Porcelain is prized for its toughness and its luminous beauty. These qualities come because porcelain is made of kaolin-rich clay that’s fired at temperatures of around 2,642 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting ceramic is used for everything from vases and artwork to to floor tiles to bathroom fixtures. It’s also used for counter and vanity tops. Here are six advantages of installing a porcelain countertop.
1- Porcelain is Heat Tolerant
Because it’s made at such high temperatures, porcelain is quite heat tolerant. This is a definite advantage when hot pots and pans straight from the oven, microwave, or stove burner are placed on the countertop. However, experts recommend that a cook still put screaming hot pots on trivets or mats and that even a be protected from an appliance that constantly runs hot.
2- Porcelain is Stain-Proof and Waterproof
The heat used to make porcelain vitrifies it or makes it like glass. Because of this, porcelain is all but waterproof. A cook won’t have to immediately wipe spilled water off of porcelain for fear the liquid will sink into the material and damage it. Acidic or deeply colored liquids such as lemon juice or red wine won’t stain porcelain because of its glass-like texture. Unlike porous stones such as limestone, porcelain doesn’t need to be sealed every few years to protect it.
3- Porcelain is Very Tough
Porcelain looks delicate, but it is very hard and durable. Indeed, it is stronger than granite, one of the toughest natural stones around. Porcelain, with a of between 7 and 8, also resists scratches. A cook can prepare foods that need to be cut with a knife on an unprotected porcelain countertop without damaging the material. Again, as with hot pots and pans, experts recommend protecting the porcelain countertop, this time by using a cutting board. They also warn to never use a cleaver on cuts of meat on an unprotected porcelain surface.
4- It Comes in Different Sizes
A porcelain countertop is made to order by the homeowner and can come in different thicknesses and as one or a number of slabs. Porcelain also has an advantage over stones such as granite in that it’s surprisingly lightweight for its toughness. A homeowner won’t need to reinforce their floor cabinets or vanities to accommodate a porcelain countertop.
5- Porcelain Won’t Fade or Discolor in the Light
A surprising number of countertop materials fade or become discolored when exposed to light, especially sunlight that continually hits them with ultraviolet rays. With porcelain, a homeowner doesn’t have to worry about areas of the countertop that no longer match other areas or match the room’s overall color scheme because of discoloration. They never have to worry about installing part of their porcelain countertop beneath a bright window.
6- There’s a Wide Variety Of Colors and Patterns to Choose From
Porcelain takes pigments wonderfully well. Different colors and patterns can be added according to the buyer’s wishes as the porcelain countertop is manufactured. Porcelain can even be made to resemble more expensive and less durable stones such as marble and granite. Porcelain can even be made to look like metal, wood, or concrete.
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