What porcelain is good at
Porcelain is made from fine clays and minerals pressed into large, thin slabs and fired in a kiln. The result does not absorb liquids, is hard to scratch and is not bothered by a hot pan. Unlike resin-bound quartz, it does not fade or yellow in sunlight, which makes it the obvious choice for a bright extension, a garden room or an outdoor kitchen.
Sintered stone, sold under brand names such as Dekton, is a close relative made in a similar way and fitted in the same way.
Print, body and edges
On many porcelain designs the marble or concrete pattern is printed on the top face, while the body underneath is a plain colour. That is invisible on the flat but shows on a cut edge or in a sink cut-out. Through-body designs carry colour through the slab, and some ranges match the body to the surface closely.
The usual answer is a mitred edge, where a strip is bonded to the front at 45 degrees. The top then reads as 30 or 40 mm thick, with the pattern running over the corner. Ask us which designs suit an undermounted sink, where the cut edge is on show.
Cutting and fitting
Porcelain is strong once it is bonded to a level, fully supported frame, but a long thin slab is fragile while it is being carried in. Cut-outs need radiused corners to avoid stress cracks, and the cabinets underneath must be properly level. This is skilled work, so it pays to choose a fitter who works with porcelain regularly.
Small chips on a sharp edge are harder to repair invisibly than on natural stone, which is one reason a slightly eased edge profile is common.
Living with it in a hard-water area
Porcelain handles Cambridge's limescale with no fuss. Scale wipes off with the descaler the maker recommends, and because the surface is not porous there is nothing to stain. A full-height porcelain splashback behind the sink also means no grout lines for scale to settle into.
Pricing a porcelain job
Send the layout and approximate sizes, your chosen design, sink and hob details, and say if you would like mitred edges, a splashback or a waterfall end. Mitres and waterfall ends add work, so mention them early. The quote form is the quickest way to send it.
Questions we are asked
Does porcelain scratch?
It is very hard to scratch in normal use. Ceramic knives and dragged cast iron can still mark it, so use chopping boards as you would anywhere.
Can porcelain be used outside?
Yes. It is not affected by sunlight or frost in the way resin-based surfaces can be, which is why it is popular for outdoor kitchens and garden rooms.
How does porcelain differ from sintered stone?
They are close cousins. Both are made by pressing and firing minerals at very high temperatures, and both are cut and fitted the same way. The differences are mostly between brands and ranges.
Sources
- Cosentino: Dekton worktops (opens in a new tab)
We are not connected with the organisations linked here; they are listed for reference.