Porcelain Countertops: Everything You Need To Know

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This post is about porcelain countertops for kitchens and bathrooms.

As a designer, I’ve had more clients asking about porcelain countertops in the past year than ever before—and I totally get the appeal.

Porcelain slab countertops bring sleek, modern style to a kitchen or bathroom, but there’s more to them than just good looks.

If you’re thinking about installing porcelain countertops in your home, here’s everything you need to know before making the leap.

everything you need to know about porcelain countertops

What are porcelain countertops? Are they man made?

Yep, porcelain countertops are man-made. Porcelain countertops are made from a type of clay that’s been baked at extremely high temperatures.

This process creates a dense, durable, non-porous ‘stone’ that can be used as a countertop slab and even run up the wall as a backsplash slab, too.

Porcelain countertops pros and cons

There are pros and cons to everything in this life…including porcelain countertops.

And if you’re type A like me, you appreciate a good ol’ Pros and Cons list. So here are the key good and not-so-good things about porcelain countertops you should keep in mind:

Pros:

It’s heat resistant. You can set down a hot pan without fear of leaving burn marks. resists scratching, heat, and stains.
It’s stain resistant. Thanks to its non-porous surface, a porcelain countertop won’t absorb liquids like wine or oil.
It’s durable. All that baking in extremely high temperatures transformed what was once clay into a super durable surface that’s highly scratch and UV resistant.
It’s lightweight: Marble can weigh a ton. Literally. But porcelain? It’s a lot more lightweight, which makes it easier to install on walls…perfect for creating a seamless countertop-to-backsplash look.
It can come in a lot of styles. Porcelain countertops can be manufactured to mimic the look of marble, concrete, or even wood grain.

Cons:

You’re limited with the type of edge profiles you can select. Due to its thinness, you won’t get that chunky edge like you could with marble or granite.
There are fewer fabricators who specialize in good quality porcelain countertops. Not all countertop installers are experienced with porcelain yet, so you’ll have to do your homework to find a skilled fabricator.
It can have brittle edges. Even though the surface of porcelain is tough, its edges can be more prone to chipping.

modern kitchen with porcelain waterfall countertop

Porcelain countertops are more lightweight than other materials, so it’s a great choice if you want slab backsplash or a waterfall edge like this.

How porcelain countertops compares to other types of countertops

When you’re trying to choose a countertop, you’re probably looking at how the different types of countertops compare to one another.

So below I’ve compiled 6 categories where you can see how porcelain compares to both natural stone like marble and granite, and other manufactured countertops, like quartz.

Porcelain countertops vs granite

Material: Granite is a natural stone while porcelain is man-made.
Durability: Both are scratch and heat-resistant, but granite tends to chip more easily on the edges.
Maintenance: Granite requires sealing; porcelain does not.
Appearance: Every slab of granite has unique, natural veining. Porcelain mimics the look of stone but is man-made.
Weight: Granite is heavier, so it’s usually not recommended to carry up as a backsplash slab.
Cost: Porcelain is usually comparable or slightly less expensive than granite. Granite pricing depends on where it’s sourced from but generally falls in the mid to high range.

Porcelain countertops vs quartzite

Material: Quartzite is a natural stone and porcelain is man-made.
Durability: Porcelain is more scratch- and stain-resistant. Quartzite is incredibly hard and durable but can etch with acids.
Maintenance: Porcelain is maintenance-free. Quartzite requires sealing to prevent staining and has to be cleaned with specific cleaners.
Appearance: Quartzite has beautiful, natural movement and veining. Porcelain can mimic quartzite closely, but it lacks natural depth and variation.
Weight: Porcelain is lighter and easier to work with. Quartzite is dense and heavy, requiring professional handling.
Cost: Quartzite tends to be more expensive than porcelain.

Porcelain vs marble countertops

Material: Marble is a natural stone and porcelain is engineered.
Durability: Porcelain is harder and more resistant to scratching and etching than marble. Marble is softer and prone to etching from acids and wear over time.
Maintenance: Porcelain is virtually maintenance-free. Marble requires regular sealing and careful use to avoid staining and etching.
Appearance: Porcelain can replicate the look of marble without the drawbacks. Marble is prized for its classic veining and organic elegance.
Weight: Porcelain is lighter and easier to install. Marble is heavier and may require extra support.
Cost: Porcelain is more budget-friendly and predictable. Marble is generally more expensive and varies in price based on quality and rarity.

Porcelain vs quartz countertops

Material: Both quartz and porcelain are engineered/man-made materials.
Durability: Both are pretty durable. Porcelain is more heat-resistant, but quartz is slightly more impact-resistant and tends to chip less.
Maintenance: Porcelain is non-porous and needs no sealing. Quartz is also low-maintenance.
Appearance: Quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including marble-like styles. Porcelain can mimic various looks, including quartz and stone.
Weight: Porcelain is lighter and often used in larger slabs. Quartz is heavier and more rigid.
Cost: Both cost about the same, depending on the specifications and finish.

Where to use porcelain slab countertops

The great thing about porcelain countertops is that you could use it just about anywhere…indoors or out!

Porcelain kitchen countertops are a great choice when you know you need something really durable. The fact that they’re stain-proof, easy to clean, and can hold up to hot pans is ideal for serious home cooks.

Porcelain counters are also great in bathrooms. Porcelain resists water stains and makeup and can even be used for shower walls and tub surrounds. Just be sure you’re choosing a porcelain slab with a high slip-resistance score because you do NOT want to fall because of a polished porcelain bathroom floor!

And thanks to its high UV resistance, porcelain countertops are an ideal choice for outdoor kitchens and bar areas. It won’t fade under direct sunlight and, if you’re using a polished finish, it’s really easy to keep clean outdoors.

Choosing a finish: polished vs matte

Porcelain slab countertops come in polished, honed, or matte finishes.

A polished finish is the classic choice. It adds some shine and is very easy to wipe clean.

A matte or honed finish will have a softer, velvety look. I love this finish because it helps hides fingerprints and it works beautifully in more rustic or organic modern kitchens.

coastal kitchen with porcelain countertops

A few last tips about porcelain countertops

Porcelain countertops are such an underrated countertop option!

But if you’re looking for something that’s durable, low maintenance and affordable…a porcelain countertop might be the way to go for your kitchen or bathroom.

Just be sure to find a good fabricator and work with a skilled installer. Since porcelain slabs are thinner, they can crack if they’re mishandled or installed incorrectly.

And the last thing you want is for your new kitchen countertop to crack a week after it’s installed! So work with a kitchen designer to find a good porcelain slab team in your area.