Porcelain countertops: pros, cons and where they shine

Porcelain slabs are large, thin sheets of fired porcelain. They look like marble, concrete or stone and shrug off heat, stains and sunlight, which makes them a strong modern choice.

Where porcelain excels

• Heat: it is fired at very high temperatures and handles hot pans.
• Stains: it is non-porous and needs no sealing.
• Sunlight: it is UV-stable, so it works outdoors and in sunny rooms without fading.

See porcelain at our shop.

Printed or through-body

Many porcelain slabs have the pattern printed on the surface, so edges and cut-outs show the body color. Through-body slabs carry the color throughout. Mitered edges, where two pieces meet at an angle, make a thin slab look thick and continue the pattern around the edge.

Edges and chips

Porcelain is hard but can chip at sharp edges if hit. Eased and mitered edges are the most common; ornate profiles are not usually possible. Fabrication takes special tools and experience, which we have in-house.

Great uses

Kitchen counters, full-height backsplashes, shower walls, fireplace surrounds, furniture tops and outdoor kitchens. Thin slabs are also lighter, which helps for wall cladding.

Compare it

Compare porcelain with quartz and stone in the countertop estimator, or read quartz vs quartzite and the countertop material guide.

Common questions

Is porcelain better than quartz?

Porcelain handles heat and sunlight better and never needs sealing. Quartz is more forgiving at the edges and easier to shape into profiles.

Can porcelain countertops go outside?

Yes. Porcelain is UV-stable and handles freeze-thaw cycles, which makes it a strong outdoor kitchen choice.

Do porcelain countertops chip?

They are very hard but can chip at sharp edges from a hard knock. Eased or mitered edges reduce the risk.