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Porcelain countertops are becoming increasingly popular. As a fabricator or designer, learn how adding porcelain to your offerings can put you ahead of the competition.
Interior design and home remodeling trends are constantly evolving and countertop trends are not immune to these changes and shifts. One material in particular has been gaining significant traction among homeowners, designers, and showrooms: porcelain countertops. Porcelain is not a new material by any means. Its origins date back to 1600 BCE in ancient China. First used to make dishes, porcelain was soon being used in various applications. In modern times porcelain is one of the most common tile materials out there, known for its durability and versatility. In 2010 porcelain started to emerge as a countertop material, and in recent years has exploded in popularity. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why porcelain countertops are so popular and explore how you can add them to your showroom and design offerings.
From its ability to mimic natural stone to its durability, porcelain is transforming the high-end countertop market previously dominated by quartz, marble, quartzite, and granite. Porcelain countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years due to several key factors, here are the top 3:
Homeowners are increasingly looking for low-maintenance, high-performance materials that don’t compromise on style. As we saw with the popularity of quartz, homeowners are drawn to sustainable materials that offer durability without much upkeep. Porcelain is an excellent choice in this regard, offering a non-porous surface that is scratch and stain-resistant. And as opposed to quartz, porcelain is also heat-resistant and can withstand the heat from hot pots and oven trays that are set on it.
Thanks to innovations in sintered stone technology, manufacturers can now produce large-format porcelain slabs that replicate the luxurious look of natural stone, concrete, or even wood with stunning realism. High-definition printing techniques are used to create the detailed veining of natural stone, making porcelain a great alternative to marble and granite. Advancements have also allowed manufacturers to create porcelain countertops that are more durable than ever while keeping the slabs thin and low-profile.
The sustainability of a material is a top priority for many homeowners. Porcelain’s eco-friendly properties are a major selling point for those looking for a green alternative. Made primarily from natural clay and minerals, porcelain requires fewer resources to produce than some of the other countertop materials. Additionally, its durability ensures fewer replacements over time, reducing long-term waste.
There are many benefits to porcelain countertops from a homeowner's point of view. Understanding these advantages can help fabricators and designers to effectively communicate the value of porcelain to their clients.
With its high-density, porcelain countertops are highly resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. Unlike softer stones like marble, which requires delicate care, or granite which can absorb liquids when not sealed, porcelain can withstand heavy daily use in kitchens and bathrooms.
Because porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures, it is naturally heat-resistant, making it the ideal surface for kitchens where hot pots and pans are used. Additionally, due to its non-porous nature, it won’t absorb liquids- making it highly resistant to stains from coffee, wine, and oils. Porcelain is more stain-resistant than quartz and can withstand higher temperatures.
Unlike natural stones that need periodic sealing, porcelain countertops require little maintenance beyond regular cleaning with soap and water. This ease of care appeals to homeowners who want beautiful countertops without the hassle of upkeep.
One standout feature of porcelain is its UV resistance. Unlike quartz, which can discolor when exposed to sunlight, porcelain maintains its color and integrity even in outdoor settings. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens, patios, and commercial applications.
Porcelain slabs can be manufactured in ultra-thin profiles (as thin as 6mm), making them ideal for modern, minimalist designs. These thinner slabs allow for more creativity in applications, including waterfall edges, backsplashes, showers, and fireplace surrounds.
As consumer demand for porcelain countertops continues to rise, fabricators and designers have an opportunity to expand their offerings and stay ahead of market trends. Here are the reasons why you should consider integrating porcelain into your product lineup:
As porcelain becomes increasingly popular, homeowners are seeking out showrooms and fabricators that carry the materials. It’s a smart business decision for fabricators to offer porcelain as an option to attract these new customers. By providing a full range of options; including granite, marble, quartzite, and porcelain, you position your business as a one-stop shop for high-end countertops.
Porcelain countertops are fabricated differently than natural stone and quartz. Working with porcelain requires some adjustment to your techniques and may require you to obtain different tools. However, investing in educating your employees on fabricating porcelain is a good investment that will set you apart from the competition. Unfortunately, there are still fabricators out there who try to turn homeowners away from porcelain countertops citing the difficulty of fabrication. As the material becomes more popular, homeowners seeking specifically porcelain will turn away from these fabricators and find those who are comfortable with the material.
Porcelain’s premium appeal allows fabricators to offer high-value products that justify a higher price point. Additionally, because porcelain is suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications, fabricators can increase sales by upselling coordinating surfaces for patios, fireplaces, and accent walls.
Porcelain’s lightweight nature makes it easier to transport and install compared to thicker natural stone slabs. This can result in lower labor costs and reduced risk of damage during handling.
As with any new material, understanding the pros and cons of a product is key to your success in selling it and fabricating it. To successfully add porcelain countertops to your offerings, it’s essential to work with a reliable supplier that can help educate you on materials and provides high-quality slabs, a diverse selection of styles, and consistent availability. AP Marble & Granite stands out from the crowd in multiple ways as your partner for porcelain countertops:
1. Quality and Consistency
Not all porcelain slabs are created equal. At AP Marble & Granite we only carry the highest quality porcelain slabs with superior durability.
To meet the diverse needs of your clients, you need a supplier with an extensive range of colors and patterns that mimic natural stone, concrete, or other high-end materials. Our expansive warehouse is the best place for you or your clients to visit to view an endless selection of countertop materials.
Working with a supplier that maintains a steady inventory ensures you can meet customer demand without long lead times. A reliable supply chain minimizes project delays and keeps your business running smoothly.
Since porcelain requires specialized cutting and fabrication techniques, partnering with a supplier that can educate you on these techniques is invaluable.
Porcelain countertops continue to become more popular and are predicted to remain as relevant as ever as a countertop material. This creates a great opportunity for fabricators and designers to add this popular material to their product offerings and become the leading experts on porcelain countertops in their market while reaching a wider customer base.
As demand for innovative, sustainable, and stylish surfaces grows, now may be the perfect time to embrace porcelain countertops and offer your clients a material that blends beauty with durability.
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