Are Porcelain Countertops Durable?

When selecting the right countertops for their home, many homeowners want to ensure they’re choosing a material that will endure whatever life throws at it.

With Porcelain, you can let your little ones unleash their creativity without worry. Porcelain countertops are designed to withstand the joys of childhood, making cleaning up a breeze. From fingerprints to spills and crumbs, porcelain surfaces are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Therefore, those considering porcelain as their countertop material likely wonder if porcelain countertops are durable. 

How durable are porcelain countertops? — An in-depth guide

Many homeowners who are new to the world of renovations may be wondering about the durability of countertop surfaces.

Each countertop material, including porcelain, has its durability measured with the Mohs Hardness Scale, where a material’s resistance to heat, scratches, cracks, porosity, resistance to light, and ease of maintenance are tested and determined. 

Heat resistance

Heat resistance is the rate at which a certain material reacts when coming in contact with a hot surface. Certain countertop materials, like wood and laminate, don’t generally react well to high heat. For instance, countertops made from wood may sustain permanent burn marks from a pan being set on the surface or from hot water penetration. 

Fortunately, porcelain countertops are known to have a high level of heat resistance. These counters are fired at over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing homeowners to place hot pots, pans, kettles, and other heated kitchenware directly on the countertop surface.  

However, homeowners who want to keep their counters in pristine condition should note that devices that emit constant heat should be placed on an insulated countertop mat instead of directly on the porcelain surface. 

Overall, when it comes to heat resistance, porcelain countertops rank quite high on the durability scale. 

Scratch resistance/ hardness

Another important consideration regarding porcelain’s durability is its scratch resistance, also known as the hardness level. Many countertop materials, like stainless steel and glass, are very susceptible to scratching, which can be difficult and expensive to repair. 

However, porcelain countertops rank high in hardness and are especially resistant to surface damage like scratches. 

Homeowners who use porcelain countertops in their kitchens can easily cut directly on the counter surface without causing damage from the blade. Despite porcelain’s hardness, experts still recommend utilizing a cutting board to maintain the surface’s longevity.  

Many countertop materials can sustain damage by denting, cracking and chipping. That said, this type of damage is normally only caused by hard strikes from heavy tools, such as meat cleavers, hammers, and other similar utensils.

Porosity

Another category of durability that porcelain ranks highly in is porosity. A surface’s porosity level indicates its ability to absorb moisture and its susceptibility to staining. Materials like wood and laminate are very porous, so prolonged contact with moisture can lead to staining or warping. 

However, porcelain countertops are non-porous, meaning they don’t absorb moisture. Being non-porous makes these countertops ideal for bathrooms, where condensation from hot showers and baths is particularly prevalent. 

Furthermore, many food items, like coffee, tomato sauce, and wine, will not permanently stain, making porcelain a practical choice for kitchens. 

Resistant to UV light

For homeowners who are interested in an outdoor surface, porcelain is a fantastic choice because of its resistance to UV rays. Homeowners can install porcelain countertops both indoors and outdoors without worrying about the surface fading or experiencing discolouration. 

Ease of maintenance 

Finally, porcelain ranks quite highly in terms of how easy it is to clean and care for. 

While certain countertop materials require regular sealing to maintain their outward appearance, all that’s required to look after a porcelain countertop is a cloth, warm water, and a gentle all-purpose cleaner. 

Final verdict

So, are porcelain countertops durable? Yes, porcelain ranks highly in almost every category when held up against the different hardness tests.

While porcelain countertops may be susceptible to surface damage such as chips, dents, and cracks, this type of damage is typically only caused by blunt force, which can easily be avoided by homeowners taking proper care of their counters. 

Nevertheless, porcelain countertops are resistant to damage caused by moisture, scratching, heat, and the effects of UV rays. Overall, porcelain is a very durable material and a viable choice for those looking to install new countertops.

Are porcelain countertops a good choice for homeowners?

While porcelain may be durable, some may wonder how suitable porcelain countertops are for residential properties. 

In addition to being high-quality and long-lasting, porcelain countertops are visually pleasing and stylish, making them an excellent addition to any home. There’s no denying that porcelain has a timeless look suitable for any interior design style. 

Homeowners looking to install porcelain countertops can find a great selection of colours and styles in Caesarstone’s Colour Catalogue. Click here to order a sample from Caesarstone’s porcelain collection.