Are Porcelain Kitchen Countertops Affordable?

There are many kitchen countertop materials but many homeowners are selecting porcelain. It looks attractive and is highly functional, irrespective of where you mount it. It is also one of the most durable countertop material options and the price is also affordable.

The average price (including installation) ranges between $60 and $100 per sq. ft. This amount may increase depending on multiple factors. These include the type of edging, installation cost, finish, and whether you use cut-outs or backsplashes.

In this post, we discuss the factors that influence the price of porcelain countertops.

What Affects the Cost of Porcelain Kitchen Countertops?

Here are the key factors that determine the price of porcelain countertops to help you make an informed decision.

1. Edges

Like other countertops such as granite, marble, and quartz, porcelain slab countertops should have a finished edge. Unlike other countertops, there are some limits on what can be done with this style. For example, the slabs, which are delicate and brittle until installed, should only be 12 millimetres (half an inch) thick. The square edge is the most common and you may choose this edge profile to make the countertop look thicker. You may choose bullnose and bevelled edges for your finished countertop but this can increase your project cost.

A bullnose countertop edge provides a rounded countertop look, and there are a number of sub-categories. For example, for a half bullnose profile, the top portion curves downwards but then flattens near the base. You may also opt for double or triple bullnose edge profiles that have more intricate curves.

A bevelled edge has a square cut at almost a 45-degree angle and is used by those who don’t want the countertop edge to be less sharp. It is one of the most popular options as it is attractive but does not cost a lot of money.

2. Installation Cost

Your porcelain countertop’s installation cost will vary depending on the type of porcelain and the details you choose. For example, the labour for a porcelain slab countertop increases when you need fabrication and installation. Remember, the slabs can be chipped or damaged easily during fabrication, transportation, and installation as they are quite thin. After installation, they become long-lasting. However, getting them to that point is difficult and labour-intensive, so both installation and fabrication costs increase.

3. Kitchen and Countertop Size

The cost of your porcelain countertop also varies based on the size of the kitchen where it will be installed. Most kitchens have countertops whose size ranges between 30 and 40 square feet. However, you can have a galley or luxurious kitchen with a matching island that needs more countertops. (A galley kitchen is long and narrow, with services on one or even both sides.) In both instances, you need to invest more.

4. Countertop Additions

It is common to update certain areas of a kitchen at the same time. This signifies that when you are installing the countertops, you may wish to install other kitchen elements like sinks or kitchen islands. Some companies include these prices in their quotes and so you should check with them to make an informed decision. Let’s check them out.

• Porcelain Sink

Many porcelain slabs create a sink that appears seamless and becomes an integral part of the countertop. For example, you may have an under-mounted sink that may be cut or fitted together and mounted beneath the countertop. This may be a bit costly as its installation is pretty complicated. However, a top-mount sink is less expensive because of its easy installation. It only needs to be dropped inside the hole in the countertop and has a rim or lip that helps to hold it in place.

• Kitchen Island 

A kitchen island requires finishing the countertop’s edge on all four sides. This is a countertop that is quite accessible from all sides and is not bounded by any walls. It may either be a fixed or portable piece, and ranges from a simple and small work surface to a huge unit. This makes the countertop even costlier than the standard one.

These are some of the vital factors that influence the cost of porcelain countertops for the kitchen. The more simple or flexible you are about edge treatment, countertop size, and add-ons, the more you can save. If you want to learn more about porcelain or any other countertop options, consult MaxSpace Stone Works. We are a leading stone company with a huge inventory of granite, marble, porcelain, quartz, quartzite, and onyx in the GTA. We sell top-quality products at an affordable price.