Author: IvySpace
Published in: 18 Jul 2022
Planning on upgrading your kitchen worktop or installing a new one from scratch? If so, then you need to figure out what type of material you want. But with so many choices out there, knowing which one is right for you can be tricky.
Quartz vs Porcelain
Quartz is one of the most common kitchen worktop materials out there. And for good reason. It’s relatively strong, comes in a range of designs, is non-porous, and it lasts for a long time. It also provides great scratch resistance.
However, quartz can be sensitive to heat. The resin can only withstand temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you accidentally place a hot saucepan or dish on the surface, it can lead to dark splotches and discolouration.
Lastly, quartz lacks the natural beauty and charm of porcelain, with noticeably ‘fake’ looking veins that detract from the overall quality of the material. Put simply, porcelain is more naturally appealing to the eye.
Benefits of porcelain slabs
1. Non-porous surface
Porcelain slabs go through a unique manufacturing process to achieve its brilliant finish. The surface is made from a combination of natural ingredients. These include a specific type of clay (known as China Clay), which is a hydrated aluminium silicate crystalline mineral, as well as other materials, such as feldspar, metal oxides, and silica.
Once combined, the materials are fired in a kiln at 1400 degrees Celsius – a much higher temperature than quartz or ceramic – which gives the porcelain its unmatched strength and heat-resistance. An additional glaze (a decorative glass) may also be applied to the surface to provide extra stain resistance.
2. Huge range of designs
Since porcelain worktops are custom-made, they can be personalised to reflect your unique taste. You can choose from a range of designs, from classic white with subtle grey streaks and warm brown forest tones to flashy quarzo gold. The design possibilities are virtually endless.
This gives you the freedom to choose a worktop that blends in seamlessly with your existing space, such as your appliances and interior features. What’s more, the natural grooves of each pattern mimic those of real stone, giving your space a unique rustic charm.
3. Easy to maintain
Porcelain slabs are very easy to look after. In the case of an accidental spill, a prompt and gentle sweep with a dustpan, followed by a spray of pH neutral cleaning solution, is enough to clean any mess.
For polished surfaces, use 50 percent less cleaning detergent than you would on an unpolished surface. Or, purchase a special porcelain pre-mixed cleaning solution, which will give you peace of mind that your surface will stay clean and strong.
In some cases, a damp microfiber cloth may be enough to remove most dirt, grime, and food spills, without requiring the use of cleaning chemicals.
4. Green and environmentally-friendly
Porcelain is renowned for being one of the lowest carbon footprint tiles to produce for. And there are many reasons why.
For starters, porcelain is incredibly hard-wearing and durable. This means the material will last for many years before you ever have to replace or dispose of it.
Secondly, since porcelain is made from natural materials, old porcelain tiles can be recycled to create new porcelain tiles. So there is less of a need to harvest raw materials every time a new set of porcelain slabs are manufactured.
Thirdly, the materials used to make porcelain slabs are widely available around the world, so the resources needed to collect, harvest, and deliver the materials is kept to a minimum.
5. Excellent light and UV resistance
Porcelain is naturally resistant to sunlight, so the pattern won’t fade or diminish over time due to excess sun exposure.
This means your worktop will retain its full colour spectrum for its entire lifespan, thus preserving its great looks and incredible value. This is ideal not just for your own personal enjoyment and peace of mind but, if you ever decide to sell your property, then the ‘like-new’ appearance of your kitchen worktop will be sure to impress potential buyers.
As a result, you will have an easier time standing out on the property market, and asking for a higher resale price.
Porcelain slab design ideas
Atlantic White Slabs – Large format porcelain polished tiles in classic white colour. 15mm thick full-body design. We offer them either in 800x2400mm or 1200x1600mm.
Nero Marquina Slabs – Black marble effect slabs with subtle and delicate veins for added depth. 15mm thick, ideal for kitchen worktops and other surfaces. 1200x1600mm, polished.
Titanium Beige Slabs – Add a warm, rustic charm to your kitchen with a titanium beige marble effect worktop. 15mm thick and full body for an incredibly durable build. 1200x1600mm, polished.
Upgrade your kitchen worktop with porcelain slabs
These are just some of the many reasons why porcelain slabs for worktops are a great choice for your kitchen.
At Ivy Space, we supply a wide range of stylish, contemporary, and hard-wearing porcelain slabs for all types of kitchens, including other parts of the home where you need a strong, durable, and moisture-resistant surface, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Our impressive range and design quality is sure to exceed your expectations, while our great customer service means that you are bound to get all the advice and support you need to find the perfect product.
Check out our full range of 12, 15, and 20mm thick porcelain slabs to inspire your imagination.
DISCOVER OUR RANGE OF LARGE FORMAT PORCELAIN TILES TODAY!