Porcelain kitchen countertops are becoming an increasingly popular choice for modern kitchens here in Niagara and elsewhere due to their sleek aesthetics, durability and low maintenance.

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But are they the right choice for your kitchen countertops? 

Let’s discuss.

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS?

Porcelain countertops are made from a type of ceramic clay, primarily composed of kaolinite, and are fired at extremely high temperatures (often over 2,500°F).

porcelain kitchen countertops

This process creates a dense, non-porous, and hard surface (sounds perfect for kitchen countertops right?).

The material is then often printed with patterns (like those resembling marble or natural stone) and coated with a glaze for color, shine and added durability.

BENEFITS OF PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS

Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why having kitchen countertops made using porcelain is an increasingly common decision.

1\ PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS ARE DURABLE

After you’ve put in the time to select your kitchen countertops and invested good money into quality material and countertop installation, you want them to last a long time right?

The good news is that porcelain countertops are highly resistant to common countertop enemies such as scratches, heat and stains.

Porcelain is also resistant to UV rays, meaning they won’t warp, crack, or discolor under sunlight, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor kitchens. 

2\ PORCELAIN OFFERS A NON-POROUS SURFACE

Porcelain is great at not absorbing liquids or bacteria, making it extremely hygienic and stain-resistant.

One of the best parts? There’s no need for regular sealing.

3\ PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS ARE EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

No special cleaning materials or procedures required here. Simply use soap and water to clean them.

4\ PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS COME IN A WIDE RANGE OF DESIGN OPTIONS

No matter what your tastes are, you will find your style among the many options offered by porcelain countertops, including those that mimic marble, concrete and granite.

Available in many colors, patterns, and finishes, often mimicking marble, concrete and granite.

porcelain kitchen countertops styles

5\ PORCELAIN KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS ARE LIGHTWEIGHT

Durable AND lightweight? Let’s go!

Porcelain countertops are both thinner and lighter than other countertop materials like granite or quartz.

This also makes them ideal for other applications like great for vertical applications like backsplashes or wall features. 

ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES TO USING PORCELAIN FOR YOUR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS?

With everything they have going for them, what’s the catch?

Let’s take a look at some of the potential con’s when it comes to porcelain kitchen countertops.

1\ CHIPPING RISK

What you gain in terms of their lighter weight can sometimes be counteracted with the fact that they can chip more easily than the likes of granite or quartz countertops. 

TIP: This chipping risk can be mitigated with edge profiling or rounded edges.

2\ LIMITED EDGE STYLES

While the countertops and porcelain slabs themselves are available in a large variety of styles, the same unfortunately cannot be said for the edge styles.

Due to the thinness of porcelain slabs (often 12 mm or less), you may not get the same range of edge profile options like ogee or bullnose.

3\ INSTALLATION CHALLENGES

Porcelain countertops are not considered to be a DIY friendly type of installation project.

Installing a porcelain countertop requires skilled installation because cutting porcelain is difficult and requires special tools like diamond blades.

Luckily we have some of the best kitchen countertop installers in the business here at Kirkstone Countertops so we can help you to avoid costly mistakes during installation.

4\ HIGHER INITIAL COST

I can hear you thinking it: “Ah, there’s the catch.”

While some porcelain can be just as or more expensive than quartz and granite countertops, that’s not the case for every option.

We recommend you consider all options for your new kitchen countertops (well, if you’re asking us we would skip laminate) and see which option feels the best for you based on all variables including price.

HOW MUCH DO PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS COST?

Speaking of costs, what are they?

On average, porcelain countertops cost between $80–$150+ per square foot (installed) here in the Niagara Region.

Prices can vary depending on:

  • Thickness (6 mm vs. 12 mm)
  • Brand
  • Design complexity
  • Installation needs


OTHER USES FOR PORCELAIN

Porcelain isn’t only a great option for kitchen countertops, it’s also something to consider when it comes to other uses like:


Kirkstone Countertops is a leading service provider in the stone kitchen countertops industry throughout Niagara. Please reach out anytime with any questions or concerns you may have and we'll be happy to help.