When most people think of porcelain, they likely think of dolls or toilets.

But porcelain kitchen countertops not only look great but are durable enough to resist the daily wear and tear that occurs in this busy cooking area.

Here, we explore lesser-known facts about kitchen porcelain countertops and why they make sense for your Toronto home.

7 Facts About Porcelain Countertops That You May Not Know

Think you know everything about porcelain kitchen countertops? Let’s find out.

  1. Their Quality Has Improved Greatly

The quality of porcelain countertops is much higher than it used to be. Today’s porcelain slabs are longer-lasting, denser, and more gorgeous. These countertops are also fully recyclable.

  1. They’re Stronger than Stone

There is a misconception that porcelain countertops are not as strong as natural stone. They are made via a combination of silica, kaolinite, feldspar, and other minerals that is exposed to high heat. In this way, they offer greater durability and resilience than natural stone. In fact, porcelain is just as strong as quartz and even stronger and harder than marble and granite. It’s also more resistant to heat which is an important factor in a kitchen.

  1. They’re Perfect for Both Hot and Cold Seasons 

During porcelain’s formation, the kiln is fired at over 2500°C. This makes it extremely tough and resistant to heat, staining, scratches, chemicals, and even UV rays.

This also lets it withstand hot and cold weather, which comes in handy for outdoor kitchens.

  1. They’re Hygienic and Safe for Food Preparation 

Natural stone is highly porous which is why homeowners have to seal natural stone countertops (and reseal it if necessary).

But porcelain slabs are harder, denser, and less porous so you won’t have to use sealants. This makes it more hygienic than other countertop options. The reason is that porcelain resists the growth of bacteria, mould, and allergens, thus keeping cooking surfaces safer and cleaner.

  1. They Require Minimal Maintenance 

Like any material, porcelain countertops are not fully resistant to damage. And like other kitchen countertop materials, it is best to avoid putting hot pots directly on the surface.

However, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet durable countertop surface, you can’t go wrong with porcelain countertops. Porcelain slabs manufactured for use in countertops are coated with a pigmented glaze that makes this countertop waterproof.

And while natural stone requires deep cleaning using specialized stone cleaners, porcelain can use any type of cleaner. You can even use strong chemicals such as bleach as the glaze will prevent scratches or any other damage.

  1. They’re Available in Large Slabs That Are Easy to Install

Many homeowners putting in new kitchen countertops wonder how long their installation will take. If you choose porcelain, you can have new countertops in your kitchen quickly and easily.

There are a few reasons why.

Firstly, unlike natural stone, porcelain can be made into slabs large enough to cover an entire section of your countertop which simplifies installation to a large extent.

Secondly, porcelain countertops can be installed directly over your existing countertops. With other countertop materials, you first have to remove the existing countertops.

Lastly, porcelain slabs are lightweight and can be easily moved around the kitchen area during installation.

  1. It (Almost) Looks Like Natural Stone

These durable and beautiful countertops are available in a range of colours including white, blue, grey, and many more. Because of their fleck effect and realistic streaking, porcelain countertops design also mimic other natural stone options such as granite, marble, granite, and quartzite.  Moreover, you have options for different finishes, including matte or polished.

A high-quality porcelain countertop is a durable, high-performance product that is not hard to install. Because it is resistant to regular wear and tear and looks beautiful, it is a good addition to your decor. To learn more about porcelain countertops in Toronto, feel free to contact us. From material selection and fabrication through to installation, we’re here to help you at every step.