IF YOU, like me, grew up in a house with porcelain tile kitchen countertops, you probably remember the grout — discolored, hard to clean, and with chunks missing. Why would anyone want to go back to that?
If you love the lustrous look and practicality of porcelain, you’ll be glad to know that grout is out. The modern porcelain countertops are made, not from tiny squares, but full-size slabs big enough for an island. They come in a wide variety of color, pattern and finish combinations, some unique to porcelain, others that simulate marble, cement, wood, and more. It’s no wonder that porcelain countertops continue to grow in popularity.
How are these porcelain slabs made, how do they compare to natural stone, and how much do porcelain countertops cost?
How are porcelain slabs made?
You probably know porcelain’s main ingredient: clay. But this is no kid’s clay. Kaolin, also known as China Clay, is mined from the earth and contains elements that make up both granite and quartz. The mix is carefully prepared then superheated to form a dense, rock-hard porcelain. Color and patterns are melded to the surface of the slab at temperatures that exceed 2000 Fahrenheit.
The finished product is a chip, crack and scratch-resistant, non-porous surface that repels liquids, stains, and harmful bacteria.
Since porcelain slabs come in a variety of thicknesses and sizes, they can be used for paneling, fire surrounds and other unique design projects. Because they are highly UV-resistant, they won’t fade outdoors.
How do porcelain countertops compare to natural stone?
Once installed, porcelain countertops are extremely tough, ranking just behind your denser stone countertops. It’s in the cutting, fabrication, and transportation stages that porcelain slabs might be prone to chipping or minor cracks, which is why it is so important to use an experienced fabricator like WilgusIQ.
Porcelain is not fazed by tomato sauce, soda, and household cleaners and will not etch or discolor when placed in contact with these and other everyday products. It never needs to be sealed. Cleanup and maintenance are simple.
More detailed information on chips and scratches is provided on the FAQ of our About Porcelain Countertops page.
How much do porcelain countertops cost?
If you have budgeted for mid-range stone or quartz countertops then porcelain may be a good fit for you. We would love to answer your questions about porcelain and the other premium materials we offer. Please feel free to contact us by phone, email, or in person.