2025-04-17

5 minutes

Max Kuchman

Design Trends

Technology and Materials

Is It Worth Installing a Porcelain Countertop? All About the Pros, Cons, and Prices – Expert Opinion

Introduction

Instagram and Pinterest are full of photos of perfect kitchens featuring ultra-thin white slabs, and designers keep saying, "Porcelain is the future!" Is this a new trend? As experts in the stone countertop industry, we became curious: do porcelain countertops really deserve the hype, or is it just a pretty picture and another marketing gimmick?

In this article, we’ll break down who porcelain is perfect for and who might be better off with quartz or granite. We’ll explain what you’re actually paying for when you choose porcelain and the potential pitfalls. We’ll also showcase real examples, honest pros and cons, and break down the costs—from the material to delivery and installation.

What is a Porcelain Countertop and How Does It Differ from Other Materials?

Image source: @bluewaterglobe (Unsplash)

If you think porcelain is just a pretty tile that moved from the floor to the kitchen, it's time to reconsider. It’s something entirely different. A porcelain countertop is made from a compressed and fired ceramic countertop slab at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F. The result is a material that can withstand almost anything, from a sizzling hot pan to harsh household chemicals.

And yes, it's thin—typically only 0.5 inches thick—but that doesn’t make it fragile. On the contrary, in a properly installed porcelain countertop, there’s strength that even professionals often underestimate. For instance, in Europe, porcelain has long been used for facades, building cladding, and even in public interiors—it can withstand loads that would be critical for quartz or marble.

The key difference that almost no one talks about: porcelain isn’t just an alternative to quartz. It’s an entirely different approach to kitchen design. It requires different tools, different installers, and... a different design philosophy.

A common mistake: confusing porcelain with porcelain stoneware

Yes, they may look similar. But it’s like comparing a steel sheet to an aluminum can.

While they may appear similar, that’s where the resemblance ends, because:

Porcelain stoneware is more porous, cheaper, thicker, and doesn’t withstand as much pressure.
Porcelain is denser, more monolithic, resistant to UV rays, extreme temperature fluctuations, and even acidic substances.

That’s why, in premium projects where both aesthetics and durability are crucial, designers are increasingly opting for porcelain marble slabs: they look like natural stone but require no maintenance and no compromises.

What about comparing porcelain with quartz and granite?

We've drawn this comparison based on the experience of contractors who install both materials daily—and sometimes they even decide against porcelain when they realize it might not be suitable for homeowners due to certain nuances. We’ll cover those details shortly, but for now, here’s a breakdown of the main characteristics of these materials for comparison:

Granite — natural and beautiful, but requires annual sealing. One spilled juice and you have a permanent stain. Weight — about 20 pounds per square foot, meaning you get not just a slab, but a solid stone monolith.
Quartz — practical and durable, but sensitive to sunlight. Place it under a window, and the color will fade after a year. Yes, it’s convenient, but it requires enclosed spaces and careful installation.
Porcelain — doesn’t fade, resistant to moisture and chemicals, weighs 1.5–2 times less. On average — 8–12 pounds per square foot. This means it doesn’t need reinforced framing under cabinets and is ideal for suspended kitchens or islands.

When is porcelain the best choice?

Below, we’ve compiled situations where porcelain kitchen countertops are truly worth considering for your home.
Where and for whom porcelain countertops are the best fit:

In the kitchen. This will be a truly modern minimalist kitchen with sleek lines and visual lightness. A 0.5-inch thick porcelain countertop allows you to create stylish surfaces without bulky edges or seams.
On an outdoor kitchen or patio. Porcelain countertops (outdoor porcelain countertops) are resistant to heat, cold, and UV rays, unlike quartz.
For those who love a cooking style where everything is within reach. You can cut directly on the surface of porcelain — it’s scratch-resistant (but we still recommend using a cutting board to preserve your knives).
Families with children or pets will definitely appreciate it. If something spills or falls on the countertop, nothing will happen. No stains, no cracks.

The last point is perfectly confirmed by a real user’s review:

"We have three children and a very active kitchen. I was worried that the porcelain would be finicky, but in a year not a single problem has happened. It washes easily, no stains at all", — @DanielWilss87 (Reddit).

Advantages of Porcelain Countertops: Not Just Beautiful, but Truly Convenient

Let’s be honest — a beautiful countertop can be found in any material. But to have one that can withstand a hot skillet, doesn’t fear tomato sauce, won’t scratch from a knife, and won’t yellow from the sun...

Here’s why people love porcelain:

Stains? No problem. Spilled coffee, wine, or juice? No worries. Porcelain doesn’t absorb liquids because it has almost zero porosity. Just wipe it off, and that’s it.
Hot? No problem. Placed a pot straight from the stove? Forget about it. No need to chase after trivets. It can withstand temperatures up to 1000°F.
Scratch-resistant. It can handle even the most intense cooking without showing wear.
Light and thin. Visually minimalist, yet practical when it comes to installation.
Hygienic. No pores, no cracks, no seams — which means there’s nowhere for bacteria to hide.

Marble-Like Appearance

A porcelain marble slab looks just like real marble — with veins, texture, and depth of color. But unlike actual marble, it doesn’t require sealing every six months. Beauty without the upkeep.

And yes, porcelain looks great not only on countertops. It’s increasingly used for island cladding, backsplashes, and walls — creating a cohesive kitchen design where everything “breathes” the same style.

"I wanted a white island with no seams. Only porcelain gave such an effect - as if it was carved from one solid block. It doesn't show in the photo, but it looks gorgeous in person", — @BellaBelle (Reddit).

Drawbacks That Aren't Talked About Much

Porcelain may seem like the perfect solution — and for some, it truly is. But it would be unfair if we didn’t tell you the whole truth. This material does have its limitations, and some of them can become critical if you're not aware of them beforehand.

Porcelain is Not a DIY Material

This isn’t the kind of material you can buy, cut in your garage, and install over the weekend. It requires professional cutting and installation. Make a mistake of just 1/8 inch, and the slab could crack. And yes, your average stone cutter won’t be able to handle this — specialized equipment with water cooling is required.

"We tried to save money and gave the slab to a contractor who usually installs granite. The result was that the slab cracked at the stage of cutting for the sink. We had to order it again. We won't do it again”, — @homereno_dreams (Reddit).

Does Not Tolerate Damage

If a corner chips off from quartz or granite, it can usually be polished out. With porcelain, it’s a different story. Even a small chip almost always means replacing the entire slab. And if you’ve ordered a rare color or size, it could take weeks — or even months — to get a replacement.

Requires a Perfectly Flat Foundation

Porcelain is light but very rigid. It doesn’t bend, flex, or adjust. Any tiny unevenness in the base, and over time, cracks could appear. This is especially true for larger slabs (9–10 feet and longer). So, an old MDF base or uneven cabinets simply won’t work. Either you’ll need to redo the foundation or choose a different material.

How Much Does a Porcelain Countertop Cost?

If you’ve seen a price like "$55 per square foot" and thought, "Oh, that's not too expensive!" — hold on a second. That’s just the cost of the material itself — no delivery, cutting, edging, sink cutouts, appliance cutouts, or installation included. The price of porcelain slab countertops can vary based on the brand, thickness, and finish.

Now, let’s break down the real cost:

Cost Breakdown	Average Cost (in the USA)
porcelain slab	$55–$110 per square foot
Cutting, Finishing, Edge Fitting	$20–$35 per square foot
Installation	$500–$1,000 per project
Delivery (including packaging)	$150–$350*
Sink / Cooktop Cutout	$100–$250 for cutout
Designer Services / Project Design	$200–$500 (if necessary)

In reality, the porcelain slab cost turns into a price of around $3,500–$5,500 for a standard 12×10-foot kitchen, including an island and backsplash. And if you want custom porcelain countertops, the price can rise to $7,000 and beyond—especially with rare textures or custom geometry.

Important note

The larger the slab (usually up to 10×5 feet), the more expensive the logistics. Porcelain is fragile at the edges and requires special packaging for transportation, often on a custom frame. Not all contractors are willing to handle delivery without extra charges.

When Should You Order a Custom Porcelain Countertop?

In theory, buying a ready-made porcelain countertop from a showroom is convenient. You just go, choose, and install. But in reality, most modern kitchens have specific features: non-standard geometry, built-in cooktops, curved islands, or unusual areas like an extended bar counter. In these cases, a custom porcelain countertop is often the only solution.

When ordering is a necessity:

You have a non-standard layout or a kitchen island with a diagonal shape.
You need precise cuts for a cooktop, outlets, or porcelain slabs for the sink.
You want a seamless slab — 8–10 feet in length.
You have specific design requests: concrete texture, rare colors, or combined finishes.

What You Need to Consider:

- Timelines: The time from project to installation can take 3–5 weeks (sometimes longer if the slab is coming from Europe).
- Price: On average, it's 15–25% more expensive than standard products. You pay for exclusivity.
- Installation Requirements: You need a team that has experience working with porcelain. Seriously. This isn't the case where you can just hire "anyone who works with stone."

If you're looking for a contractor who knows how to work with porcelain, don't take chances. Check out The First National Ranking of Stone Countertop Fabricators and Installers in the U.S. — There, you'll find only verified companies from across the country. Experienced, reliable, and — most importantly — proven in practice!

Design Ideas: How to Use Porcelain Beautifully and Practically

Yes, porcelain is durable, resistant, and practical — we've established that. But the goal is not just for the countertop to "last long," but to make an impression from the very first glance. Fortunately, the design possibilities with porcelain are an entirely different story. And it's an inspiring one at that!

The Most Popular Solutions Today:

Porcelain marble slabs with Calacatta or Carrara vein imitation — visually resembling real marble, but without the maintenance, worry of spilling wine, or the need for sealing

Thin countertops without edges — only 0.5 inches thick, yet they can withstand everything you might imagine on a kitchen surface. They look modern and sleek.

Waterfall island — porcelain is perfect for creating a dramatic “cascading” effect, where the countertop continues down the sides all the way to the floor.

Porcelain slab kitchen — where the same material is used for the countertop, backsplash, and even the wall, creating a seamless, cohesive look with minimal joints and maximum style.

Concrete, wood, or dark graphite tones — a great choice for those looking for something beyond classic white. These finishes look especially striking in industrial and Scandinavian-style interiors.

A glossy white countertop with subtle light gray veining — the perfect match for a classic kitchen with gold accents.

A dark porcelain tile countertop against white cabinetry — minimalism with character.

A matte slate-look texture in an outdoor kitchen — stylish and resistant to both rain and sun.

Combining with other materials:

Porcelain pairs beautifully with wood, glass, brass fixtures, and stone sinks. And what’s especially important — it’s UV-resistant, so feel free to install it near windows or even outdoors.

How to Care for Porcelain

One of the most common questions from people encountering porcelain for the first time is: "Does it even need maintenance if it’s so low-maintenance?" The answer is yes — but it's about as minimal as it gets.

What You Should Do Regularly:

Wipe the countertop with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
Use warm water and mild soap or any gentle kitchen cleaner.
Clean up spilled oil, sauces, and acids (like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine) right away — not because they’ll damage the porcelain, but to avoid streaks or residue.

What to Avoid:

Don’t use metal sponges or abrasive cleaners (especially if trying to remove a stubborn stain) — they can scratch the glaze.
Avoid dropping heavy pots on the edges — porcelain is durable, but it can still break.
Don’t scrub burnt spots with a knife — use a plastic scraper and hot water instead.

Porcelain, Quartz, or Granite: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve already read a lot of information and are still unsure, you’re not alone. These materials are often compared, but it’s not always clear when one is more appropriate than the others. We’ve put together a table of the most important criteria to help you make your decision.

Comparison Table (by Key Parameters):

Parameter	Porcelain	Quartz	Granite
Stain resistance	10/10 — does not absorb	9/10 — resistant, but chemical marks are possible	7/10 — requires sealing
UV resistance	10/10 — does not fade	5/10 — may dull in the sun	9/10 — good resistance
Impact resistance on the edge	6/10 — can chip	8/10 — stronger against breakage	9/10 — solid and strong
Weight	Light (8–12 pounds/sq ft)	Medium (12–18 pounds/sq ft)	Heavy (18–22 pounds/sq ft)
Sealing	No required	No required	Requires annual sealing
Maintenance	Very easy	Easy	Moderate
Can it be repaired?	Nearly impossible	Possible	Possible
Design variability	Huge (can imitate any surface)	High, but with UV limitations	Natural, but less flexible in colors

Choose porcelain if:

You have a kitchen with large windows, plenty of sunlight, or an outdoor veranda.
You want a modern, minimalist look with ultra-thin slabs.
It's important for the material to be hygienic, resistant to chemicals, and stain-resistant.
You're not ready to do regular maintenance (and sealing like with granite).

Choose quartz if::

You have a classic kitchen with soft lighting and a standard layout.
You want a wide range of colors and don't plan to place hot items directly on it.
You have children but are willing to keep an eye on things in the kitchen.

Choose granite if:

You value natural materials and the authenticity of "stone is stone."
You don't mind maintenance (sealing 1-2 times a year) and appreciate unique natural patterns.
Weight and thickness are not an issue — your kitchen is solid and durable.

If you truly believe that natural stone is exactly what you need

Porcelain can do a lot, but it won't replace the warmth and depth of real stone. If you're dreaming of natural texture, a tactile surface, and want to feel the "weight" of the material in your hands — granite or marble might actually be a better fit for you.

We’ve prepared a detailed article where we honestly break down the pros and cons of natural stone: “What to Choose for Your Kitchen: Engineered Granite or Marble? Pros and Cons of Imitation Surfaces”. Be sure to check it out before making your final decision.

Conclusion

Porcelain is one of the most durable and "smart" materials on the countertop market. It's resistant to stains, high temperatures, UV rays, requires no sealing, and looks like marble — but without the fuss. It's especially great for modern kitchens, open spaces, and outdoor areas. For more detailed information about the best countertop options for outdoor kitchens, check out our article “Best Outdoor Kitchen Countertops: Top 3 Most Durable Stones for All Climates”, which we also highly recommend reading!

But despite its durability, porcelain does not forgive negligence. It’s a material that requires precise installation, careful transportation, and a perfect foundation. It doesn’t tolerate haste or mistakes. It’s not suitable for those who want to "just swap out the countertop over the weekend." Additionally, it’s difficult to repair if something goes wrong.

So the best approach is not to chase trends but to choose the material that suits you. If practicality, visual lightness, and resistance to the "kitchen life" are important to you, porcelain is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re drawn to the warmth of natural stone and don’t mind regular maintenance, granite or marble may be a better fit for you.

And most importantly, no matter which countertop you choose, the quality of installation is key. Don’t risk working with just any contractor. Take a look at The First National Ranking of Stone Countertop Fabricators and Installers in the U.S. — our independent ranking of trusted contractors from across the country who you can truly rely on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a porcelain countertop cost?

The average material price ranges from $55 to $110* per square foot, but the final cost of a porcelain slab with installation includes cutting, edging, delivery, and installation. In reality, a "turnkey" project costs $3,500–5,500* for an average-sized kitchen.

Which is better — quartz or porcelain countertops?

If you have a lot of natural light or an outdoor kitchen, porcelain kitchen countertops will be more practical (resistant to UV and temperature). However, for a warm classic kitchen with no harsh conditions, quartz is also a great choice. It depends on the operating conditions.

Is porcelain suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, and this is one of its strongest features. Outdoor porcelain countertops are resistant to heat, cold, rain, and sunlight. They can be installed on patios, BBQ areas, and verandas. The key is proper installation and a level foundation.

Can porcelain countertops be custom-made?

Yes — and in most non-standard projects, it’s actually the best option. Custom porcelain countertops make it possible to achieve unique shapes, complex island designs, appliance cutouts, and striking waterfall-style edges. Just make sure to work with an experienced fabricator.