Porcelain is made from heating a mix of powdered china stone and white china clay, also known as kaolin, at about 1450°C. The high temperature changes the china stone into a dense, highly durable material, while the object retains its shape. When porcelain slabs are manufactured for use in countertops, they’re coated with a pigmented glaze. This is to give them an aesthetic appeal similar to that of natural stone or even marble.
Let’s discuss porcelain’s pros to give you a clearer idea:
Heat Endurance
It makes sense that one advantage of porcelain countertops is its heat resistance. You should have no problem handling hot pots and pans even when you place them directly on a porcelain countertop.
Durability and Hardness
Porcelain is stronger than the hardiest granite – almost 30% stronger in fact.
Porcelain countertops are scratch resistant due to there tough structure. You can even slice and dice food right on top of it without worrying about your knives damaging the surface.
Low Water Absorption
Porcelain is water resistant. According to the Tile Council of North America, its absorption rate is less than 0.5%.
Easy Maintenance
Porcelain countertops are easy to keep clean, they are stain resistant and also non-porous. Quality porcelain used to make countertops is scratchproof, along with being heatproof and highly durable.
UV Light Resistance
Another advantage porcelain has over quartz is that direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight won’t discolour it. You can design your kitchen countertop free from worrying about where the windows are located.
Colours and Patterns
Porcelain has numerous colour choices thanks to the help of natural pigments. As porcelain is an engineered stone, patterns and colours can be added during the fabrication process. You can make your porcelain countertop look like the material of your choice, including marble, wood grain, concrete finishes or rusted steel, and it will still appear natural.
Size and Thickness
Porcelain is a very lightweight material with lots of installation options. Also you can get extra-large porcelain slabs manufactured. This makes the material a good choice when you want to create a single slab cover look for the entire kitchen island.
Environmentally Friendly
Finally, one of porcelain’s biggest advantages is its greenness. It’s a 100% natural product made of raw and clay-based materials, which means you’ll be able to recycle it one day.