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Cooking dinner, making desserts, hosting game nights, and studying all take place in the kitchen. Therefore, the materials used for countertops should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing so they can fulfill their intended roles.
Although you can select any material for your countertop, porcelain’s beauty and granite’s uniqueness cannot be surpassed.
Struggling to choose the perfect countertop for your area? Master Tops will be able to assist you.
We will provide details on porcelain and granite benchtops, covering aspects like durability and cost, to help you select your preferred option.
How To Analyze Benchtop Materials
When selecting a countertop, the initial step is to assess its intended location and usage. Porcelain is most suitable for areas needing little maintenance, while granite is ideal for commercial projects with high levels of foot traffic.
Consider these factors when choosing a countertop:
Durability
Although most countertops are durable, some of them are brittle and fragile.
Kitchen countertops are expensive and cannot be continuously replaced if they are cracked or chipped. Consider how you plan to utilize the countertop and opt for a sturdy material that will last a long time. It could cost more than anticipated, but consider it a wise investment in the long run.
When searching for long-lasting countertop tops, consider porcelain, silica-free natural stone, and quartz as top choices.
Aesthetics
Although durability is the make-or-break decision for a countertop, you also need to think about the aesthetics and design. How will the color and finish flow through your home? Will the countertop stand out or blend in?
Maintenance
Kitchens are usually messy places and cleaning them all the time can be frustrating. You will probably be cleaning your benchtop 10 to 15 times a day, so make sure you get one that you can easily clean with soap and water.
Cost
Probably the important factor that will help you make your decision is your budget. With countertops, you are not only paying for the material but its installation too.
Porcelain Benchtops
Why are more people switching to porcelain for kitchen and bathroom countertops? Because they are long-lasting, adaptable, and flexible.
Recently introduced to the world of benchtops, porcelain is created from natural resources, like
China clay
Petunse
Feldspar
Quartz
After blending this mixture, it gets subjected to extremely hot temperatures to create a high-density ceramic.
Porcelain benchtops are resistant to water and do not soak up liquids, making cleaning them a breeze.
Porcelain benchtops are exceptionally durable because of the way they are manufactured. Want to make dinner on it? No problem. Accidentally spilled a drink? Just wipe it off. Have kids who threw food on it? Use a dusting cloth to clean it.
Probably the best part about porcelain benchtops is that you can choose different colors, patterns, and finishes. Customize and design a benchtop that will blend easily into your home.
All in all, porcelain benchtops are a popular choice for residential and commercial areas and offer style and ease of maintenance.
Pros
It is durable and resistant to almost everything
Made from natural materials and is recyclable
It has multiple colors, designs, and finishes, such as: Matte Polished Glossy Natural Textured Lappato
Requires minimal maintenance
Does not require a sealant
Non-porous so no bacteria or mold can grow
Resistant to UV rays
Cons
Brittle and can easily chip off if something heavy hits it
Repairing porcelain benchtops is next to impossible
If the size and weight are too much, the benchtop can break. You need to make sure it is thin enough to bear the weight. Otherwise, you can add a panel to secure it.
You might have to replace it every few years
More expensive than laminate or granite, especially because of the installation
Cannot be installed without an experienced professional
Granite Benchtops
Granite is an igneous rock that is formed from the cooling of molten magma. It is made up of three minerals that give it a speckled appearance:
Quartz
Feldspar
Shiny black or pale mica
Because it is natural, each slab is unique, with its own distinct pattern and color variations, ranging from subtle earthy tones to dramatic hues. This natural variation adds elegance to any space.
Granite is extremely strong, making it suitable for residential and commercial projects. Granite benchtops are known for their excellent durability against heat, scratches, and stains. With proper maintenance, granite can last for decades without needing to be replaced.
Granite benchtops are budget-friendly, compared to porcelain. Their price ranges between $700 and $1700 per square metre including installation.
Pros
Each slab is unique in its colors and variations
Highly resistant to scratches and stains
Can withstand high temperatures, for placing hot pots and pans
Increases your property’s value due to its perceived luxury
Is more budget-friendly
Cons
Limited color options
Requires periodic sealing to maintain it
It is porous so bacteria and mold can grow in it.
Needs proper support structures because of its weight
Which Countertop Should I Go For?
Each stone countertop has its pros and cons so whichever option you choose depends entirely on what you need and want.
Natural stone is raw and unique in its color and texture, but it is more high maintenance, so you can use it in commercial and high-traffic areas. If you want a modern and minimalist space, porcelain is more customizable and durable, even though it is more fragile as well.
What We Offer
Whether you have an industrial, modern, or contemporary look, we have a benchtop option for you.
Explore our diverse range of silica-free, porcelain, and nature stone collections. Transform your space into a masterpiece with Master Tops.