Countertop options abound today, but more and more often, people are choosing porcelain. A phenomenally beautiful material, it looks great and is incredibly functional no matter where you decide to install it. It’s the most durable alternative to other options like natural stone, and the cost is far less than you might imagine.
How are Porcelain Countertops Made?
Porcelain is actually a man-made product created from clay and it is combined with several other materials/minerals like kaolinite feldspar, silica, and others to increase the durability and strength of porcelain. During the manufacturing process, pigments, different colors, and patterns are added to the porcelain slab to create the final product. The clay-like material is shaped, then placed in a kiln for several hours. Porcelain can be unglazed or glazed. If it’s glazed, that happens after the first round in the kiln. It is then fired again, cooled and packaged for delivery. The benefit of glazing is that it creates a pleasing glossy finish, enhances durability, and lowers porosity which means that the porcelain will be stain resistant.
The Benefits of Porcelain Countertops
There are many reasons so many people are turning to porcelain. One reason is that the material is available in a wide range of patterns, colors, and designs that resemble natural elements like wood grains, marble, or concrete. Because of the wide selection choice, you will surely find one design/color that matches your kitchen decor.
Durability is another reason so many people turn to this material. Porcelain countertops are very strong and durable. The typical thickness of porcelain countertops varies from ¼ to ½ an inch. They are also available in large slabs so that this allows for coverage of the entire countertop without the need to use multiple pieces.
They’re easy to install, too. It usually just takes a few hours, and once installed, it can be used almost immediately.
Additionally, care is fairly simple when it comes to this surface. They’re very easy to clean. A wet rag is all that you will ever need. If there is a sticky fluid or oil on your countertop, you may have to first rinse with a detergent followed by a wet rag.
How Much do Porcelain Countertops Cost?
Porcelain countertops pricing is one reason some people shy away from this material. The truth is, that there are many variables that affect the price of porcelain countertops. The pattern, color, edge style, texture, and complexity of the countertop itself can all affect pricing.
In general, the cost of a porcelain countertop varies from $40 to $70 per sq ft. Typically that is the price with professional porcelain slab installation. You’ll find it’s far below other luxury choices like granite.
Porcelain kitchen countertops are an excellent way to upgrade your kitchen. If you want to add value to your kitchen, you will never go wrong with a porcelain countertop. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
