Porcelain worktops: from pros and cons to care and cost

Finding the right worktops for your new kitchen involves plenty of research – looking on all the options available, from natural stone to concrete, testing slabs and playing with virtual tools. If you are stuck on ideas for your work surfaces, know there’s one material that’s growing in popularity –porcelain. Could it be for you?  

First of all, what are porcelain worktops, I hear you ask?

They are a sustainable, man-made alternative to real stone surfaces. Porcelain worktops offer that glamorous look without the upkeep and with lots of benefits. Let’s dive in… 

Porcelain worktops
Caesarstone Porcelain Collection 511 Smokestone, from ÂŁ600 per sq m.

What are the pros of having porcelain worktops? 

Firstly, porcelain worktops are incredibly versatile. They come in many shades and patterns, so you’ll definitely find a design to suit your taste and style. From marble-effect and concrete, to simple or speckled, matt or glossy, there are numerous choices in a range of colours, too.

Secondly, if you are looking for a highly durable and resistant worktop material, porcelain is the right choice. This surface is heat, stain and scratch resistant – no more wine and greasy food stains. So it’s ideal if you love cooking and baking, entertaining or have a busy household.

Kitchen worktops
SapienStone 12mm Ceramic, from ÂŁ310 per sq m, Cullifords.

Plus, as porcelain worktops are non-porous, unlike real marble for example, this means that they’re a more hygienic option. One of the best things about porcelain is that it prevents the growth of bacteria or mould, so you can rest assured your surfaces will stand the test of time (and germs).

Armani Marble porcelain surface, from ÂŁ56 per sq m, Rak Ceramics.

What’s more, porcelain is UV-resistant, so you can use this surface outdoors too.

Lastly, as it’s made of clay-based materials, it can easily be recycled, making it a great sustainable option for your kitchen worktops.

Dark work surface
 Blue Savoy tiles, from ÂŁ55 for 60x120cm, Real Stone, Tile & Bathroom.

What about the cons?

Porcelain worktops have so many great benefits there must be some cons, right? Not really. The one thing to keep in mind is that this surface can chip if you drop heavy items directly on the material. But if you’re careful and don’t display heavy crockery or decor on open shelving above your washing up area, for example, that’s completely avoidable.

Now, how much does a porcelain worktop actually cost?

The cost, as with everything, depends hugely on the the supplier. However, as a general guideline, porcelain slabs can cost anything from ÂŁ50 per sq m to ÂŁ600 per sq m.

Porcelain worktops
Coliseum Statuario Venato porcelain slab tiles Marble Effect 02, from ÂŁ192 per sq m for a polished finish, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. Kitchen by My Studio & Creative Edge Furniture.

Lastly, any care tips?

If you don’t enjoy cleaning (no judging here), you’ll be happy to hear that you can get porcelain worktops squeaky clean with just soap and water. As it’s a durable material, you can use harsher detergents too and they won’t affect its finish. How great is that?

Kitchen surfaces
Alderley kitchen in Bone, from ÂŁ15,000, Kitchen Makers.
Cosentino‘s Dekton is an ultracompact surface, composed by porcelain, glass and quartz. Dekton Moone starts from ÂŁ450 per sq m.

In conclusion, porcelain worktops are a pretty and practical option for achieving a stylish look without compromising on functionality.

Featured image: Caesarstone Porcelain Collection 505 Archetta, from ÂŁ600 per sq m.

Want to read more? Find out the pros and cons of other worktop surfaces.

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