Porcelain countertops for the kitchen fit into any interior, both classic and modern. Noble natural stone goes well with wood, glass, ceramics, metal, and with the high skill of the designer – with plastic. Porcelain slabs have individual patterns that never repeat, so a tabletop made of this material will be spectacular and unlike others. This material demonstrates the owner’s status and, at the same time, creates comfortable conditions and coziness.
Benefits of porcelain kitchen countertops
Countertops made from porcelain have several advantages:
- They are beautiful. There are many options for unique colors and patterns of countertops. With correctly placed light sources, the structure of porcelain becomes incredibly expressive.
- Natural stone does not cause allergic reactions. It is environmentally friendly.
- The material is resistant to mechanical damage.
- Porcelain is cool to the touch at any time of the year.
- With proper care, this material is quite durable.
- The stone is well processed.
- Grinding and polishing porcelain allows you to maintain its appearance.
There are also disadvantages to countertops made of natural stone. The main one is the high cost of porcelain products. Even the cheapest option will cost more than natural wood or artificial stone. Another disadvantage of the countertop is the fragility of the material and sensitivity to high temperatures. Due to its high porosity, porcelain quickly absorbs dirt. There are traces of products and acids, including vinegar, citric acid, etc. The countertop becomes covered with a patina and needs to be updated with age.
How to choose a porcelain countertop
- Choosing porcelain for the kitchen with the help of catalogs and samples, pay attention to the color and pattern of the stone.
- To calculate the price and select the plates, you need to know the dimensions of the countertop. They use massive monolithic surfaces for seamless products and small ones, which is more economical. Large countertops are assembled from several slabs, the edges of which must be carefully processed and reinforced before joining. Properly prepared joints are practically not visible on the finished product.
- When choosing a countertop, you need to consider that porcelain includes inclusions of other minerals, which later look like defects.
- The thickness of the plate must be at least 1.9 cm; the width of the protrusion is standard – 2.5-3 cm. The edge can be of various shapes, but the most practical is rectangular.
- End profiles are the finishing touch to the design. They also have practical value – they protect the ends from chips. When choosing the end profiles of countertops, pay attention to their processing. It can be a simple polishing, chamfered polishing, semi-roller, roller, or shaped profile. The surface must be smooth and without damage.
Porcelain countertop care
A porcelain countertop kitchen needs special care. You will have to purchase special products based on beeswax or synthetic wax, which, with regular use, will protect the surface from the effects of aggressive substances and stains. Pollution must be removed immediately, not allowing it to be absorbed into the stone’s pores. First, you need to rinse with clean water and then wipe dry with a towel.
