Are Porcelain Countertops Durable?

When choosing a kitchen or bathroom countertop material, homeowners are faced with an overwhelming number of choices. There are several materials to choose from, including quartz, granite, marble, and porcelain; among these, porcelain seems to be one of the top choices for homeowners that want to achieve a minimalist, modern interior design.

But before fully committing to porcelain, homeowners should ask recurring questions like, “are porcelain countertops durable?”. 

Today’s article provides the answer to this question and many more. 

Are porcelain countertops durable? — An expert guide

Porcelain is a man-made material that is made from a mix of quartz, clay, and feldspar. Because of its composition, porcelain is considered to be quite strong and durable, with a strength that is far greater than many comparable countertop materials. 

Homeowners who have been wondering, “how durable are porcelain countertops?” can reference the Mohs hardness scale. Porcelain ranks a seven (out of ten) on the scale, making it incredibly hard and durable.

This is compared to other materials that rank lower on the scale, including: 

• Marble: 3 out of 10 
• Granite: 6 out of 10 
• Soapstone: 1 out of 10 
• Limestone: 3 out of 10 
• Sandstone: 6 out of 10

Are porcelain countertops easy to chip, crack or scratch?

Every countertop material has the potential to chip with a strong impact. But with care, porcelain is generally resistant to chipping, cracking, or scratching. It can withstand rigorous use and daily wear and tear quite well. Homeowners can even cut directly on their porcelain countertops (though cutting boards are recommended for daily use).

Its durability makes it a fantastic choice for people who use their kitchens or bathrooms regularly. With porcelain, there’s no need to worry about extensive cleaning or accidentally causing damage. 

Maintenance requirements for porcelain countertops

A well-maintained porcelain countertop can retain its beautiful appearance and serve a homeowner’s needs for years to come. To maintain the appearance and durability of porcelain countertops, homeowners should follow the best maintenance practices.

The countertop surface should be wiped with warm, soapy water and a clean damp cloth for everyday spills. A mild detergent can also be used. Spills and stains should not sit on the surface for too long. 

Should the spill become too stubborn to wipe off gently, it can be rubbed clean with a soft cloth or paper towel and an approved cleaner. 

Homeowners should also take extra care to preserve the beauty of their porcelain countertops. The steps to take include the following: 

• Avoid using hydrofluoric acid on the countertop
• Always remove cleaning product residue with water
• Wipe up liquids from the surface immediately
• Avoid direct contact with flames

Is porcelain a good material for countertops?

Aside from porcelain countertops’ durability, the material has a range of characteristics that make it ideal for kitchen and bathroom countertops. These reasons include:

Etch-resistant 

A big problem with most countertop materials, including granite and marble, is etching, which occurs when the surface is exposed to acidic substances. With a porcelain countertop, however, homeowners need not worry about acidic substances like tomato juice, vinegar, lemon juice, or wine coming into contact with the surface, as the material is etch-resistant and will not discolor. 

Heat-resistant 

Porcelain is crafted under high temperatures, which makes it very resistant to hot pans and pots. Homeowners can rest their hot kitchen tools on the counter with little to no worry, but it’s still recommended to use trivets or hot pads for maximum longevity. 

Non-porous 

Porcelain is non-porous, which means that air and liquid cannot move through it. This makes a porcelain countertop perfect for kitchens and bathrooms that see a lot of water use. 

Not prone to sun damage or fading 

Sunlight can be a big enemy of most countertop materials because the sun’s UV rays can cause them to fade over time. Porcelain, on the other hand, is more robust than natural stones in the sense that it can withstand constant exposure to sunlight. 

Range of finishes 

Porcelain is a highly versatile material, allowing homeowners to customize their countertops to their liking. Whether they opt for a glossy, polished, matte, or honed finish, they can be sure that their porcelain countertop will amplify the appearance of their kitchen or bath. 

Resembles other countertop materials 

Many homeowners overlook porcelain because it’s not natural stone. But it’s a good, budget-friendly option for those who cannot afford expensive granite, marble, or travertine. 

Porcelain is highly versatile, and can resemble natural stones or other countertop materials. It’s available in various patterns, from concrete and metallic to wood-grain and rusted steel. 

Stain-resistant 

Porcelain’s non-porous nature makes it highly resistant to staining. It doesn’t absorb any liquids, making it very easy to maintain. Porcelain countertops can be wiped down with mild soap and water or non-abrasive cleaners. Although the material can withstand harsh chemicals, using them is unnecessary. 

Porcelain has plenty of advantages that make it suitable for kitchen or bathroom countertops. Still, homeowners should be aware of potential downsides before fully committing to installation. Porcelain can: 

• Be hard to install without professional help: Similar to all other countertop installs, it’s recommended to avoid DIY’s and reach out to a certified porcelain fabricator. 
• Be expensive: As with all product lines, there are higher price points/tiers for certain colors such as gauged porcelain.

Are porcelain countertops durable? — Conclusion

Porcelain is an undeniably excellent option for kitchen or bathroom countertops. Caesarstone’s lifetime warranty means that with proper care, the material can last lifetime while still maintaining its beautiful appearance. Homeowners ready to commit to a porcelain countertop can now explore their color options and see how they will look in their space with Caesarstone’s 3D Visualizer.