When you think of kitchen countertop materials, the first thing that comes to mind is likely natural stones like granite or marble. Undoubtedly, natural stones have been widely used by homeowners for decades.
However, the popularity of other options, such as porcelain countertops, is on the rise. Porcelain is about 30% harder than granite, with its Mohs hardness rating ranging between 7 and 8, while granite is 6 to 6.5.
Porcelain is made from a type of clay known as China clay and has a high percentage of a mineral called kaolinite. This mineral, together with feldspar, silica, and mineral oxides such as iron and magnesium, is responsible for the hardness of porcelain. This combination is then put inside a kiln and fired at very high temperatures. As a result, it becomes extremely dense.
In this post, we discuss the key benefits of installing porcelain slab countertops in your Toronto-area home.
Let’s get started
Advantages of Installing Porcelain Kitchen Countertops
Here are the key benefits of choosing porcelain countertops for your kitchen.
1. They Are Stain-Resistant
Although no surface is fully resistant to stains, porcelain comes close. Porcelain is considered non-porous so it does not absorb liquids and rarely gets stains. Moreover, it is resistant to chemicals so will not etch or be stained by acidic drinks or foods.
2. They Are Resistant to Heat
As mentioned, these countertops are manufactured at very high temperatures so can withstand heat. Therefore, even if hot pots or pans are kept on their surface, they won’t cause damage. However, it is always advisable to use trivets before placing hot cookware on porcelain countertops.
3. They Are Resistant to Chemicals
Acidic drinks and foods will neither etch nor dull the surface of porcelain countertops. Moreover, these chemicals will not discolour these types of countertops.
4. They Are Highly Durable
As mentioned, porcelain is even stronger than granite. The tough structure of porcelain also makes it scratch-proof. So, you may slice or dice food on it directly without (mostly) worrying about knives damaging the surface. However, you should avoid cleaving meat.
5. They Come in Different Patterns and Colours
As porcelain is a ceramic manmade material created at extreme temperatures, patterns and colours may be inserted into the fabrication process. This means you may have a porcelain countertop with a solid colour or one whose surface imitates marble.
6. They Are UV Light-Resistant
Porcelain is resistant to UV light which means it will not fade due to sunlight. This makes it a great option for outdoor kitchen countertops.
7. They Are Available in Different Thickness & Sizes
You may think that such a durable and hard material is extremely thick but this is not so. In fact, porcelain is a lightweight material with multiple installation choices. The typical thickness of a porcelain slab is 0.25 or 0.5 inches. Moreover, you may get extra large slabs with fewer seams. Often this one large porcelain slab is enough to cover an entire kitchen island.
8. They Are Eco-Friendly
As mentioned, porcelain is made from 100% raw, natural, clay-based elements. Therefore, even after several years of regular use, you can recycle a porcelain countertop.
Now that you are aware of the benefits of porcelain slab countertops it’s time for you to install one in the kitchen of your Toronto-area home. This premium countertop is highly durable, looks attractive, and is resistant to heat, UV rays, and stains. It is also available in different patterns and colours. For more information, get in touch with us. Our experts can guide you at every step, from material selection to fabrication and installation.