Porcelain Countertops Pros & Cons
Review

Chances are, you already have porcelain in your house somewhere — but what about porcelain countertops? They may not be the go-to material for most kitchens currently but their popularity is on the rise. Below, I’ll detail the pros & cons, design options, cost, care and durability of this sleek and stylish surface.

On This Page

1. An Introduction to Porcelain Countertops
2. Porcelain Countertops Vs. Dekton Countertops
3. The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops
4. Colors, Design & Installation Options
5. Cleaning, Maintenance, and Repairs
6. How Much Do Porcelain Countertops Cost?
7. Are Porcelain Countertops Right For Your Kitchen Remodel?

An Introduction to Porcelain Countertops

Europeans have been installing porcelain countertops for quite some time now, however, this type of countertop has only recently gained notice in the United States.

The trend will likely continue as there are numerous benefits to this countertop material but a few drawbacks to consider. I discuss it all in detail below, but first...

What is porcelain made of?

Porcelain is made from clay — but not just any type of clay. The clay used to create porcelain is often called China clay, and it contains a high percentage of a mineral known as kaolinite along with silica, feldspar and other mineral oxides which together are responsible for the strength and durability of porcelain.

This combo is put into a kiln and fired at extremely high temperatures (approximately 2550℉ / 1400℃). The result is a super dense material that is nearly completely impervious to stains, heat, UV rays, scratching, chips, and cracks.

Pigmented glazes are added during manufacturing to create different colors and patterns on the porcelain slab countertop. 

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Video: Porcelain Countertops: How Made, Pros and Cons, Maintenance

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Porcelain can either be glazed or unglazed. A matte or high-gloss glaze (with or without a pattern) is applied, then it is fired a second time so that the glaze adheres completely.

The glaze decreases porosity (and risk of staining), increases durability, and creates the shiny finish.

However, the pattern or color of glazed porcelain is only on the surface and does not go through the full body of the slab or tile. The interior color may be different and will show if the surface is chipped.

Considering repairs and possible chips, I prefer unglazed porcelain as the color extends through the full-body thickness. 

Porcelain Countertops Vs. Dekton Countertops

These two countertop materials are frequently confused. Before diving into the specifics of porcelain countertops, I'll first go over the differences between the two. 

Dekton is what’s called an “ultra compact surface,” also known as "sintered stone." Dekton countertops and competing brand Neolith are made with the same raw materials used to make porcelain.

But, the key difference here is that Dekton and Neolith also include the raw materials used to create quartz and glass which makes these "ultra-compact surfaces" even more durable than porcelain. 

So, Dekton, and all sintered stone countertops, share many of the same qualities and characteristics, colors, patterns, slab size and thickness, cleaning and maintenance requirements.

I often see the term porcelain sintered stone. This is not accurate, but it may be splitting hairs a bit. 

Porcelain is a good a choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops with all-around excellent durability, performance, and low maintenance. But Dekton countertops are the new-and-improved version or porcelain.  

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain really has a lot going for it as a bathroom or kitchen countertop. It holds its own when compared to other popular materials like quartz and granite countertops. I recommend to pay attention to the drawbacks discussed here as well.  

Pros of Porcelain Countertops

Stain-Resistant

No surface is 100% stain-proof but porcelain comes close. It is non-porous so liquids do not absorb and the rare stain is usually on the surface and easily cleaned off.

Additionally, porcelain is resistant to most chemicals and will not etch or get dull spots from acidic foods and drinks like marble countertops.

Heat-Resistant

Porcelain countertops are manufactured at extremely high temperatures so it can take the heat. I've set hot pots directly on porcelain and it won't scorch or damage the surface. But I always advised to use recommended trivets for hot cookware.

Scratch-Resistant

Porcelain will resist scratching with the best of them. Like granite and quartz, it is very difficult to scratch. However, the one thing to be careful of is ceramic knives which can sometimes scratch porcelain.

Chemical-Resistant

Acidic foods, drinks, and/or chemicals will not dull or etch the surface finish of porcelain like marble or travertine. Also, chemicals will not discolor or bleach out porcelain countertops as can sometimes happen with quartz countertops. In my opinion, chemical resistance is the most beneficial characteristic of porcelain.

Hard & Durable

Porcelain kitchen countertops are extremely hard, durable and stand up to most impacts. In fact, their durability is second to stone alone and, generally, are unaffected by wear and tear. Still, chips and cracks are possible.

Ultraviolet Light Resistant

Porcelain is also resistant to ultraviolet light which means it won’t fade from sunlight so it’s a great choice for outdoor kitchen countertops.

Numerous Colors and Patterns

Porcelain countertop colors come in virtually any shade or pattern and with many that look like marble and other natural stone.

Sealing is Not Necessary (usually)

Generally speaking, porcelain doesn’t need any sealing because the fire glazing blocks against staining and moisture absorption. But sealing may be needed in certain cases (more below).

Environmentally-Friendly and Recyclable

Porcelain is made of 100% natural, raw, and clay-based materials. It doesn't contain any harmful chemicals or resins like quartz or other man-made surfaces. 

Therefore, after years of use, you can easily recycle your old porcelain counters.

Cons of Porcelain Countertops

Skin Deep Beauty

Unlike stone and other countertop materials, porcelain does not come with its designs built in. Patterns are basically printed onto the top. 

This isn’t so much a severe disadvantage as it is a slight drawback. But I don't like that the printed design are not visible where edges are rounded, for instance.

Also, in the event of a chip, the interior of the slab will be the same color but the pattern does not exist all the way through. 

Ceramic Knives May Scratch

Porcelain countertops are essentially scratch-proof, however, ceramic knives are the one thing that may scratch porcelain. So, I advise that you don't use a ceramic knife, but also it's always best to use a cutting board on any type of countertop. 

More on scratches, chips, and cracks in the Cleaning, Maintenance, and Repair section below.

Limited Supply & Availability

One of the only other drawbacks is finding a supplier and then a fabricator who knows the material well. As of now, it’s not an extremely common material for countertops, so the market is limited.

In addition, if you shop around to find someone who makes porcelain counter tops, you’ll want to check prices, which can vary wildly.

Overall, however, you should be able to find a manufacturer with competitive pricing.

Colors, Design & Installation Options

Like most other types of countertops, I found many color options are available to suit any style and kitchen design along with a couple unique points to consider.

Colors & Patterns

Depending on the manufacturer you choose, porcelain countertop colors come in numerous shades — all of which are derived from natural pigments. 

A wide variety of attractive patterns and “looks” are also available, although, not the massive color selection of a granite countertop or natural stone.

You might choose from marble, metallic, wood grain, rusted steel, or concrete finishes — all of which look quite natural.

And for those wanting countertops that look like marble, you’re in luck as porcelain offers many designs that are super marble look-alikes.

Again, just remember that if chipped, these patterns or color designs won’t necessarily go all the way through the material since the pattern and color is applied to the top surface of the porcelain tile, porcelain table top or slab countertops via glazing. 

Finishes

Smooth or textured porcelain finishes are easily achieved during the manufacturing process. High-gloss polished and matte / honed finishes are the most common for kitchen or bathroom countertops.

You won’t have as many finish options as natural stone, but the most popular types are available with a porcelain surface.

Edge Styles

Porcelain countertop edges are a bit unique compared to other types of countertops.

While it is possible to create all the normal edges like round, beveled, straight, bullnose, ogee, cove, platner, waterfall, and others… you may not like the look of some of these.

Since the patterns in porcelain are only skin-deep, edge styles are more limited than with natural stone or quartz. Cutting a fancy edge with rounded corners, bevels, and grooves would remove the pattern.

However, porcelain kitchen countertop edges can be mitered with a few different looks to maintain a consistent pattern over the edge. Most opt for a square edge.

Size & Thickness

I'm impressed that porcelain slabs do not require extreme thickness. It can be quite thin and lightweight yet still tough and durable, which provides additional countertop installation options.

Typical thickness is ¼ inch (6 mm) or ½ inch (12 mm).

Furthermore, porcelain can be manufactured in extra-large slabs around 126 inches X 62 inches (320 cm X 160 cm). Thus, fewer seams are needed and often one slab can cover an entire kitchen island.

Versatile Installation Options

One expense of installing new kitchen countertops is having your old countertops ripped out.

But since porcelain countertops are so thin, you can install them directly over existing countertops. This can greatly reduce the overall difficulty and expense of removing the older material.

Finding a fabricator may be difficult. Because porcelain is so thin the full-sized slabs can be delicate to work with and cut. So, locating a countertop fabricator that is willing to install a porcelain slab countertop may be a challenge.

They are easier to crack during fabrication than a granite or marble countertop, and often some type of supportive backing material must be applied to the slab making it more complicated. I know that many fabricators do not like to work with the porcelain material because it is so fragile when fabricating. 

Note, though, that once installed porcelain is very hard and durable. Cracking is not an issue after it is installed. It's just handling, moving and cutting very large and thin slabs prior to installation that can give fabricators fits. 

Who makes porcelain countertops?

Sapien Stone is a leading manufacturer of porcelain slabs and a good place to start the process. Also, their designs do go through the entire thickness of the slab. That's a bonus if any type of repair is ever needed. 

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Repairs

Porcelain countertops are easy to keep clean, but here are some key tips for keeping them spotless and sparkling:

How To Clean Porcelain Countertops

Using a quality countertop cleaner will remove all oils and soils and leave a streak-free shine that cannot be achieved with water or soap.

Puracy cleaner is also excellent for cleaning porcelain.

For quick clean-ups, soap and water work, although, consistent use of soap will cause a soap scum buildup. Just hot water is better to wipe up spills and messes.

Porcelain is non-porous and hygienic. Nothing can penetrate the surface or cause danger as long as you clean up appropriately. And regular cleaning is really the best defense against bacteria, etc.

How To Polish Porcelain Countertops

I enhance the shine on porcelain countertops by applying a stone polish, which works very well. 

1. Wipe off all crumbs and debris. 
2. Clean the porcelain with a quality countertop cleaner and soft cloth.
3. Buff completely dry.
4. Apply a Topical Stone Polish that will enrich the color and make the shine really pop.

Porcelain countertops do not need polishing to restore the shine from damage or wear and tear like on marble or other natural stones.

The glaze applied to the porcelain slab during manufacturing creates the shiny finish which is extremely durable. It should not wear away. 

If your porcelain was once shiny but now is dull or has dull areas it may be caused by a build up of soap film or hard water deposits.

If so, use the Soap Film & Hard Water Remover to eliminate the film and then follow the steps above to polish the porcelain.

Also, keep in mind that some porcelain counters come with a matte or honed finish and, thus, no polishing is required. 

Stains

Porcelain countertops do not stain easily. Food and drink spills left on the surface may cause a temporary stain or discoloration. But such stains can be removed with a quality surface cleaner and a little scrubbing in most cases.

For cleaning tough surface stains, harsher chemicals can be used on these countertops because the non-porous surface will not absorb the dangerous chemicals. However, I recommend avoiding harsh and toxic chemicals which should not be necessary.

Scrubbing with a countertop cleaner recommended just above will do the trick.

For more stubborn spots Bar Keeper's Friend can work magic on surfaces like porcelain and quartz. 

Chips, Cracks, & Scratches

Porcelain does not chip easily, but it does tend to chip more readily than other countertop materials like granite or quartz. Porcelain is very hard but a bit brittle. The edges are particularly vulnerable to chips from a hard impact.

For chips in porcelain, I like using the DIY chip repair kits to fill the void but repairs may still be noticeable. As noted above, the color goes through the slab so the color inside the chip will be the same as on the surface, but any pattern will not be.

A chip in a solid color porcelain table top or in a part of the countertop without any pattern can be filled and be virtually invisible, but if in the middle of a pattern, the repair will likely be visible.

Cracks and scratches are not really repairable. You could glue a crack but it will always be visible. Same deal with a scratch as the surface finish cannot be repaired. But chips, cracks, and scratches are rare.

Use a Cutting Board

Porcelain countertops are definitely durable, but you’ll want to remember that they’re not indestructible. Manufacturers and retailers will tell you that you can chop and slice your vegetables directly on the surface of porcelain but I don't think it's a good idea.

In general, cutting and slicing on a cutting board is smart. Just no reason to chance it.

This cheap and super-duarable cutting board is fantastic. Grips the countertop, catches all food juices, and dishwasher-safe.

But if you want something stylish, these butcher block cutting boards look great and last forever. 

Sealing

Most of the time, porcelain does not need to be sealed because the glazing on porcelain already protects against liquid penetration. Still, specific brands of porcelain or unglazed porcelain will benefit from sealing upon application.

However, sealing once upon installation is a good idea for certain brands of porcelain that are polished. Speak with your contractor or supplier about this.

So, sealing is rarely needed but just a point to clarify when purchasing porcelain. 

How Much Do Porcelain Countertops Cost?

Slab porcelain countertop prices have a wide range and can vary dramatically depending on many factors and from city to city. 

• Expect to pay between $45 to $120 per square foot installed for porcelain countertops with an average cost of $55 - $85/psf. 

The particular color, pattern, texture, and edge style will affect the final price, along with the sink and cooktop cutouts, seams, and the overall complexity of the installation.

Of course, most countertop shoppers want to know...

Is porcelain cheaper than granite or quartz?

Prices for porcelain countertops are usually cheaper than quartz and can be cheaper than granite, but not always.

The average cost of porcelain installed is $55 - $85 compared to quartz at $65 - $90 and the average price of granite at $45 - $65 per square foot.

However, rare or exotic granite countertops can cost $200+/sq. ft., and both porcelain and quartz can cost as much as $120/psf. So, it's never a cut-and-dried comparison. 

Granite countertops can be installed for less in some cases, or a lot more depending on the particular granite color chosen.

And quartz prices have gone up considerably in recent years so porcelain countertops are most often cheaper than quartz countertops.

Here's the deal... 

When comparing the cost of porcelain vs. granite or quartz countertops I found that it comes down to all the variables. One material will not always be more expensive or cheaper than the others. Specific quotes from installers are needed for a particular installation.

The good news about the cost of porcelain counters is that once installed, maintenance costs are extremely low.

Choosing porcelain tiles instead of a porcelain slab will dramatically reduce the cost per square foot.

Porcelain Countertops Near Me

Natural stone warehouses or countertop fabricators in your city or town may stock porcelain countertop slabs. But they are not as widely available as granite, quartz, or marble, so you may have to hunt around.

Use the form below to find fabricators near you that can install porcelain countertops.

Are Porcelain Countertops Right For Your Kitchen Remodel?

As you can see, from our porcelain countertops reviews, this is a high-quality surface with extreme versatility and strength, excellent overall performance, and easy care.

They are durable against the wear and tear typical of fast-paced kitchen life, sleek, stylish, resistant to UV light, and available in many colors and patterns. Even thickness and edge styles can be catered to your tastes.

Disadvantages of porcelain counter tops generally revolve around their “skin deep beauty” — any chips or flaws will almost certainly be noticeable. It can also be difficult to find a qualified installer for porcelain slabs.

Still, in the long run, the benefits of porcelain do outweigh the drawbacks and rank porcelain among the best of all countertop materials. So with the right planning and care, porcelain countertops can certainly be a practical and fashionable choice for your modern kitchen.