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Trending: Porcelain Countertops

Yes, porcelain countertops are a thing. No, we’re not talking about those square porcelain tiles that made kitchen cleanup such a pain. Porcelain countertop slabs are becoming a sought-after option for homeowners and designers looking for a durable and stylish countertop surface. While porcelain may not be as popular as other materials—mainly quartz and granite countertops—the popularity is rising and for good reason! Porcelain countertops are expected to be a growing trend in the year ahead and the stately look will stand the test of time in any bathroom or kitchen remodel.

If you want a marble look, without the marble price tag or maintenance, porcelain countertops might be the right choice for you. Want to learn more about what exactly porcelain is, and the pros and cons of installing it as a countertop material? Continuing reading to learn about this trendy countertop option and the companies offering it.

What is Porcelain?

Porcelain is a ceramic material made from clay, kaolinite, silica, and other hearty minerals, the exact proportions of which vary depending on the end use of the material. The resulting combination of kiln-fired materials is strong and durable, perfect for kitchen and bathroom applications.

Porcelain was originally used for pottery and fine China, then adapted for wall covering use. The tile form of porcelain is still a very popular design choice for flooring, showers and backsplashes, while tiled porcelain countertops have largely fallen out of fashion. Contemporary homeowners are looking for a solid countertop look, so porcelain has reinvented itself once again into slab form.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain countertops offer many benefits, making them a serious rival of other modern countertop materials like quartz and granite or natural slab materials like marble and quartzite. The pros and cons of porcelain countertops are listed below.

Pros

  • Durability: Since porcelain is a manufactured material as opposed to a natural stone, it is specifically made to be hard and highly durable. Porcelain is even stronger than granite. During manufacturing, pigmented glazes are added to create the desired color and design, and also to form a non-porous glazed surface. The hard surface is scratch-resistant, making it an ideal material for high-use kitchen countertops.
  • Low Maintenance: Since porcelain is non-porous it’s very stain resistant. Unlike marble surfaces which can absorb liquids if not properly sealed, porcelain will resist liquids. Along with the scratch resistance, these properties make porcelain a very low maintenance material.
  • Eco-Friendly: Made of natural materials, porcelain is one of the most environmentally-friendly countertop options there is. It’s no-VOC and generally way better to dispose of at the end of its useful life. It can be recycled or left to biodegrade without harmful chemicals leaching.
  • High-End Look: Porcelain countertops are available in many colors and patterns. Certain choices offer a high-end look that mimics marble and quartzite extremely well. You can even get porcelain that mimics concrete, without the upkeep of concrete countertops. Plus, all slabs are uniform so there’s no need to go to the stone yard to select slabs.
  • No Need to Seal: Some countertops, like marble, need to be sealed to protect the surface from scratches and stains. Porcelain countertops are already designed to resist these damages, therefore, there is no need to seal the surface, saving both time and money over other more laborious surfaces.
  • Longer slabs: Slabs up to 10-feet long are possible with porcelain. While other materials may require a seam between slabs in large kitchens, a porcelain countertop could avoid a seam altogether.
  • Lightweight: Porcelain countertops come in a variety of thickness options, and even thin porcelain is very durable.
  • Outdoor Use: Porcelain is completely UV resistant, so it’s excellent for outdoor uses such as outdoor kitchen and grilling areas.

Cons

  • Printed Pattern: Patterns that mimic natural stone veining are printed only on the surface of porcelain countertops. While this won’t necessarily matter, and you will achieve the same look as a natural stone, it may be slightly noticeable on rounded edges that the veining doesn’t run through the slab. For this reason, most homeowners choose a squared or eased edge. Or, if the countertop chips, the interior color may vary from the topcoat quite noticeably.
  • Corners Can Chip: While porcelain is a very strong material, it is not indestructible. A blunt force on the edge of the countertops can cause chipping. While rare, it is important to keep this in mind and treat the corners with care.
  • Possible Higher Cost: Depending on a porcelain countertop’s style and availability, the cost can be expensive. While it is often comparable to the cost of quartz and cheaper than granite, certain styles can be more costly.
Samples of StratusPorcelain™

Where to Find Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain countertop manufacturing is common in Europe, and becoming increasingly accessible in the United States. You can find porcelain countertops locally in Seattle from these brands (and probably more!):

If you are thinking about using porcelain countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, let us walk you through the options. Our Seattle interior design experts know these pros and cons, and can help you make the best countertop decision for your space. At Model Remodel, we pride ourselves on a design-build process that takes your individual lifestyle and preferences to heart when crafting the home remodel of your dreams.

Written by Model Remodel

Model Remodel is a design-build, remodeling contractor located in Seattle, WA. For over 20 years we’ve been building with purpose, craftsmanship and sustainability in mind. We are proud to continually make the list of top Seattle contractors for our beautiful interior designs and homeowner-focused remodeling process.

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