Heat Resistance and Style: Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops are becoming a popular choice in the United States due to their heat resistance, durability as well as style. Porcelain contains high percentages of kaolinite and silica which are mineral oxides responsible for its strength and durability. Porcelain is manufactured at extremely high temperatures so it can take the heat from hot pots without scorching or damaging the surface. Aside from their durability and heat resistance, porcelain counters are sleek looking and come with many different color options to choose from. In order to install a new porcelain counter you will need to take into consideration how much space you have under your current kitchen cabinets as well as any electrical outlets that might be blocking where installation would occur. Porcelain will resist scratching with the best of them. Like granite and quartz, it is very difficult to scratch. Also, porcelain is resistant to ultraviolet light which means it won’t fade from sunlight.
One downside for some people may be that porcelain can chip if dropped from any height over six inches. Porcelain countertop colors come in virtually any shade or pattern and with many that look like marble and other natural stone.
Overall, porcelain has many great attributes including high durability, low maintenance requirements and good looks.
Porcelain vs Quartz Countertops
Porcelain vs. quartz countertops are the two most popular types of counters in high-end homes and restaurants, but which one is the best? Quartz particles are bound together with resin and polymers, while porcelain finishes are baked in extremely high temperatures, resulting in non-porous surfaces that are food-safe and easy to clean and maintain. One of the main draws of porcelain and quartz countertops is that because they are engineered, they can come in impressively large sizes.
Porcelain has strong heat resistance also but porcelain is also resistant to fading from UV rays, making it an ideal addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Quartz countertops are less porous than porcelains which can lead some homeowners who need quality assurance for food use or have sensitive skin to choose quartz over the more fragile surface.
One of the main draws of porcelain and quartz countertops is that, because they are engineered, they can come in impressively large sizes. Quartz particles are bound together with resin and polymers, while porcelain finishes are baked in extremely high temperatures.