The 101 on Porcelain Slab Countertops
What do you think when you hear the word “porcelain”? Most people know porcelain as a durable and low-maintenance material ideal for a variety of projects. While this statement remains true, there is a new and revolutionary way porcelain can be used: countertops. With porcelain’s lengthy list of benefits, it’s no wonder that porcelain slab countertops have been favoured in Europe and China for quite some time now and are becoming increasingly popular in North America. Keep reading to discover the many benefits of porcelain slab countertops and why you should consider using them in your next project!
Durability
Countertops are one of the most heavily-used surfaces in day-to-day life. You use them at many points throughout the day – from your morning meal prep to your night routine at your bathroom vanity. You need to feel confident that your countertop can withstand the stresses that it will undoubtedly undertake throughout its lifetime. With a porcelain slab countertop, you can rest easy knowing that it will stand the test of time.
Porcelain slab countertops are very dense because they are made using kaolinite-heavy clay materials that get compressed with a force of 4,000 kg/m2 . Afterwards, they get coated with a pigmented glaze and fired at extremely high temperatures of over 1,200 degrees Celsius making them more durable than granite and scratch, chip and impact resistant. Due to the high-temperature firing process, they are also heat resistant which means you don’t have to worry if hot items such as pots or hair tools will cause damage. The elaborate process also makes them UV resistant so the colour and pattern of your countertop will never fade – even if used in an outdoor setting like a summer barbecue station.
Design Opportunities
Porcelain slabs countertops are available in a wide array of designs, colours, textures, and finishes to fit any style from timeless to trendy. Due to technological advances, certain designs are made to look strikingly similar to other non-porcelain materials such as marble, slate, terrazzo, or wood. This allows you to achieve the beauty of these desirable materials with little to no maintenance. They are also available in various thicknesses (4mm, 6mm, 10mm and 12mm) in coordinating colours for ultimate design freedom. Each thickness is manufactured with a different application in mind such as floors, walls, fireplaces, furniture cladding, and countertops. This versatility allows you to create a modern, uniform flow throughout your space that is truly breathtaking.
Low-Maintenance and Hygienic
Porcelain is known for its low porosity and porcelain slab countertops are no different. The lack of pores means that the surface is waterproof and, unlike traditional materials used for countertops, there is no sealing required to maintain your countertop. This also means that spills, stains, and bacteria are unable to live within the surface making it ideal for places such as kitchens and bathrooms where hygiene is crucial for a safe environment. Even better, the cleaning of porcelain slab countertops is extremely simple and can typically be done with the basics – soap and water.
Want to discover more?
With the long list of pros associated with porcelain slab countertops, there is no doubt that porcelain countertops are here to stay. If you are interested in a stunning countertop that you can rely on due to its durability, design versatility, and low-maintenance nature, then click here to explore our range of porcelain slabs and porcelain slab countertops and come experience them in person at Euro Tile & Stone.