![]() Granite countertops range from $45-$200 per square foot (installed) and quartz countertops range from $75-$150 per square foot (installed). In comparison to granite and quartz, porcelain falls below the average price of both of these other countertop options. Like with any counter product, the final price is affected by many factors, including the color, pattern, texture, and edge style, as well as how complex the installation process is. Porcelain countertops range in price from $55 – $120 per square foot (including installation). Image via PRECISION STONE DESIGNS HOW MUCH DO PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS COST? Cracking is only a big issue during the handling, moving, and cutting of very large slabs. Once installed, however, porcelain is extremely hard and durable. The thin slabs can crack more easily than granite or marble during fabrication, so many fabricators don’t enjoy working with porcelain. The full-sized slabs are delicate to cut and work with, so it can be difficult to find a countertop fabricator that is willing to install a porcelain slab. This, of course, is a bonus, BUT there is one problem when it comes to how thin porcelain is … This allows one slab to cover an entire island without the need for seams.ĭue to the thinness of porcelain countertops, they can be installed directly over your existing countertops if you are doing a kitchen (or bathroom) remodel. Also, it can be manufactured in very large slabs that are roughly 126” x 62”. ![]() The typical thickness of porcelain countertops is ¼ inch (6 mm) or ½ inch (12 mm). PORCELAIN COUNTER DURABILITYĪlthough extremely durable once installed, porcelain slabs can be quite lightweight and thin. So most people opt for a simple square edge to preserve the surface pattern and color. Cutting a rounded edge, for example, would remove the pattern. Since the patterns and colors in porcelain are only printed on the surface, edge styles are more limited than with natural stone or quartz. Porcelain countertops are unique when it comes to the edges. īut remember … the pattern and color will not be on the interior of the slab because it is only applied to the top surface of the counters during glazing. Like many other countertops, porcelain countertops are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns that resemble natural elements (e.g. Unglazed porcelain, on the other hand, has the same color on both the surface and the interior of the slab. This means that the interior color may be a different color which becomes a problem if the surface is chipped (because the differing interior color will show). One of the major drawbacks to glazed porcelain is that the pattern or color is only printed on the surface and does not go through the entire body of the slab or tile. However, glazing increases the durability of the slab, while also creating a shiny finish and decreasing porosity (which means a decreased risk of staining). Porcelain can be either glazed or unglazed. This combination of materials is put into a kiln together and fired at extremely high temps … which results in a dense material that is very strong, almost fully impervious to stains, heat, UV rays, scratching, chips and cracks.ĭuring porcelain countertop manufacturing, pigmented glazes are added to create different patterns and colors on the porcelain slab. Porcelain is a man-made product created from a clay called ‘China clay’ and it is a combo of a mineral called Kaolinite, along with Silica, Feldspar, and other minerals that work together to create the strength and durability of porcelain. While porcelain countertops are only recently gaining popularity in the US, they have been used in Europe for several years now. If you’ve heard about porcelain countertops and you’re curious about what they are and if they might be a good fit for your home, you’ll find this (in-depth) overview of porcelain countertops (complete with pros and cons) very helpful. Recently I learned about porcelain countertops and, as always, I dug right into researching and learning all about this particular finish … and I’m sharing everything I learned below :). One of my favorite things about talking with members of my ‘ Building Your Foundation’ Program is that I constantly learn about new products and finishes that weren’t available (or at least weren’t popular) when I built my home back in 2013.
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