Porcelain slabs and countertops are becoming more and more popular for both residential and commercial spaces. The look that porcelain countertops bring to a space can dramatically change the aesthetic of the room.
Porcelain Kitchens
One of the trending looks for 2023 is a smooth and seamless kitchen, which can easily be achieved using porcelain slabs. The first thought that comes to mind when thinking about using porcelain in a kitchen is the obvious: countertops. But the applications of porcelain slabs in a kitchen are endless. From countertops to a cascading waterfall island, to backsplash and other wall applications, porcelain is one of the easiest ways to create flow in a kitchen. Porcelain can also be used as a stovetop by adding special induction burners underneath the countertop further creating continuity in your kitchen and that seamless look.
Porcelain Countertop Colors and Styles
When it comes to porcelain countertops, there are many different colors and styles to choose from. Porcelain slabs can be found in a variety of base colors, from white to gray to black. Porcelain slabs are available in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and traditional. From the highly coveted timeless calacatta marble styles to darker colors and hues, TGP (The Granite Place) has a wide variety of premium porcelain slabs to bring life and style to the home. No matter what style you’re looking for, there’s a porcelain countertop that will fit your needs.
What’s the difference between Porcelain and Sintered Stone?
Porcelain is an engineered stone made from mixing natural clay with other minerals and heating the mixture to extremely high temperatures. This heating process makes porcelain both highly durable and resistant to heat. This process also makes porcelain UV resistant and it will not warp, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor kitchen and other outdoor applications. Porcelain comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns which can add beauty and style to any indoor or outdoor project.
Sintered stone is also an engineered stone, but the manufacturing process is different from porcelain. Sintered stone is created by applying intense heat and pressure to natural, recyclable ingredients, such as sand, quartz, and clay. This process bonds these elements, creating a strong and durable, yet lightweight, stone product that is also very good for both indoor and outdoor applications. Like porcelain, sintered stone is UV resistant and a very versatile surface material.
Porcelain Countertops vs Quartz
As stated previously, porcelain is an engineered stone made from mixing natural clay with other minerals, while quartz is an engineered stone, manufactured using a mixture of quartz and polymers that are bonded together. One of the main differences between porcelain countertops and quartz countertops is their look, due to the differing technologies used.
Quartz uses Bretonstone Technology where quartz materials are poured into elastomeric molds that define the patterns of the quartz slabs. TGP carries porcelain slabs that are made using innovative technologies that allows the aesthetics of natural stone to be reproduced across both the body and surface of the stone. When the slab is cut, the natural stone look continues to be seen in the body of the slab instead of just white.
Another difference between Porcelain and Quartz countertops is their level of heat resistance. Porcelain is made by heating materials between 2,200 – 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit. Quartz on the other hand is heated from 175 – 180 degrees Fahrenheit during its creation process. Porcelain is naturally heat resistant. You can set hot pans, baking sheets, etc onto a porcelain countertop and can even turn your porcelain countertop into a stovetop range if desired. Quartz is not as heat resistant as porcelain and should not be used outside, as it can fade in direct sunlight. Porcelain on the other hand is UV resistant and is a great choice for use outdoors in direct sunlight.
Is a Porcelain Countertop the Right Choice for Your Home?
When it comes to choosing porcelain slabs and countertops, there are many factors to consider. Porcelain countertops are a great choice for those looking for a stylish and durable surface. Porcelain countertops come in a range of colors and styles, and they can also be found in a variety of textures. If you’re looking for a stylish and durable surface, porcelain slabs and countertops may be the perfect choice for you.
If you’re looking for a source for porcelain countertops and slabs near you in Florida, TGP (The Granite Place) has you covered.
- Looking for porcelain countertops in and around Orlando? TGP Orlando serves Central Florida, the Space Coast, including Melbourne, Daytona, and Jacksonville. Call (407) 307-3349 for more information TGP Orlando.
- For porcelain countertops in Tampa and St Pete, TGP Pinellas Park serves the Greater Tampa Bay area, including but not limited to Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Call (727) 827-7216 for more information on TGP Pinellas Park.
- If you’re looking for porcelain countertops in the Sarasota area, TGP Sarasota serves the mid Southwest Florida area. Call (941) 360-8901 for more information on TGP Sarasota.
- You’ll also find a full selection of porcelain countertops in our Fort Myers location. TGP Fort Myers serves South Florida from North Port and Fort Myers to Naples. Call (239) 299-7469 for more information on TGP Fort Myers.
