When thinking of the most popular countertops, granite and quartz are brought up first. And while those are some of the strongest, many homeowners overlook porcelain, another countertop contender.
Elegant. Timeless. Clean.
Porcelain is stunning, and very few people would argue with that. But what about its functionality? A common misconception is that porcelain takes a back seat to granite and quartz when it comes to durability. And while those countertops are also extremely strong and durable, porcelain should be considered in that same tier.
Effective in both kitchens and bathrooms, porcelain slabs are coated with a pigmented glaze when used as countertops, which gives them an aesthetic appeal like natural stone. So, if it checks the boxes of aesthetics and durability, where does porcelain fall short? We’re going to talk about the pros and cons of porcelain countertops so you can decide whether they belong in your home.
Pros of Porcelain Countertops
I’m not trying to sugarcoat it; porcelain countertops are nice. Really nice. In fact, if you close your eyes and think about a “fancy” bathroom, it probably has a porcelain countertop. The reality is that porcelain doesn’t really have too many glaring weaknesses. But it does have plenty of strengths. Here they are.
Durability
This is kind of a twofer. Porcelain is not only durable and harder than granite, but its tough structure makes it scratch resistant. In fact, if you wanted to dice food right on the porcelain countertop, you could without leaving a mark.
Heat Endurance
During the fabrication process, porcelain endures ridiculously high temperatures – we’re talking around 1,450 degrees Celsius (2,642 degrees Fahrenheit). So, it’s no surprise that this material is extremely heat resistant. This makes it convenient while cooking, as you can place hot pots and pans directly on the countertop without damaging it.
Easy Maintenance
Easy to clean. Non-porous. Stain resistant. What more could you ask for as a countertop owner? And here’s the best part; no sealing is required. With the quality of porcelain that Youngstown Granite and Quartz uses, you can feel confident that your countertop will be scratchproof, heatproof and highly durable.
Size and Thickness
You probably think that since porcelain is so durable, that means it must be extremely thick and clunky. The truth is that porcelain is lightweight with several installation options. It is also perfect for kitchen islands because you can get extra-large slabs manufactured with fewer seams.
Cons of Porcelain Countertops
Like we said, there aren’t many negatives when it comes to porcelain. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few factors that you should consider when purchasing a countertop. And in order to make a final decision, you should compare this material to others, like granite and quartz. But regardless, here are some things that you’ll have to consider when it comes to porcelain.
Easy to Crack
When we say “easy” to crack, we don’t really mean easy. Sure, if you take a meat cleaver or hammer to it, it will probably crack. But for the most part, porcelain is very durable when used as a countertop. Sure, it’s something to think about, but this probably won’t be your biggest concern.
Cost
This is another “con” that really isn’t much of a concern, and here’s why. When you’re working with quality high-density materials, the countertop fabrication process is trickier. But this is a case of getting what you pay for. These countertops are beautiful and last much longer than lower quality material. But out of the quality materials that you’ll realistically consider, porcelain is actually on the more affordable end of the spectrum.
Cost is important to consider, but before you have any preconceived notions, it’s a good idea to contact Youngstown Granite & Quartz for a consultation. The team will help you select a countertop within your budget and work with you every step of the way.
