6 advantages of Porcelain and ceramic countertops

Large-format ceramic and porcelain slabs used for kitchen worktops and bathroom vanities have many excellent properties. Such surfaces are non-porous, do not absorb liquids and do not need to be sealed. Your ceramic worktop will not just be durable, scratch- and heat-resistant, but also light, modern and elegant. Some high-tech ceramic slabs look so realistic that they are simply indistinguishable from real stone at a glance. 

A kitchen countertop fabricated from ceramic or porcelain materials will be non-porous, therefore liquids will not penetrate into it. Stains from such worktops are easily cleaned with a simple cloth and some soap. Porcelain and ceramic surfaces are resistant to most chemicals and do not acquire stains from acidic foods and drinks. These modern countertop materials are hygienic and ideal for bathroom vanities. They require low-maintenance and do not need to be sealed. 

Ceramic and porcelain slabs are made from carefully selected and artificially compacted clay and slate powder. The technical specifications state that porcelain worktops can withstand heat up to 200 °C, but given that the slabs are heated at around 1200 °C during production, their tolerance to heat can be much higher. Hot pots placed on ceramic surfaces are unlikely to damage them, but for material safety reasons manufacturers still recommend the use of trays.

Thanks to its versatility and resistance to external impacts, large format ceramic panels can be used where most natural stone types are not suitable. They can be used to floor areas around swimming pools, to decorate outdoor bars and to cover patio tables. Ceramic and porcelain surfaces are scratch resistant and tolerant to chemicals. However, its glazed surface can be scratched with ceramic knives. To prevent this happening, it is advisable to to use cutting board in the kitchen rather than cutting foods directly on the worktop.

Porcelain and ceramic materials can be shaped into thin and large slabs that are ideal for cladding walls and laying floors. The advantage of these materials is that the panels can be as thin as 3-6 mm (standard thickness is 12 mm). Thin ceramic slabs are used to fabricate cupboard facades or fireplace surrounds, cover walls indoors and outdoors. Ceramic surfaces are particularly desirable in multi-level buildings and other places where heavy natural stone slabs are too chunky. Lightweight and thin ceramic slabs are easy to transport. To make the slab less vulnerable to damage during transportation, the protective mesh is often glued to the wrong side of the slab. 

Ceramic and porcelain worktops are hard, durable and resistant to chipping. Ceramic qualities can be compared to those of natural stone. Ceramic worktops, floors and walls do not change their appearance even if the room is used intensively for many years. These materials are also resistant to UV rays, which means that they do not fade from sun. Ceramics can be used for outdoor kitchen worktops.

Ceramic and porcelain slabs are made from very thin natural clay powder which is untreated. Therefore old ceramic and porcelain worktops or any other surfaces can be recycled after years of use.

Color patterns of ceramic slabs are usually only visible on their surface. When viewed from the edge or at the cut, the color is even (the pattern does not run through the entire volume as in natural stones or engineered quartz). Some brands are proud of their newest full-volume ceramic slabs, where the pattern is visible throughout their entire thickness. Other brands surprise by presenting slabs that are amazing in their realistic 3D appearance that replicates textures of marble, onyx, granite. Full-bodied slabs are perfect for worktops with classic, ornamental or curved edges. For modern worktops with straight thin or straight widened edges there is no need for full-volume slabs.