Granite and quartz countertops still lead the market today, but as people become more practical, they are gradually opting for something less expensive that still provides good aesthetics and functionality.
Porcelain Countertops
Even though porcelain originated in Europe, due to its prominence in countertops and other remodeling it is now spreading throughout the United States. In general, consumers admire the versatility and visual appearance of this material, which is available at a low cost.
The first thing to consider when selecting a material for your kitchen countertop is its functionality, followed by its visual appearance.
What is the reason for this? Kitchen countertops, unlike bathroom and vanity tops, are subjected to more abrasive conditions, necessitating the use of a material with sufficient strength and stiffness to withstand chips, scratches, stains, and heat.
Porcelain is made up of a white ceramic clay and comprises a mineral called kaolinite. Aside from that, other minerals including feldspar, metal oxides, and silica are used to make it. All the components are fused under intense heat that generates the porcelain.
As a result, porcelain's material composition and manufacturing process contributes to its adequate resilience, toughness, and heat tolerance. Furthermore, since it is man-made, it can be customizable in terms of design and color in the final stages of development.
Porcelain slabs are durable and satisfying material for your kitchen because of these characteristics.
Stain Proof
Evaluating granite and quartz, the latter has a higher anti-stain capability due to its resin additives, which boost its non-porous properties. However, both materials are very pricey, so if you're searching for an affordable option, porcelain is a great choice.
Porcelain's non-porous quality is equivalent to that of quartz. What is the reason for this? That's because of the various minerals that make it up, as well as the intense heating process used to make porcelain.
Heat Tolerance
Producing this material, like granite, necessitates high temperatures, making it susceptible to heat. You won't have to worry about dark burnt spots if you put a hot pan on top of a porcelain countertop.
Scratch Proof
Porcelain has a scratch proof that is equivalent to quartz & granite. Ceramic knives, on the other hand, have a minor flaw in that they can easily scrape the surface of porcelain countertops. Anyway, always use a cutting board on your countertops to avoid staining and scratches in the long run.
Longevity
Kitchen countertops must be durable enough to withstand wear and tear. Similarly, hardness is a vital thing to consider so that your countertop does not break, chip, or cut easily.
Porcelain countertops have a natural toughness and hardness that is comparable to natural stone. However, proper care and maintenance must be followed for this material to ensure longevity and retained beauty.
Eco-friendly Material
Porcelain slabs are produced from natural clay that has been heated to high temperatures. Furthermore, in order to produce new slabs, you do not need to procure new raw materials because you can recycle old and broken parts by following the same manufacturing method.
Colors & Designs
Since porcelain is a man-made material, color pigmentation and designs can be varied from the second to the final stage of the manufacturing process. This offers a variety of choices for consumers' various tastes in the industry. Porcelain now comes in a variety of designs that are identical to those found in marble and other minerals.
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