Porcelain Benchtop Pros and Cons | Expert’s Guide

Porcelain benchtops are gaining popularity in Perth for their blend of beauty and resilience.

These benchtops aren’t just visually striking. They offer impressive durability and come in a variety of styles and finishes. But like any other material, they come with certain advantages and disadvantages as well.

This guide will help you explore the pros and cons of installing a porcelain benchtop in your home. Additionally, if you’ve decided to have these durable benchtops, Master Tops specialises in manufacturing and installing high-quality porcelain and natural stone benchtops in your kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.

Let’s get started with the basics.

What is Porcelain?

Porcelain is a fine-grained, durable, and low-porosity ceramic material used in kitchens, bathrooms, and ceramic pottery.

Made from dense ceramic slabs, porcelain’s compact structure. It’s resistance to staining and scratching make it an ideal choice for surfaces that need to withstand daily wear, like kitchen countertops. Porcelain has become a standout option for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. All credit goes to its exceptional strength and resilience, which beats even quartz-based stones in certain areas.

How Are Porcelain Benchtops Made?

Manufacturing porcelain benchtops is a fascinating process that combines traditional craftmanship with advanced technology.

To make these durable surfaces, manufacturers start with fine powders, including natural clay, minerals, and colour pigments. These powders are then pressed under extreme pressure and heated at very high temperatures in a process known as sintering. This intense heat and pressure bond the particles together tightly. It results in a solid, non-porous surface that’s incredibly strong and resistant to scratches and stains.

Because of the fine particles used, porcelain slabs can be made in a variety of textures, depending on design needs. Additionally, manufacturers use advanced printing techniques to create beautiful surface designs that replicate natural materials like marble, concrete, and limestone. This makes porcelain a versatile option for any benchtop style.

Now, let’s move towards the pros and cons of porcelain benchtops.

Pros of Installing Porcelain Benchtops

With a variety of textures, unique designs, and long-lasting durability, porcelain benchtops Perth are a smart investment for any space. The stunning porcelain benchtops offer a range of benefits to homeowners want to enhance their interiors.

Let’s explore the key advantages of investing in porcelain benchtops for your home.

1. Range of Stunning Designs

Porcelain gives you access to a vast selection of colours, patterns, and finishes. Whether you're looking for a minimalist modern look or a chic, marble-like elegance, you can find the perfect porcelain kitchen benchtops Perth homeowners love.

You’ll be able to choose the colour and style that suits your space. This will give your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry a fresh and personalised touch.

2. High-Durability

Porcelain slabs are built to last. Made by mixing high-quality clay, kaolin, and other materials, then fired at extreme temperatures, porcelain becomes dense, hard, and highly resistant to damage.

This sturdiness makes porcelain bench-tops an excellent choice for busy areas like kitchens where durability is key. The sintering process used in creating porcelain gives it a low porosity. This means it won’t absorb liquids easily which makes it resistant to stains.

So, now you can enjoy porcelain’s longevity and beautiful appearance without worrying about the wear and tear those other materials might face.

3. Heat, Stain, and Scratch Resistance

One of the top reasons people opt for porcelain benchtops is their impressive resistance to heat, stains, and scratches.

Whether you’re cooking up a storm or prepping a meal, you can place hot pans directly on the surface without fear of damage. Porcelain benchtops in Perth are also incredibly easy to maintain. Spills from cooking or cleaning won’t seep into the surface. This will keep your benchtops looking pristine for longer.

4. Protection Against Chemicals and UV Rays

If you’re concerned about the harsh chemicals in cleaning products or the fading effects of sunlight, porcelain benchtops have got you covered.

Their chemical resistance ensures they won’t stain from spills of acidic liquids or harsh cleaning agents. Additionally, porcelain benchtops are resistant to UV rays. This means they won’t lose their colour even when exposed to direct sunlight.

Whether it's your kitchen countertops or outdoor BBQ area, porcelain benchtops stay vibrant and intact.

5. Versatility for Any Space

Porcelain benchtops are incredibly versatile. They are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Whether you’re installing them indoors or outdoors, porcelain slabs adapt to various designs and setups. From sleek kitchen islands to stylish bathroom vanities, porcelain kitchen benchtops add a functional and stylish touch to any area.

You can even use porcelain for wall cladding, flooring, or backsplashes to enhance the beauty of your space.

6. Beautiful Finishes for Various Styles

One of the most attractive features of porcelain benchtops is their variety of finishes.

If you want the look of natural stone, marble, or sleek concrete, porcelain can mimic these materials with added benefits of easy maintenance and superior durability.

Here are some popular finishes available in the porcelain collection:

Finish Type	Description
Glossy	Reflective and bright. Perfect for making smaller spaces look more spacious.
Matte	Subdued and non-reflective. Ideal for creating a chic and modern atmosphere.
Polished	Sleek and glossy. Mimic natural stones like marble, perfect for a luxurious feel.
Natural	Natural timeless appeal. Mimics stone and wood for an earthy.
Textured	With tangible features that create a unique surface. Adds depth and character.
Lappato	Semi-polished finish, combines matte and glossy elements. Offers a subtle shine.

9. Customisable Sizes for Perfect Fit

No matter the layout of your space, porcelain benchtops offer the flexibility to fit any design.

Be it a waterfall kitchen island or a traditional L-shaped benchtop, the customisability in sizing ensures you get the perfect fit. With porcelain slabs, you can achieve a seamless installation that makes your kitchen or bathroom look polished and well-designed.

10. Low-Maintenance / No Sealing Required

Unlike some natural stone alternatives, porcelain benchtops require little maintenance.

They don’t need regular sealing. This saves you time, effort, and money. Because of their non-porous nature, they resist stains and absorb less liquid. That’s why it’s easier to clean.

Once installed, you can rest assured that your porcelain benchtop will maintain its strength and appearance without the need for frequent resealing.

Cons of Installing Porcelain Benchtops

While porcelain benchtops come with numerous benefits, it's important to consider a few potential downsides before making your decision. These drawbacks can help you understand if porcelain benchtops are the right fit for your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry.

1. Aesthetic Limitations / Surface-Only Design

One of the main characteristics of porcelain benchtops is that the design and patterns are only printed on the surface.

Unlike natural stone, where the beauty flows through the entire material, porcelain slabs have designs on the outer layer only. So, when you cut into a porcelain slab, the inside doesn’t have the same visual appeal as the top.

But no worries. Porcelain manufacturers have made steps to address this issue by creating a uniform inner colour that complements the outer design. While the inner layers may not have the intricate patterns of natural stone, the overall effect can still be pleasing.

2. Heavy and Hard

Porcelain benchtops are known for their impressive hardness, which gives them excellent durability.

But sometimes this strength comes with a downside. Porcelain can be very heavy, and its brittle nature makes it prone to cracking or shattering if mishandled. When installing porcelain kitchen benchtops Perth homeowners should ensure that their cabinets and foundation can support the weight to avoid any issues.

If the slabs are particularly large, it’s a good idea to customise them to a thinner size or add extra support with a panel. Careful handling is key to preventing accidental damage during installation.

3. Professional Installation is a Must

Due to porcelain's weight and brittle nature, installing porcelain benchtops requires a professional touch. The installation process can be tricky and requires specialised equipment and skills.

It’s important to hire skilled professionals who have experience working with porcelain slabs. Improper handling or installation could lead to cracks or other damage. So, don’t cut corners when it comes to choosing an installer.

4. Repairing Porcelain Can Be Tricky

While porcelain benchtops are durable, they can be difficult to repair if damaged.

If a chip or crack appears, the process of fixing it to restore the original beauty of the surface is not easy. Minor damage can sometimes be patched with resin. But the results are unlikely to match the flawless look of the new benchtop.

In some cases, if the damage is too extensive, the best option is to replace the entire porcelain slab. While repairs are possible, they may not always give you a result that’s as good as new. So, careful maintenance is important to keep your benchtop looking its best.

Cost of Installing a Porcelain Benchtop in Your Home

The price of porcelain benchtops can make some homeowners hesitate when considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

While porcelain benchtops tend to be more expensive than other materials like laminate or wood, they offer outstanding durability. As mentioned above, they’re resistant to scratches, stains, and chips, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, they’re very easy to clean and require minimal maintenance, which can save you time and effort in the long run.

In summary, while porcelain benchtops may come with a higher upfront cost, their long-lasting durability, resistance to stains, and easy upkeep make them a great choice for those looking to invest in a high-quality surface. With porcelain, you'll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance kitchen, bathroom, or laundry for many years

Conclusion

Porcelain benchtops are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to elevate their kitchen, bathroom, or laundry with a stylish and durable surface. Their resistance to scratches, stains, and heat, combined with their elegant appearance, makes them a standout option for any home. While the initial investment may be higher compared to materials like laminate or wood, the long-term benefits such as low maintenance and exceptional durability make it a wise choice for those seeking a high-quality benchtop.

Have you decided to upgrade your space with porcelain?

Get High-Quality Porcelain Benchtops at Master Tops Today

At Master Tops, we offer porcelain, Dekton, natural, and silica-free benchtops for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

So, let’s create a stunning, durable space that you’ll love for years to come.

Call Master Tops at (08) 6161 1969 now.