.
12 Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Countertops and Surfaces
Taja Perla Porcelain Countertops
Does porcelain make a good countertop?
Porcelain is an amazing material. Porcelain scores a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and can be harder than granite. Because it’s non-porous, it’s hygienic, easy to clean, and highly stain-resistant — a huge advantage in kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain is one of the most heat-resistant surfaces you will find. The look of porcelain is rich and vibrant, and it can mimic anything from marble to wood.
Porcelain comes in sizes as large as 63 x 126 inches, so entire kitchen islands can be fashioned out of one porcelain slab and the number of countertop seams dramatically reduced.
But porcelain countertops may not suit every lifestyle. Some experts point out that the manufacturing process that gives porcelain its strength may also make it more brittle and vulnerable to chipping than granite and quartzite. Porcelain also requires greater skill from the fabricator and more vigilance from the homeowner to keep heavy objects from striking the countertops.
What are porcelain countertops and slabs made of?
The porcelain that becomes full-sized slabs begins as Kaolin, also known as China Clay. Since Kaolin is mined from the earth, its exact composition can vary, but it is primarily composed of kaolinite, feldspar (a principal component of granite), and quartz. These minerals can be combined in different measures along with sand, clay and finishing compounds as the raw materials of porcelain.
Kaolinite at Lake Kaolin, Indonesia.
How are porcelain countertop slabs made?
The individual minerals that make up porcelain are ground into fine particles and combined into precise formulations. The atomized mixture is subjected to enormous pressure, in some cases up to 15 tons. The process squeezes out most of the air from between the particles. The result is an incredibly compact slab, typically with a thickness of between 6mm and 12mm (quarter- to half-inch) for walls and countertops.
At this point the slabs are dried and digitally printed. Any texture or glaze is added and the slabs are sent to a specialized oven called a kiln. Inside the kiln, the firing process can reach temperatures up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. No wonder porcelain countertops are so heat-resistant! Edges and finishes are refined and then the slab is ready to be shipped.
Are porcelain slabs good for walls, backsplash, floors, showers and baths?
Porcelain slabs are available in thin, large-format slabs, opening up a world of possibilities. They can be used for wall and floor cladding, including stove-to-ceiling backsplash. Because they are impervious to heat, porcelain slabs make a beautiful fireplace surround.
Why do porcelain slabs make excellent shower and bathroom surfaces? Because they are a no-grout, non-porous surface that is amazingly durable, beautiful, and easy to clean. Being non-porous, porcelain repels water, resisting mold and bacteria. And since they come in both thin and thick options, porcelain slabs can be used to coordinate a stunning shower, wall, floor and vanity top design in one or more complimentary colors.
Sodalite Porcelain wall in Marshfield, MO, by WilgusIQ.
Can porcelain be installed over my current countertops?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it. If there is an irregularity in the existing countertops, laying porcelain slabs over them may magnify the problem and create issues with moisture retention. For these reasons, WilgusIQ recommends a tear-out and clean install.
Do porcelain countertops chip easily?
As of this writing, no American organization has published independent test results on this subject. Some homeowners report chipping, others do not. Various factors may be at play, including the way the slabs were fabricated and installed. Some experts also point out that the manufacturing process that gives porcelain its strength may also make it more brittle than granite and quartzite and more vulnerable to chipping than these materials of comparable hardness.
Can chips in porcelain countertops be repaired?
Marble-style porcelain.
Yes, chips can be repaired with acrylic or other fillers, but a porcelain repair job may be more noticeable than a comparable natural stone repair. That’s because a rock’s color permeates the whole stone, but color and pattern of porcelain are typically on the surface, though some premium brands are available with full- or through-body color.
If you are concerned about a possible chip repair, you may want to consider a light-colored porcelain that matches the underlying neutral color, such as one of the many marble patterns available.
Do porcelain countertops crack or scratch?
Cracks and scratches in porcelain countertops are possible but preventible. Many experts rate porcelain just behind stone in resistance to both, but here are three things to look out for. First, porcelain is vulnerable to scratches from ceramic knives. Second, though incredibly heat-resistant, porcelain can crack under drastic changes in temperature. Third, it’s actually before installation, when a porcelain slab is being cut, fabricated, and transported, that it is most prone to cracks. That’s why choosing an experienced shop is essential.
Do porcelain countertops need to be sealed?
No. The purpose of sealing a countertop is to close off the natural pores in a material such as stone, and porcelain has no pores. That makes porcelain very easy to take care of as well as hygienic and stain-resistant.
What colors do porcelain countertops come in?
Here’s where we get to the true genius of porcelain! Because the colors, patterns, and texture of porcelain are designed into the slab, porcelain can mimic other materials with stunning accuracy. Marble, soapstone, wood, cement — all can be recreated in easy-care porcelain! There are even companies that allow you to print your own design.
Is it wood or is it porcelain?
It may look and feel like wood, but this is actually a porcelain slab available through WilgusIQ.
What kind of edges can I get with porcelain countertops?
Most customers opt for the eased edge option. The look is clean, modern, and well-suited to porcelain since the pattern is typically glazed to the surface. If you are thinking of a more complex edge, you may want to consider a premium porcelain with through-body color.
How much do porcelain countertops cost?
Porcelain countertops generally fall within the same price range as quartz or slightly higher. With so many variables for each project, the best approach is to get a comparative quote of different surfaces. No fabricator in the 417 area can beat WilgusIQ’s selection of fine countertop materials or give you greater freedom in choosing exactly what you want. Select Free Quotes to see how easy it is to receive your no-obligation estimate.