MSI Stile Porcelain Countertop

Porcelain Countertop Cost: What You Need to Know

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If you are looking for a new countertop, you may be interested in porcelain. But what are porcelain countertops? What factors into their cost? How much do they cost? In this blog post, we will explore porcelain countertop cost.

What are porcelain slab countertops?

Porcelain is made of a mineral called kaolinite. This mineral is mixed with other materials like feldspar, metal oxides, and silica to make porcelain. Porcelain often looks like other materials; for example, some companies manufacture porcelain that looks like marble.

Simply put, porcelain slabs are giant tiles like what used to come in a standard 4″ x 4″ dimension.

Pros and Cons

Many people love porcelain because it is exceptionally durable and beautiful. Porcelain is also considered to be very stain resistant because it does not absorb liquids.

In terms of chipping and scratching, it can resist most damage, but it is still possible. Porcelain shines when it comes to heat and UV resistance. It will not distort when subjected to high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use in direct sunlight.

Porcelain comes in a variety of designs, colors, and sizes. You can find porcelain that looks like wood or stone. Some porcelain is even made to look like fabric. The possibilities are endless with porcelain!

What do porcelain slab countertops cost?

Porcelain countertop cost from $100 to $150 per square foot. For comparison’s sake, quartz is usually $70 to $100 per square foot.

The higher cost is due to the complicated manufacturing process. Specialized blades and slow cutting speeds are required for cutting the material. Extra precaution must be taken throughout the fabrication process to guarantee a beautiful end result with sharp edges and seams.

If you’re in the market for a new countertop and are considering porcelain, be sure to give us a call. We can provide you with an estimate for installation as well as answer any questions you may have about this beautiful and durable material.

 

For more information about your next countertop project, contact Valerie at Olive Mill.
Call or text (714) 528-3789  |  valerie.olivemill@gmail.com  |  Contractor’s License #823217

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

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Quartz for Easy Care and Maintenance
Learning how to clean quartz surface countertops takes no time at all. Quartz countertop material is a tough, non-porous, chemically resistant, high-performance surface that elevates residential kitchen aesthetics with the natural beauty of quartz.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops — Routine Care

Just Use Water and a Paper Towel
Quartz surfacing material will retain its radiant, lustrous appearance for many years. For routine cleaning, simply wipe down your countertop with a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleanser.

Clean Up Spills Right Away — Before They Can Dry
Even though quartz resists permanent staining when exposed to liquids (such as wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice and soda) or fruits and vegetables, you’ll want to wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible.

For stubborn or dried spills, use a nonabrasive cleaning pad such as a white 3M Scotch-Brite®* scrub pad coupled with Formula 409® Glass & Surface Cleaner** or a comparable cleaning product.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops — Essential Gear

Cutting Boards and Trivets
DuPont™ Corian® quartz surfaces are heat- and scratch-resistant, but not heat- and scratch-proof. Use trivets or pads with hot pots, and always use a cutting board. Never chop or slice food directly on your quartz countertops.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops — What Not to Use

  • No Wax or Polish Necessary – Because it is non-porous, quartz surface does not require sealants or waxes. Corian® keeps its lustrous gloss and ultra-smooth surface without polishing.
  • Do Not Use Bleach – Avoid using cleansers that contain bleach. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer’s use instructions and exercise proper care when handling and storing any cleaning products.
  • Avoid High-pH Cleaners – While casual exposure to alkaline materials will not damage Corian® quartz surfaces, highly alkaline (high-pH) cleansers are not recommended.
  • Heat Damage Prevention – Do not place hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface. DuPont recommends the use of trivets and hot pads.
  • Dealing with More Difficult Spills and Materials – Materials that harden as they dry (such as gum, food, grease, nail polish or paint) are especially tenacious. Remove these by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic putty knife.
  • Permanent Markers – Keep permanent markers and inks away from your quartz countertops. Should these agents come into contact with the surface, clean first as outlined above in Routine Care. If the stain persists, moisten a cloth with Goo Gone®**, or a comparable product, and rub it into the stain. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaner residue.
  • Keep Solvents and Powerful Chemicals Off the Counter – Avoid exposing quartz surfaces to strong chemicals and solvents, especially paint removers or furniture strippers containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride. Keep nail polish remover, bleach, bluing, permanent markers or inks, and oil soaps away from quartz.

Removing Cooking Grease

When grease from cooking is an issue, use Greased Lightning™**, or a comparable degreasing product, to help loosen and remove the grease from the surface. Follow the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions for use.

If any of the substances listed above come into contact with quartz surfaces, rinse the exposed surface immediately and thoroughly with water.

Granite Countertops – Can They Burn?

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Besides its stunning, long-lasting beauty, one of the top advantages of granite countertops is their durability. In fact, granite is one of the hardest materials on Earth. Natural stone is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. One of the most frequent questions homeowners ask is: Can granite countertops burn? Granite Countertop – Can they burn?

The simple answer is no, granite as a natural porous stone will not burn. Because it began as a liquid magma deep within the Earth, and over millions of years is cooled and compressed, it has a natural resistance to heat damage.

Unlike other natural or synthetic products that require trivets to avoid marring their surface from hot pots and pans, heat does not damage these counters. Pots and pans heated to nine hundred degrees will not scorch their lustrous finish, and even a direct flame applied to its surface will not leave burnt or scarred marks.

However, the long answer is that, while it is safe to briefly set hot cookware directly on top of your countertops, there are considerations that may make use of a trivet or hot pad wise.

Epoxy Resin Sealants

If your slab has been treated with epoxy resin sealants, the epoxy may soften with exposure to high temperatures. However, according to Stone World, small cracks and fractures will not be affected, and any visible patches of epoxy glue will soon revert to their original state once the surface temperature cools.

Surface Sealers

If you have applied a topical sealer to your counters, check the product label for any warnings about interactions with heat and damage to the finish. Some sealants, especially those with a wax base, may burn and become difficult to remove.

Burns

Granite, especially darker varieties, retains heat. Placing a flame-hot pan directly onto a counter will heat the surface. If someone touches this spot immediately after the pan is moved, there is a risk of injury from burns. Because the stone’s color does not change when extremely hot, there is no warning that the surface could be potentially dangerous.

Staining

Placing a hot pan directly onto an improperly sealed countertop can result in oily stains if the bottom surface of the pan is dirty. While the pan may look clean to the naked eye, metals in the pan may react with the burner, causing a residue that may stain.

Thermal Shock

While a granite countertop will withstand hot cookware, it is smart to allow pots and pans to cool before placing them on the surface. When heat is applied to a cold surface, the rapid shift in molecules can cause cracks, and over time may compromise your counter’s integrity.

Always check with your fabricator to avoid damaging the granite. To be on the safe side, consider using trivets and hot pads to absorb heat, prevent stains and protect your investment.

Porcelain Countertops Pros and Cons – 2022

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Neolith Calacatta Countertop with Waterfall Edge

Neolith Calacatta Countertop with Waterfall Edge

Are Porcelain Countertops right for your home?

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS?

Porcelain kitchen countertops are a man-made product made from clay. The clay called ‘China clay’ is mixed with other minerals to create the strength and durability of porcelain.

The combination of these materials is put into a kiln and fired at extremely high temperatures. This creates a dense, durable material resistant to stains, heat, UV rays, scratches, chips, and cracks.

During the manufacturing of porcelain countertops, pigmented glazes are added to create different patterns and colors on the porcelain slab. Porcelain can be either glazed or unglazed. However, glazing increases the durability of the slab by making it shiny and less porous (which means there is a decreased risk of staining).

DRAWBACK OF PORCELAIN COUNTERS

One downside to glazed porcelain is that the printing is only on the surface. This means that if it chips, you can see a different color on the inside. On the other hand, unglazed porcelain has the same color on both the surface and the interior of the slab.

PORCELAIN COLORS AND PATTERNS

Just like other countertops, porcelain countertops come in assorted colors and designs that look like natural materials, like marble, wood grain, or concrete. But remember that the pattern and color won’t be on the inside of the countertop since it’s applied only to the top surface during glazing.

PORCELAIN COUNTERTOP EDGES

Porcelain countertops are unique because of the printing on the surface. The patterns and colors are only on the top, so you can’t cut a rounded edge. Most people choose a simple square edge to keep the pattern and color.

PORCELAIN COUNTERTOP DURABILITY

Although porcelain slabs are durable, they are also lightweight and thin. The typical thickness for porcelain countertops is ¼ inch (6 mm) or ½ inch (12 mm). Porcelain slabs can also be made in large sizes, which is useful for covering an entire island without seams.

Once installed, however, porcelain is extremely hard and durable. Cracking is only a big issue during the handling, moving, and cutting of exceptionally large slabs.

Granite Countertops: What Are Resin-Impregnated Slabs?

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Resin Impregnated Granite Countertops Slabs

  • When it comes to residential countertops, granite slabs are often a popular choice.
  • Many homeowners may not be aware, though, that there is an alternative to traditional granite slabs: resin-impregnated slabs.
  • Here’s what you need to know about them.

Granite’s beauty stems from its individuality, but granite’s character and appeal extend well beyond aesthetics. With so many various kinds of granite available these days, the most frequent homeowner interest is performance: how well does it resist stains, scratches, and etching?

However, when it comes to purchasing any type of granite for your house remodel, you must know what epoxy resin treatment is and how it affects durability and performance.

Granite is available in a range of colors, forms, and textures. Unfortunately, many slabs have natural imperfections such as fractures, pitting, and superficial surface holes. While polyester resins have been used to fill and strengthen travertine and other varieties of marble for over 50 years, epoxy resin is a more recent technique.

Another reason epoxy resin is used for granite improvement and repair, according to Stone World, is that it can be utilized to repair cracks in the stone. In addition to the option of saving as many slabs as possible, there are additional benefits to using epoxy resin for granite restoration and improvement, including:

  • Natural micro-fissures in many kinds of granites reduce the beauty of the material by compromising the final polished effect.
  • Fissures (cracks) passing through the granite slabs decrease the slab strength, and pose a hazard under some applications, such as outside paneling.

What are the benefits?

Epoxy resin is a powerful adhesive that can be used to fill minute cracks and pitting on granite. The high bonding strength repairs structural faults, resulting in a solid stone with a long-lasting finish. This extremely strong and highly elastic adhesive flexes to the thermal strain of the stone, allowing it to endure a wide range of temperatures indoors and outdoors

Safety and durability

One concern many homeowners have is epoxy resin treated granite’s durability and safety as a material for kitchen countertops – will the finish sustain damage if a homeowner places hot items on the surface? Because granite treated with epoxy resin must comply with the latest FDA rules for food contact, the material is safe for kitchen use.

While epoxy tends to soften in the presence of high temperatures, small fractures are not affected by heat application, and visible epoxy glue will return to its original state when normal temperatures resume.

This recent epoxy resin bonding technology improves the qualities of natural granite, ensuring that beautiful stone is now available on a larger scale at an affordable cost, and virtually free of defects.

What Are Porcelain Countertops – Pros and Cons?

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What materials come to mind when you hear the term “toughest countertop”? Granite or quartz are candidates. Sure, granite and quartz are strong. People, on the other hand, but porcelain is one of the toughest.

Porcelain is stronger than granite and about as hard as quartz.

What are porcelain countertops anyway?

While different manufacturers may use different processes to make porcelain surfacing material, it is generally made from a mixture of inorganic raw materials. In a heat and pressure sintering process the ingredients merge forming a strong bond with very little porosity. Some manufacturers liken the process to the way metamorphic rock is created.

Porcelain slabs are coated with a colored glaze when they’re produced for use in countertops. This is to give them the look of natural stone or marble and add to their attractiveness.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops

Pros

  • Heat Endurance – One advantage of porcelain countertops are that they can handle extremely high temperatures without being damaged. You can place hot pots and pans on them without any problems.
  • Hardness – Porcelain is stronger than the hardest granite.
  • Scratch Resistant – Porcelain is scratch-resistant and does not usually suffer any harm during regular use. The material will not be harmed when knives or sliding pots and pans are dragged over the surface.
  • Non-Porous – In a nutshell, the material will not take on any water. Liquids will remain on the surface.
  • Stain Resistant – Because porcelain is non-porous it is highly stain resistant without the need to seal it.
  • UV Light Resistance – Material can be in direct sunlight and won’t fade or discolor.
  • Wide Range of Colors and Patterns – Colors range from whites to black in solids, patterns, and veins. The slabs are printed, allowing manufacturers endless design possibilities.
  • Large Format Size – 120″x60″ is a typical dimension. This allows for one piece island tops without seams.

Cons

  • Easy to Crack – Though porcelain is one of the most durable materials around, it can be quite brittle. If something heavy falls on it or if it’s subject to a sharp impact, it may crack.
  • Limited Edge Styles – Extremely limited choices are available due to the core of the material being different than the surface. A mitered edge is the best option.
  • Higher Price – Because of the complexity in producing and installing porcelain, it is more expensive than other materials. Fabrication can be twice as long.

As you can see, high-quality porcelain countertops are a versatile and durable product that gives you high performance and isn’t difficult to install. Since it’s stylish, resistant to daily wear and tear, and comes in assorted colors and patterns, it can be the perfect addition to your decor.

Though it has some disadvantages, overall, the pros outweigh the cons. And with proper planning and care, they can be the most fashionable and practical decision you can make when it comes to your kitchen.

Everything You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons

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Salerno - Metro Quartz Countertop

Salerno – Metro Quartz Countertop

If you are in the market for a new countertop, you may wonder if quartz is the right choice. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about quartz countertops: pros and cons! We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right quartz countertop for your home.

Quartz countertops are made from natural quartz, which is a hard rock. They are extremely durable and can withstand heavy use. Quartz is also non-porous, so they do not require sealing and are easy to clean. Additionally, quartz comes in many colors and styles, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops.

However, there are some downsides to consider before choosing quartz countertops. First, they can be expensive compared to other types of countertops. Second, if they are damaged or scratched, it can be difficult to repair them. Lastly, since quartz is a harder material than other stones used for countertops (like granite), it may be more difficult to cut and install.

Quartz is similar in hardness to granite, but it isn’t as heat resistant. If you want to cook a lot on your counters, granite may be a superior choice.

If you’re looking for a durable, stylish and easy-to-maintain countertop material, quartz might be the right choice for you. But be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision.

Pros:

  1. Non-porous (doesn’t require sealing)
  2. Easy to clean
  3. Comes in many colors and styles
  4. Scratch Resistant

Cons:

  1. Susceptible to high heat
  2. Difficult to repair if damaged
  3. Seams are visible
  4. Cold to the touch
Magnifica Porcelain Countertop

Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials

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Bianco Venatino Quartzite from Arizona Tile

Bianco Venatino Quartzite from Arizona Tile

 

There are many types of countertops on the market for kitchens. The most common types are quartz, porcelain, quartzite, solid surface, granite, and marble. They all have their own pros and cons. For example, some materials are scratch resistant, while others can be scratched or marred easily. And some materials are more expensive than others.

Here are the most popular kitchen countertops materials.

Quartz

Quartz is a manufactured stone that contains as much as 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals, molded into slabs, and bound with resins, making it a type of engineered stone. These aren’t real quartz slabs quarried from the earth.

Quartz was designed as a more adaptable and better-performing substitute to granite and marble by firms such as DuPont and Cosentino. It is available in a wider range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratching and staining. Some types are convincing imitations of natural marble with comparable veining. Engineered quartz does not require annual sealing, unlike natural stone.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic with properties such as hardness, longevity, heat resistance, and color fastness. While porcelain may be used for kitchen countertops, there are certain drawbacks. There isn’t much depth in surface designs, so if a porcelain countertop is scratched, the pattern will be disrupted/damaged, and the fact that it only runs surface deep will be revealed. When compared to other more substantial-appearing materials like granite, marble, or quartz, porcelain counters are usually very thin.

Porcelain is scratch-resistant and has a long-life span. It is also resistant to heat and stains. Counters made of porcelain are available in assorted colors and designs. They’re also simple to maintain and keep clean.

Quartzite

Quartzite is metamorphic rock. It develops naturally when sandstone or chert with a high quartz content is subjected to tremendous heat and pressure. Quartzite, which usually has a quartz content of more than 90%, can reach 99%. It is heat and scratch resistant but is susceptible to staining.

Quartzite has a glassy sheen and, in some cases, resembles marble. Quartzite is one of the most popular countertop materials for its beautiful look.

Solid Surface

Solid-surface material, also known as Corian, Staron, HI-MACS and Avonite, is a man-made product consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins pressed into sheets and other forms. Solid surface countertops and sinks have been around for almost 50 years, but when they were first introduced, they were space-age alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to imitate.

Solid-surface material is stain scratch resistant. Keep heat away from solid surface as not to damage the surface. The main advantage is the ability to repair and refinish, along with a seamless appearance.

Granite

Granite has long been the go-to countertop material when there were no financial concerns to consider. Granites are elegant in a kitchen. When granite worktops are utilized, even tiny kitchens seem like luxury apartments.

Granite has long been an expensive material, although its expense has dropped as supplies have grown and engineered stone has become more common.

The material is resistant to heat and scratches. Granite surfaces require special attention because they are susceptible to staining.

Marble

Marble is a popular stone for kitchen countertops. Because no two pieces of marble are identical, each marble countertop is one-of-a-kind.

Marble has the advantage of looking beautiful and being exceptionally durable, but it may stain and scratch easily. Marble’s sensitivity to stains and scratches makes it a less desirable material for kitchens than granite or soapstone.

Quartz vs Quartzite Countertops, What’s The Difference?

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Bianco Aspen - Metro Quartz Countertop

Bianco Aspen – Metro Quartz Countertop

The main distinction between quartz and quartzite is the fact that quartz is a manufactured material while quartzite is a natural stone. Sandstone is converted to quartzite through a natural process of heat and pressure in which sparkling quartz crystals are fused with it.

Quartzite is usually white or light gray, but minerals in the stone can produce pink, gold, or crimson-brown hues.

Quartz countertops are made of quartz crystals that have been bonded with resins, pigments, and other materials such as shards of glass by a man-made process. The countertop material is an exceptionally durable, non-porous surface composed of quartz crystals. Quartz comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Aside from the considerable composition distinctions, the stylistic ones are also significant. Quartzite is frequently confused with marble or granite. It has the same delicate veining and coloration as marble, although it lacks the granular texture of marble. A quartzite countertop may be used to provide a natural appearance with a lot of motion.

Quartz can be made to resemble any stone and comes in a variety of colors and designs. If you want your slab to match a certain color or have a consistent design throughout, quartz is probably the best choice for your home.

The care procedure and longevity of quartz vs. quartzite are two more significant distinctions between the two materials. Quartz’s strength stems from its binding process, which helps to extract air and results in a non-porous, chip-resistant surface.

Quartzite is a hard stone. It is less dense than quartz and will stain in high-use areas. Quartzite must be sealed to avoid stains, but quartz does not.

Quartz is a popular choice for countertops due to its versatility and durability. If you enjoy having numerous alternatives and a dependable, consistent appearance to your counters; or if you’re looking for a long-lasting material that won’t break the bank, quartz may be the answer.

However, if you don’t mind a little upkeep in return for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind natural appearance, our quartzite countertops are worth considering.

So, what’s the difference between quartz and quartzite countertops? The main difference is that quartzite is a natural stone made from sandstone, while quartz is manufactured using ground-up quartz crystals. Quartzite is more durable than quartz and can withstand high temperatures, making it a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms with open flames (like gas stoves). If you’re looking for a beautiful, natural stone countertop that will last for years, go with quartzite; if you’re after a sleek, modern look, choose quartz instead. Ready to start shopping? Give us a call today!

Quartz, Porcelain and Granite Countertops Seams – Top 10 Tips

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Quartz Seam

Poor Seam Quality

Many homeowners are interested in quartz, porcelain, and granite countertops for their homes. Both types of countertops offer a durable, elegant finish that can last for many years with proper care.

However, one thing to consider when choosing between these two materials is the seams. Seams are where the countertop material is joined together, and they can be more visible on certain types of stone than others.

Here are our top tips for making your quartz or granite countertop seams as inconspicuous as possible.

  1. Realistic Expectations – Have realistic expectations of the material. Although a good seam should be inconspicuous, do not expect it to be invisible. A seam in granite and quartz countertops will always be something that you can both see and feel. (Seam quality in picture to right is unacceptable.)
  2. Color and Pattern – The color and pattern selected can make a difference in the appearance of the seam. Light colors (white, beige, light grays) with a solid or small pattern will have more conspicuous seams than a material with multiple colors and patterns.
  3. See a Sample – Be sure your fabricator shows you a sample of their seam quality. A fabricator should either have a showroom that you can go to and view a seam, or they should provide a list of past clients willing to let you come to their home and see the quality of work installed.
  4. Seam Location – There is some controversy about whether a seam should be put in the middle of a sink or cooktop cut out. Some fabricators feel the seam is more vulnerable to breakage in those areas. However, if you prefer to have a seam in one or both locations, ask your fabricator if the material can handle such a small seam.
  5. Seam Layout – Seam layouts should be done before cutting material. Your fabricator should know the length and width of your material and should determine the exact position prior to cutting. If you prefer, discuss the seam location when the fabricator is making the pattern (template) for your countertop. Be sure to be present while they are doing final field measurements, so you can discuss seam location.
  6. Epoxy Seams – Countertop deck seams should be bonded with an epoxy similar in color(s) to the granite / quartz material. Deck seams should not be bonded with silicone.
  7. “Industry Standards” – This is a fancy term used to say the seam is “Good Enough”. Industry standards recommend deck seams can be up to 1/16” wide with a +/- tolerance of 1/64”. Veteran fabricators work to achieve a much tighter fit.
  8. granite seam lippage

    Quartz Seam Lippage

    Lippage – A good seam should be level. Many times, fabricators encounter un-level cabinets, varied slab thickness, and bowed or warped material. This requires the fabricator to shim the countertops or modify the material to get a quality seam. Even minor amounts of lippage are noticeable and sometimes unavoidable due to permanent warp in the material.

  9. Final Positioning – When your fabricator installs your countertops, it’s not typical to have the seam fit perfectly the first time. Most fabricators will layout the tops and do a “dry fit” the first time, and then take the tops out of the house to make slight modifications. This may need to be done multiple times to achieve a great fit. This is normal, and you should not be alarmed.
  10. See It Yourself – Be sure to be present on the day your fabricator installs the countertops. If you have any concerns about the appearance of the seam, it can be addressed immediately before countertops have been permanently set in place.

Quartz, porcelain and granite countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners. When selecting a countertop, it is important to consider the seams. These are our top 10 tips to help you choose the best quartz or granite countertop for your home.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or text today. Our team would be happy to help you find the perfect countertop for your home.