If you are in the market for a new countertop, you may be wondering if porcelain is the right choice for you. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about porcelain countertops, including what they are made of, how they are manufactured, and advantages of choosing porcelain.
Porcelain Countertops: What Are They?
Porcelain countertops are made from a special type of ceramic material that is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. The material is also non-porous, making it ideal for food preparation surfaces and easy to keep clean. Porcelain countertops come in a variety of colors and can be glazed to give them a shine or left unglazed for a more natural look.
Manufacturing Process: How Are Porcelain Countertops Made?
Porcelain countertops are usually made using the dry pressing method. This process involves taking finely ground porcelain particles (known as “body”) and combining them with water in order to form a dough-like substance that is pressed into the desired shape. After being formed, the countertop is then fired at extremely high temperatures – sometimes up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – in order to harden and strengthen it.
Advantages of Porcelain Countertops
There are many advantages of choosing porcelain countertops for your home or business.
Pros of Porcelain Countertops
Stain-Resistant
Porcelain may not be 100% stain-proof, but it is certainly the closest you can get to achieving that perfect spotless surface. Its non-porous surface prevents liquids from absorbing, and any rare stains remain on top of the material making them easy to remove.
Numerous Colors And Patterns
Porcelain countertops are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural stone, with a wide range of colors and patterns available that result in an exquisite finish.
Heat-Resistant
Porcelain countertops are durably crafted with extremely high temperatures, so they can handle hot plates and pots without any damage. Hot pots set on the surface won’t scorch or damage, but it is always advised to use trivets and mats.
Hard & Durable
Porcelain kitchen countertops are not only durable and resilient, but they also have remarkable resistance to any sort of damage. Astonishingly, their durability is only bested by stone and they are generally resistant to damage from wear and tear. Nevertheless, chips and cracks are still a possibility.
Scratch-Resistant
Porcelain is incredibly resilient and will not be easily scratched. Nevertheless, one must exercise caution when handling ceramic knives as they have the potential to cause scratches on porcelain.
Ultraviolet Light Resistant
Porcelain countertops are the perfect option for outdoor kitchens since they won’t be affected by direct sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light.
Chemical-Resistant
Porcelain surfaces are resistant to acidic foods, beverages, and/or chemicals; it will not suffer from dulling or etching. Furthermore, porcelain countertops are more resistant to discoloration or bleaching than other popular countertop materials.
Sealing Is Not Necessary (Usually)
Porcelain is generally not required to be sealed due to the fire glaze that serves as a barrier against potential staining and moisture. But sealing can be needed in certain cases. An expert in porcelain countertops, such as Amanzi Marble & Granite, can help determine if sealing is needed for your needs.
Environmentally-Friendly And Recyclable
Forged from 100% natural components, porcelain is composed of raw clay materials. In comparison to other man-made surfaces, porcelain is free of any hazardous chemicals or resins.
Porcelain Slabs Are Long-Lasting
Porcelain slabs are made to last for many years, and with a little bit of maintenance and care, they can look like new for a long time.
Searching for the Perfect Porcelain Countertop?
Porcelain countertops are an excellent option for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen or bathroom. With a wide range of colors and patterns, porcelain can easily be used to complement any design style. And with all its amazing benefits, it is no surprise that porcelain has become increasingly popular as a top choice for new construction or remodeling projects. So if you’re looking for the perfect countertop solution, then porcelain should definitely be at the top of your list!
On top of all these advantages, porcelain countertops also come in customizable shapes and sizes, so creating a one-of-a-kind design should never be an issue. When you’re ready to get started, contact Amanzi Marble & Granite to make your vision a reality.
