Want to give a magnificent appeal to your interiors? Porcelain has won homeowners and interior designers’ hearts for its incredible beauty, versatility, and matchless durability. While furniture, fixtures, and color themes comprise of a major part of your interiors, how can you underestimate the importance of countertops? Designers love experimenting with porcelain available in a huge range of colors, and creating masterpieces.

What is the Cost of Porcelain Countertops?

The cost of porcelain counters may vary from region to region, and service to service. However, you may consult Arsight – a world-leading interior design firm in NYC to connect you to the right professional. They promise quality and competitiveness. 

If you wish to have an idea about porcelain counters for your home remodeling project, then the average price may vary between 50 to 120 USD per sq. foot. This price includes material and installation. However, the exact cost depends on the type, thickness, and style you opt for. The price can go as high as 150 USD per sq.foot. So you can allocate a budget estimate of 1500 to 3800 USD for porcelain countertops for your medium-sized kitchen. It will cost you equal to granite or quartz installation but promise greater durability.

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Is Porcelain a Recommended Material for Countertops?

Countertops are everywhere, whether it’s your living room, kitchen, dining hall, bathroom, study room, or any commercial space. Porcelain countertops can promise a better interior look by adding a touch of class and elegance. If you are confused about choosing the best material for your counters, you should compare and contrast the available options such as marble, quartz, and granite. 

Though porcelain and marble resemble in appearance but differ in properties, marble is a porous material, whereas porcelain is non-porous which makes it a better option for counters. Moreover, porcelain is a highly durable material, better than many other natural stones. Marble is likely to get scratched and chipped. If we compare porcelain with granite, both are durable. However, granite being a porous material might demand complicated cleaning and regular surface sealing. However, this is not true with porcelain counters.

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What are Porcelain Countertops Pros and Cons?

Porcelain countertops are quite popular but may have some drawbacks also. So, it is important to know about porcelain countertops' pros and cons before you decide on your residential and commercial space remodeling project specifics.

Porcelain Countertop Pros

Highly Durable

When porcelain counters are installed by professionals, they can last for a lifetime. Even with rough use, it can resist scratches, heat, and stains. Its water absorption property makes it the best option for shower spaces, bathroom vanities, and wash basin areas.

Aesthetics 

A pretty interior inspires everyone. If you also love it, installing porcelain countertops can be a great idea. It is available in a wide range of colors, styles, design patterns, and textures allowing you to mimic any interior look such as wood, natural stones, or concrete. So, it’s a designer’s preference when styling any modern or traditional space. Porcelain being non-porous can be seamlessly installed to create a smooth surface.

Easy Maintenance

The non-porous nature of porcelain makes it stain-resistant and easy to clean. It does not require surface sealing like other natural stone counters. Porcelain is less likely to become a breeding nest for microorganisms and germs. Regularly cleaning porcelain surfaces using a mild soap will maintain its beautiful look.

Hygiene

Porcelain is non-penetrable which will make it a highly hygienic surface for residential and commercial counters, and bathroom spaces.

Temperature Resistant

In western parts of the world, where the temperature is cold all through the year, people become uncomfortable with cold surfaces. Usually, marble, granite, and quartz are more sensitive to surrounding temperatures. On the contrary, porcelain is temperature-resistant. So, it's best for your counters where you can cook or use it for decor purposes.

Safe for Chemical Use

Porcelain can withstand harsh chemicals like bleach, acids, and cleaning solutions, and will not be affected like other natural stones.

Best for Outdoors

Porcelain can withstand direct sunlight due to its UV-resistance properties. So, it’s best for outdoor spaces. However, other natural stones like marble, granite, and quartz may discolor when exposed to sunlight. Porcelain is also a preferred option for patio and wall layering.

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Porcelain Countertops Cons

Pricey

Porcelain countertops may require a hefty budget and professional installation. Moreover, premium quality, better designs, and brand name can significantly raise the cost. However, porcelain promises high quality and lifetime durability and, hence, can be a valuable investment.

Vulnerable to Damage

Though porcelain is a highly durable material, and can last for a lifetime when professionally installed. However, high pressure can cause it to crack or chip. Also, porcelain countertops have a seamless installation, and replacing any damaged part can be a challenging task. You will have to find the same design, color, and pattern, then hire a professional, still, you can’t be sure of the best outcomes.

Requires Professional Installation

Porcelain is a valuable material that requires careful handling and professional installation. It cannot be a DIY project. Only a professional can ensure proper alignment, leveling, and strong adhesiveness, which can be expensive. On the contrary, unprofessional installation can cost you even big, and you will have to deal with several issues like water seepage, etc. The best idea is to seek help from Arsight to hire a professional. However, if you wish to hire on your own, you must ensure that the contractor is licensed and experienced.

Edge Styling

Porcelain design and patterns are mainly visible on the main surface rather than on the edges. It might slightly look strange. However, it won’t be a major problem as surfaces are mostly visible.

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Takeaway

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Porcelain is one of the best materials for countertops especially when your focus is aesthetics and durability. Its incredible properties make it a better option for counters than marble, quartz, and granite. While porcelain is ideal for interior designs, it is also the best material for the outdoors.