Hi , Plenty of porcelain compositions do get used for benchtops - a 6mm profile is perfect for creating an ultra sleek modern finish too. What you need to be aware of are the manufacturers warranties and use guidelines - as every one will differ. If your particular product is indeed intended for use within a kitchen and includes warranty - then you should have no concern. Often - dependent on the supplier, porcelain can be more durable than natural stone or engineered stone!

Hi Aria, this method of installation is standard within the industry, otherwise you'd be paying $$$ for additional stone that won't be seen from any ordinary viewing angles. Even my 50mm thick laminated kitchen bench top has the raw board exposed underneath - its hand laminated so they only apply surfaces where necessary to reduce the cost. It's handy to know your concerns like this; I can then forewarn my clients to know what to expect :-)

Use a strip off the front of the existing benchtop to become the front of the new benchtop with a join. Use two new benchtops to fill in bench around the new sink. With a joining seam at the back behind the sink, unnoticeable. The existing benchtop may need to be sanded and revealed to gain a uniform colour. Fiddly but it is the same principle as used on a stone benchtop to make it look substantial when in fact it is not. Best of luck

Each to their own , but I wouldn't replace the benchtops unless there is an actual reason . I wouldn't even replace the sinks , I'd take a different tack . What I like is the black window , the black stove , the black skirting . I could live with the cupboards , the benchtops , the sink . I'd change the tap to black , all the cupboard handles to black in a modern style , and change the tiles and splashback area . Black gloss tiles , or black gloss subways , would work , but maybe you are getting a bit too B&W -- add some colourful appliances in reds or oranges or citrus or teal jug and mixer and toaster may offest that , and add colour . Personally though , I'd play with bright red tiles , or black tiles but with really slim 25-30mm red or orange or yellow ones along the top . Then whichever colour I chose , I'd do a clock in the same colour too . Even if you don't need a clock -- basically , it's there for the looks . All the other ideas IMO are just playing with the blandness that's already there -- safe , but boring .