Porcelain Worktops

How is Porcelain Made?

Porcelain is made by combining refined clay, such as kaolin, with minerals like feldspar and silica, and then firing the mixture at extremely high temperatures; typically around 1,200 to 1,400°C. 

The process begins with the raw materials being finely ground and mixed with water to form a mouldable paste. This is then shaped into slabs, which are dried and fired at extreme temperatures. During the firing process, the minerals go through what is called vitrification, meaning they fuse and form a glass-like surface, which gives the stone its strength, hardness, and resistance to water/staining. 

Design Choices for Porcelain Worktops:

Due to its nature as an engineered stone, porcelain comes in an incredible array of colours, patterns, and styles, meaning that there is a swatch that will suit any aesthetic preference. Here is a list of popular patterns available for porcelain worktops:

Once we have our porcelain slabs loaded and ready to cut, DXF files from templating are uploaded to the machinery. The saw then cuts the worktops to the exact measurements with a 400mm water-cooled diamond blade. The worktops are then loaded into the edge polisher using vacuum lifters, and the flat edges are polished - this also creates a bevel using 5 stages of resin diamond grits and water 

The polished worktops are then loaded onto CNC machines which cut the polished cutouts again using several diamond grinding and polishing heads, drainer grooves and some of the more detailed polished edges. Lastly, the tops go to our skilled masons for any hand finishing that is required and final quality checking. 

Porcelain vs. Natural Stone

When comparing porcelain and natural stone for worktops, both offer distinct advantages depending on your needs. Porcelain is man-made, highly durable, non-porous, and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it low-maintenance and ideal for kitchens. It's also available in a wide variety of patterns, including those that mimic natural stone, giving you aesthetic flexibility. 

Natural stone, such as granite or marble, is prized for its unique, organic beauty and one-of-a-kind veining, but it is porous, requiring regular sealing to prevent stains and damage. While natural stone offers unparalleled luxury and timeless appeal, porcelain is more practical for those seeking a durable, easy-care option with a similar high-end look. 

Additionally, porcelain is lighter and can be used in more applications, including vertical surfaces, while natural stone is heavier and may require more structural support. 

How Do I Care for Porcelain Worktops?

For everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and mild dish soap to wipe down the surface, and avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical cleaners, as they can dull the finish over time. 

Although porcelain is resistant to heat, it is still a good idea to use trivets or heat pads to protect the surface from extreme temperatures. Wash any spills, especially acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice, immediately to prevent discolouration. Porcelain is highly scratch-resistant, however using chopping boards is always advised, to keep the surface looking pristine for years to come. 

How Do I Get A Quote?

You can visit in person with a plan, send an email, request a site visit or email a kitchen plan to us. You can also get a price in a couple of minutes using our free worktop pricing tool

Do You Have a Showroom?

Yes we have a showroom with 100s of samples and lots of full slabs in our yard. It is well worth visiting to see our full range of materials. Customers often find it useful to bring other samples of textiles and flooring to ensure they choose the right worktop for their space. Come and visit us today; you can find us here:

We are able to offer matching porcelain sinks for your kitchen worktops, using 1810 AXIX sinks. This concept allows you to have a combination of your chosen worktop material with a stainless steel sink. See an example of one we have fitted below, using DEKTON Laurent porcelain: 

The 1810 AXIX sinks are available in stainless steel, copper, gold brass, gunmetal, and matte black finish. The sizes available are as displayed below:

DEKTON

Ceralsio

Neolith

Coverlam

Caesarstone Porcelain

Porcelain Worktops Kent

Porcelain Worktops Sussex

Porcelain Worktops Surrey

Porcelain Worktops Essex

Porcelain Worktops London