When it comes to selecting a material for a new countertop, porcelain is not always a top choice. But its popularity is growing! Poseidon Industries examines the pros and cons of porcelain countertops.
Porcelain is a ceramic material that mainly consists of a clay mineral such as kaolin. Other materials are used to a lesser extent, with all being combined in a kiln at an extremely high temperature to form the finished product. Because of its composition, porcelain is typically longer-lasting than other ceramics and far less prone to water damage.
Whether you choose a porcelain slab countertop or a porcelain tile countertop, you will find several advantages. As mentioned above, porcelain is less prone to water damage than many other materials. This is extremely practical for a kitchen countertop, where you will no doubt be using water and other liquids frequently.
Another advantage to porcelain is its heat resistance. Since most porcelain is made by heating its materials to more than 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s hardly a temperature it can not withstand.
The third benefit of a porcelain countertop is its stain resistance. Porcelain is mostly non-porous, meaning whatever substances end up on the counter will generally not be absorbed or leave a permanent stain.
Porcelain is not perfect, and there are some negatives to consider when considering a porcelain countertop. For one, it is generally more expensive than other types of ceramic. It is also a very dense material, meaning it is heavy to lift and maneuver, which sometimes creates a difficult installation process.
Perhaps the largest con of a porcelain countertop is that it is prone to scratches and cracks. That being said, no material you choose for a counter is perfect, and almost everything is prone to scratching and cracking.
A lot of people in the market for a countertop often narrow down their choices to porcelain and granite. That’s a good choice since the pros and cons of porcelain countertops and granite ones are similar. One of the main differences is that granite countertops are more porous, meaning liquids that spill can seep into the material, leaving stains behind over time.
Like granite, choosing between porcelain and marble can also be a difficult choice because of their similarities. Unlike porcelain, marble is a natural stone and thus less processed than porcelain to create a countertop. Still, marble is very durable for heavy use areas such as a kitchen and can be re-sealed to further extend its use.
The cost of porcelain countertops vs. marble or granite ones is often a consideration. Typically, porcelain costs less than both granite and marble, with porcelain countertops averaging about $55 a square foot, including installation.
Poseidon Stone Machinery delivers top-rated stone equipment and precision cutting tools to assist with your stone cutting and polishing needs. We specialize in CNC Bridge Saws designed to cut slabs of porcelain and other materials for various uses, including countertops.
Contact our American-made stone machinery manufacturers or call (877) 571-5599 to arrange a tour of our production facility in Punta Gorda, Florida.
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