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Don’t Ruin Your Kitchen: Costly Porcelain Benchtop Mistakes
- Master Tops
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
So, you’re renovating your kitchen decided on a porcelain benchtop? Nice choice.
It is stylish, durable, and will be the centre piece of your space for years. Imagine cooking on a durable, non-toxic surface and getting it cleaned with just a wipe afterward.
But hold on! Without the right choices & steps, this dream can turn into a nightmare.
Chipped edges, mismatched patterns, wobbly overhangs, or incorrect fitting. They all will make your stunning benchtop becomes a headache. And reasons behind them are small but costly errors when installing porcelain benchtops.
What you have to do? Just listen out to experts and avoid the porcelain benchtop mistakes that most Perth homeowners make. We’ve listed them all for you in this blog post.
We, at Master Tops, spent over 20 years crafting beautiful stone surfaces across WA. So, we know all the tricks of this trade. Doesn’t matter if you’re designing a kitchen, bathroom, or an outdoor alfresco area, we have durable stone surfaces for all of them.
Let’s make sure your porcelain benchtop get installed right and stay with you for decades.
Porcelain Benchtop Mistakes While Selecting
Most problems start due to selecting porcelain benchtops wrong at the first place. Wrong choice of slab, thickness, or support can lead to expensive adjustments later.
Following are the most common porcelain benchtop mistakes during selection.
Choosing Porcelain Benchtop Without Professional Help
It seems easy to pick a slab online or from a showroom display, but don’t do it. Because without expertise, you can select the wrong thickness, an unsuitable edge profile, or a slab that will not fit in your space properly.
Professionals help you consider all the details, from load-bearing support to slab size. So, you can get a stylish and suitable benchtop as per your space
requirements.
Falling Into the Budget Trap
The budget trap porcelain benchtop is real. Most people go for the cheapest option and as a result, get lower-quality slabs, inexperienced installers, and insufficient support.
In the long run, it will cause even more expense due to chips, cracks, or need for re-installing. We suggest you to focus on quality more than savings, and invest in a benchtop that can last for years (even if it comes with a bit more price upfront).
Not Checking Slab Size for Porcelain Benchtops
Large-format porcelain slabs are beautiful, but you can’t just pick it up without thought.
If you don’t verify the size before installation, you can end up with extra seams, misaligned patterns, or delivery challenges. Always measure your space, note the dimensions and then decide. Matching slab dimensions early can save time, cost, and frustration.
Choosing the Wrong Thickness
Selecting an incorrectly thickness porcelain benchtop also cause serious problems.
A slab that’s too thin cannot support overhangs, sinks, or heavy appliances, and lead to cracks or flexing. Thickness should always match your design needs and structural support for long-term durability. Discuss your needs with installer to get the best deal.
Pattern Mismatch in Slabs
A pattern mismatch porcelain benchtop slab happens when multiple slabs are used and the veining or print doesn’t line up. Though not a costly mistake, but it makes the seams noticeable and reduce the overall aesthetic appeal.
Always check the slab pattern and orientation before installation for a cohesive look.
Using the Wrong Substrate for Porcelain Benchtops
Even the best porcelain slab will fail if the foundation isn’t right.
Some people choose the wrong substrate for porcelain benchtops like cabinets or framing that can’t handle the weight. As a result, there are cracks, movement, or long-term instability. We suggest to get proper substrate and support for a strong & lasting installation.
Mistakes When Installing Porcelain Benchtops
Once you’ve chosen the right slab, the installation phase is just as important. Even a perfect benchtop can fail if installed incorrectly. So, watch out for:
General Installation Errors
Many problems come from errors when installing porcelain benchtops.
Porcelain is heavy and less forgiving than other materials, so poor handling, misalignment, or uneven support can cause issues. These porcelain benchtop installation problems are common when installers lack experience or homeowners try DIY methods.
Poor Support for Overhangs
A major mistake is poor support for porcelain benchtop overhang. Islands or bar seating require extended edges, and without proper reinforcement, the slab can flex, crack, or chip. Even small overhangs need careful support planning.
Chipping Risks During Install
Although durable, there are porcelain benchtop chipping risks that you should avoid. They mostly occur at edges and corners during handling or installation. Careful transport, cutting, and placement can prevent chips and save both appearance and function of porcelain.
Porcelain Benchtop Edge Design Mistakes
Choosing the wrong edge profile can also cause problems. Durability is compromised when deep, intricate, or unsupported edges are selected. Not only can they expose plain material or make the slab vulnerable to damage, but can also affect the visual design.
Using Abrasive Cleaners During Hand‑Over
While technically a maintenance issue, handing over a newly installed benchtop without proper care instructions is a mistake. Using abrasive cleaners on porcelain benchtops can damage edges or surface finish immediately.
Educating homeowners on proper cleaning is part of a successful installation.
Other Common Pitfalls: What to Avoid with Porcelain Benchtops?
Even with careful selection and installation, misuse or poor maintenance can undermine your investment. Here’s what to avoid with porcelain benchtops.
Mistake | Description |
Abrasive cleaners | Harsh chemicals or scouring pads can scratch or dull the surface. |
Excessive weight or standing | Porcelain is strong but not designed for heavy impacts or standing on. |
Cutting directly on the benchtop | Use chopping boards to avoid scratches or chips. |
Ignoring future usage | Plan for sinks, appliances, and heavy items to prevent stress on the slab. |
Skipping warranty checks or installer credentials | Always get professional backing in case issues arise. |
Lifestyle and design mistakes are also common. Outdoor kitchens, heavy-use indoor kitchens, or coastal environments require consideration. Porcelain can handle these conditions if installed and maintained properly. But if you fail to plan for the local climate or kitchen traffic can shorten the lifespan or reduce aesthetics.
How to Do It Right? Tips from Master Tops
A well-chosen and professionally installed porcelain benchtop adds beauty, durability, and value to your WA home. Here are some tips from our side to make sure it doesn’t turn into headaches or regrets later.
Get professional advice: Our expert team can help you select the right slab, thickness, edge profile, and support.
Check slab size and thickness: Avoid unnecessary seams and check proper structural performance.
Ensure proper substrate and support: Especially for islands and overhangs.
Edge profile matched to slab: We recommend profiles that suit the slab thickness and finish.
Pattern matching: Check how veining and patterns will look across your benchtop.
Educate on care and maintenance: Avoid abrasive cleaners, improper cutting, and heavy impacts.
Budget wisely: Invest in quality slabs and professional installation.
Planning a new kitchen, alfresco bar, bathroom vanity, or commercial fit-out?
Get Durable & Stylish Porcelain Benchtops at Master Tops
We bring 20 years of experience in stone products, fabrication, and installation. So, you can get a benchtop that is stunning and long-lasting.
Book a showroom visit, request slab samples, or arrange a free consultation. We’ll guide you through every step from selecting the right thickness, slab size, and edge profile to flawless installation. So, you avoid all the pitfalls and get a kitchen benchtop you’ll love for years.
Contact Us Today and turn your dream kitchen into reality.
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