Top 5 Porcelain Benchtop Problems and Solutions
Top 5 Porcelain Benchtop Problems and Solutions
There has never been a more exciting time to design a kitchen. With more materials to choose from, jaw-dropping design potential and affordable pricing, the only challenge it seems are in knowing which material to use. The benefits of Porcelain have been well documented, yet you may be wondering if there are any downsides to this. We’ll be the first to tell you, there’s no one perfect solution for a kitchen benchtop. We’re not interested in reviews that don’t tell the whole story. As you’ll read below, porcelain has a few items to be mindful of. All of these do have viable solutions, however, so please read on for the full story.
1) Be Cautious with Ceramic Knives
Porcelain is world-renowned for its incredible durability. In most cases, you can cut and chop food directly on the surface. And with its non-porous surface, there’s nowhere for bacteria to hide making it extremely safe for meal prep. It seems that even the most robust products have at least one weakness though. In the case of porcelain, it’s ceramic knives. Yes, these popular tools may be lightweight and sharp, but they can wreak havoc on a porcelain benchtop by leaving unsightly scratches. Thankfully, the solution here is an easy one. When working directly on a porcelain benchtop, opt for a stainless-steel knife instead. For those who just can’t get enough of their ceramic knife, we’d recommend using a chopping board.
2) Considerations on Cost
Porcelain benchtops can be a real showstopper in a kitchen. With nearly endless design potential, a variety of surface options, and unparalleled versatility, it’s no wonder so many interior designers recognise it as a fantastic choice. Truth be told, these benefits do typically come with a slightly higher price tag than Quartz. Yet, those who are prudent with their design can absolutely secure a great value for their investment. Archant porcelain comes in very large sheets of 3200x1600mm. Use these measurements when you consult with a designer. They’ll be able to maximise the use of materials so you’re only purchasing one slab. When your cost of raw materials decreases, so do labour costs. All of this significantly reduces your bottom-line price.
3) Chipping is Possible
Unlike Quartz and other engineered stone, porcelain benchtops do not contain resin or other fillers. This is one of the reasons why it’s resistant to burns from hot cookware. As a result of the materials though, the bench can be slightly less flexible. This doesn’t mean it’s delicate or prone to damage but be aware that chipping can occur with misuse. For example, attempting to break apart a heavy bag of ice may very well cause damage. The solution is to simply be aware of this limitation and work around it accordingly. Intense pressure and blunt force would likely break any benchtop, and porcelain is no different in that regard. It certainly is strong, but it’s not indestructible.
We understand that even the best intentions don’t always go as planned. If you should happen to chip your porcelain benchtop by accident, all hope is not lost. While your warranty will not cover the repair, it can likely be fixed by our specialists at an additional cost. The precise cost will vary depending on the severity of the issue. Should you need this kind of assistance, let us know as we pride ourselves on top-notch customer service.
4) Surface Level Design
When you see just how many design options are possible with porcelain, you being to understand why it’s so popular. It can be made to look like cement, marble, metal and more. This is done with a clever design process called “subliminal printing”. It sounds very technical but here it is in layman’s terms. Subliminal printing is when the natural colourants are printed below the surface (sub-surface) of the stone ensuring the surface retains its durable and non-porous porcelain properties.
By now you may be wondering, if all these design elements are so great, then what’s the problem with it? Well, since the pattern is near the top, the design doesn’t continue through the entire thickness of the benchtop. This is typically only noticeable on edges or corners. Through clever design processes like waterfall edges, mitred corners and more, we can essentially eliminate this concern by hiding these areas.
5) Professional Install Required
We love the DIY spirit at Archant and encourage customers to tackle home improvement projects whenever possible. With a porcelain benchtop though, it’s preferable to let a professional install it. The materials are a bit more complicated to work with due to their large size and substantial weight. Finding a company that is experienced in the unique characteristics of porcelain can save you a huge hassle. It may cost a bit more upfront, but with a benchtop, it’s best to have it done properly the first time.
Perhaps the most important benefit of having an expert install porcelain is your safety. Our fabricators and installers are highly trained in the latest safety protocol and guidelines. This includes tools that utilise water to suppress dust from becoming airborne, using a proper mask and personal protection equipment and careful clean-up of the entire area. Why risk doing damage to your health or your product materials by going it alone?
Removing Barriers to Creative Design
One of our philosophies at Archant is to find solutions that remove friction from the design process. With that in mind, we do everything possible to eliminate barriers to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Whether you’re interested in Porcelain or Quartz benchtops, we’ve created new ways to interact with our products and services. From our friendly consultation spaces in the showrooms to our redesigned state-of-the-art website, we’re offering an abundance of resources to elevate your creative design to the next level.
For more on pricing a porcelain benchtop and ways to get the best value for your money, be sure to check out the following articles:
