Have you ever thought of using porcelain slab countertops for your kitchen? Homeowners often use materials such as marble, quartz, or granite for their countertops. It is undeniable that quartz or granite can be a strong material, but the toughness of porcelain slab is a force to reckon with. It can be stronger than quartz or granite.
Using porcelain slabs for countertops may not be popular for kitchen renovation, but they are worth investing in. Their popularity has been growing over the last few years, and they will soon grab a seat in the market as they can add value to your kitchen.
The material is beautiful and can hold up heavy wear and tear well when you use a porcelain slab as a countertop surface. It offers various options to meet your kitchen designs. Let us get to know more about the facts that are lesser known.
What Is Porcelain Slabs Countertop?
Porcelain is a man-made material and is traditionally comprised of the mineral kaolinite. Kaolinite, also called china clay, is coated with pigment glaze before being fired at intense heat.
The process helps to give the slab color consistency throughout the slab. Veins are sometimes seen in porcelain. Porcelain is known for its non-porous and durable, making cleanup a simple matter. It is common for porcelain to be comprised of clay, feldspar, quartz, and kaolin.
Porcelain Slabs Facts #1 – Available in Large Slabs That Are Easy to Install
The time that is needed for a kitchen renovation is a factor that homeowners are always concerned about. You would want to take up only a little of your time. If you are wondering how long the installation of a porcelain slab takes, you don't have to worry, and you can have a new countertop in your kitchen fast.
But why installing porcelain slabs can be fast? Unlike natural stone, porcelain can be made into a large slab to cover a whole section of your countertop. It helps to simplify the installation process.
It can be troublesome if you want to replace your countertop, as most of the countertop materials will need to be removed from the existing countertop before installing the new one. But for porcelain, you can directly install it over your existing countertops.
Porcelain slabs are one of the most lightweight materials, making it easy to move them around the kitchen area during installation.
Porcelain Slabs Facts #2 – Stronger Than Stones
Porcelain slabs may be man-made, but don't get it wrong that it is not as strong as natural stones, such as marble and granite. It may be even stronger and harder than marble or granite, putting it on par with quartz.
Porcelain slabs are made of a combination of silica, kaolinite, feldspar, and other minerals exposed to high temperatures, reaching up to 2500 degrees. In this way, it makes it more resilences and durable than natural stone.
It is also resistant to heat, staining, scratches, and chemicals and won't fade in the sun, which is an important factor in a kitchen. Porcelain slab is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, as it holds up well under different weather conditions.
Porcelain Slabs Facts #3 - Require Minimal Maintenance
If you are looking for a durable and low-maintenance countertop surface, a porcelain slab countertop will be a good option. But it doesn't mean it is resistant to damage. Just like other materials, porcelain could suffer cracks and chips due to banging pots and damage from cutlery. You must also avoid putting hot pots and pans directly on the surface.
Unlike natural stone, which you need to use specialized cleaners, you can pretty much clean your porcelain slab countertop with any type of cleaner. You can use the same solvents you use on kitchen or bathroom surfaces. You can even use stronger chemicals to prevent scratches or any other damage.
Porcelain Slabs Facts #4 – Safe for Food Preparation
Natural stone is highly porous, which is why homeowners need to seal their countertop surfaces and even reseal them if required. Because of the natural density of porcelain slabs, you won't need to use sealants.
This non-porous surface makes porcelain slab countertops more hygienic than other countertops options. This is because porcelain resists the growth of bacteria, mold, and allergens, keeping your cooking surfaces safer and cleaner.
Porcelain Slabs Facts #5 – Almost Looks Like Natural Stones
As manufacturing advances, porcelain slabs are available in a range of colors. Even the designs mimic other natural stone options, such as marble and granite, because of the flecked effect and realistic streaking. You can enjoy a porcelain slab countertop that meets your needs and suit your preferences.
You also have options for different finishes, including polished and unpolished finishes, which is even more personalized. With so many benefits you can get from porcelain slabs, it is gaining an increasing amount of notice from homeowners.
With all these facts that you have never known about porcelain slabs, it will give you a brand new impression of this material. So if you are considering installing a new countertop, why not consider this material?
