Porcelain: The Revolutionary New Benchtop Material
This innovative and virtually indestructible material with multiple uses is taking the Australian market by storm
Anne Ellard
4 January 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Kitchen designer at Kitchens by Kathie in Brisbane, Australia. I strongly believe that above all else, the most important thing when designing a kitchen is creating something that the client loves!
Houzz Australia Contributor. Kitchen designer at Kitchens by Kathie in Brisbane,... More
Choosing a kitchen benchtop material is one of the biggest decisions you will need to make when carrying out a kitchen renovation. There are so many materials to choose from, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, there is a new product on the market that just might tick every box. Better known to us as porcelain, this new product has an ultra-compact surface, which is why you may also hear it being referred to as a sintered compact surface.
The popularity of this product as a kitchen benchtop material has grown massively in Europe over the last few years and, with its recent introduction into the Australian market, it is about to become one of the most sought after benchtop materials among homeowners here too. But the kitchen is not the only place in our home that we can use this revolutionary product. This comprehensive guide will give you plenty of information if you’re considering an ultra-compact porcelain surface for any room in your home.
The popularity of this product as a kitchen benchtop material has grown massively in Europe over the last few years and, with its recent introduction into the Australian market, it is about to become one of the most sought after benchtop materials among homeowners here too. But the kitchen is not the only place in our home that we can use this revolutionary product. This comprehensive guide will give you plenty of information if you’re considering an ultra-compact porcelain surface for any room in your home.
WHAT IS A PORCELAIN OR SINTERED COMPACT SURFACE?
The science behind it
Porcelain is defined as a ceramic product that has been baked at high temperatures to achieve a glass-like, permanently hardened, virtually non-porous material. It is manufactured from a sophisticated blend of natural raw materials, such as powdered clays, using sintered particle technology.
This high-tech process involves fusing the raw materials together using intense temperatures and extreme pressure, much like an accelerated version of the processes that natural stone undergoes in the ground over thousands of years. It combines raw materials that are found in glass, ceramic and quartz together to form a new material in both slab form and tiles. The result is an ultra-compact surface that is virtually indestructible. Plus, there are no harmful chemicals or resins used in the manufacturing process.
The science behind it
Porcelain is defined as a ceramic product that has been baked at high temperatures to achieve a glass-like, permanently hardened, virtually non-porous material. It is manufactured from a sophisticated blend of natural raw materials, such as powdered clays, using sintered particle technology.
This high-tech process involves fusing the raw materials together using intense temperatures and extreme pressure, much like an accelerated version of the processes that natural stone undergoes in the ground over thousands of years. It combines raw materials that are found in glass, ceramic and quartz together to form a new material in both slab form and tiles. The result is an ultra-compact surface that is virtually indestructible. Plus, there are no harmful chemicals or resins used in the manufacturing process.
PROS
It is virtually indestructible
This environmentally friendly and completely recyclable product is lightweight, resistant to high temperatures and ultra-violet light, and is largely unaffected by wear and tear. It doesn’t stain and isn’t damaged by harsh chemicals. Durability tests have included the use of hammers, blow torches and graffiti paint – none of which have damaged the material.
It is virtually indestructible
This environmentally friendly and completely recyclable product is lightweight, resistant to high temperatures and ultra-violet light, and is largely unaffected by wear and tear. It doesn’t stain and isn’t damaged by harsh chemicals. Durability tests have included the use of hammers, blow torches and graffiti paint – none of which have damaged the material.
It has multiple applications
The idea of being able to use such a hard-wearing product inside our homes and on kitchen benchtops is really exciting designers and homeowners alike – and the list of applications it can be used for is astounding. There are numerous areas in our homes for which porcelain slabs and tiles can be used, both indoors and outdoors, with no special sealing or treatment required.
Thickness varies from five millimetres to 20 millimetres depending on the supplier. Which thickness you choose will depend on what you intend to use the material for.
The idea of being able to use such a hard-wearing product inside our homes and on kitchen benchtops is really exciting designers and homeowners alike – and the list of applications it can be used for is astounding. There are numerous areas in our homes for which porcelain slabs and tiles can be used, both indoors and outdoors, with no special sealing or treatment required.
Thickness varies from five millimetres to 20 millimetres depending on the supplier. Which thickness you choose will depend on what you intend to use the material for.
It’s a dream benchtop material
High temperature resistance and unmatched durability mean that kitchen benchtops will be one of the most popular uses of porcelain slabs in our homes. In addition, they are easy to clean and won’t scratch, so you can chop directly on the surface of the benchtop. And because it’s non-porous, it’s a hygienic choice for busy kitchens – every homeowner’s dream.
Another exciting feature of this new material is the size of the slabs and tiles. Large 12-millimetre-thick slabs, measuring up to 3200 x 1500 millimetres for use on benchtops, give homeowners and designers the flexibility to design much larger single-piece kitchen islands than would be possible with most natural or engineered stone slabs. These jumbo-size pieces also mean that a larger kitchen island won’t require as many benchtop joins as a smaller one.
Key measurements for kitchen islands
High temperature resistance and unmatched durability mean that kitchen benchtops will be one of the most popular uses of porcelain slabs in our homes. In addition, they are easy to clean and won’t scratch, so you can chop directly on the surface of the benchtop. And because it’s non-porous, it’s a hygienic choice for busy kitchens – every homeowner’s dream.
Another exciting feature of this new material is the size of the slabs and tiles. Large 12-millimetre-thick slabs, measuring up to 3200 x 1500 millimetres for use on benchtops, give homeowners and designers the flexibility to design much larger single-piece kitchen islands than would be possible with most natural or engineered stone slabs. These jumbo-size pieces also mean that a larger kitchen island won’t require as many benchtop joins as a smaller one.
Key measurements for kitchen islands
CON
Designs are only skin deep
Slabs can be mitred and joined together to create benchtops and furniture pieces with thicker front edges, but one disadvantage of porcelain becomes apparent here. Because designs and patterns are printed on the surface, they are only skin deep, unlike natural stone. When mitred edges are rounded to create a smooth, neat finish, the design or pattern is removed, making the join more obvious.
This skin-deep pattern also means that if you choose, for example, a marble look for your benchtops, having drainer grooves cut into the bench will also result in the pattern being removed in those areas.
NOTE: This is really the only fault I could find, so this revolutionary product still gets a massive thumbs up from me.
Designs are only skin deep
Slabs can be mitred and joined together to create benchtops and furniture pieces with thicker front edges, but one disadvantage of porcelain becomes apparent here. Because designs and patterns are printed on the surface, they are only skin deep, unlike natural stone. When mitred edges are rounded to create a smooth, neat finish, the design or pattern is removed, making the join more obvious.
This skin-deep pattern also means that if you choose, for example, a marble look for your benchtops, having drainer grooves cut into the bench will also result in the pattern being removed in those areas.
NOTE: This is really the only fault I could find, so this revolutionary product still gets a massive thumbs up from me.
WHAT CAN IT BE USED FOR?
Furniture and cabinet facades
Thinner porcelain slabs and tiles are ideal for use on indoor furnishings such as kitchen cabinet fronts and tabletops. It can be placed directly on the existing surface, making it the ideal product to use when renovating because there is no need to remove existing surface finishes first.
Furniture and cabinet facades
Thinner porcelain slabs and tiles are ideal for use on indoor furnishings such as kitchen cabinet fronts and tabletops. It can be placed directly on the existing surface, making it the ideal product to use when renovating because there is no need to remove existing surface finishes first.
Floors and stair treads
Large-format porcelain tiles can be used on high-traffic floor areas for both commercial and residential buildings, including on stairs. These tiles can also be used outdoors, which is fantastic if you want to continue the same flooring through your house and out onto the patio.
Contemporary staircases that wow
Large-format porcelain tiles can be used on high-traffic floor areas for both commercial and residential buildings, including on stairs. These tiles can also be used outdoors, which is fantastic if you want to continue the same flooring through your house and out onto the patio.
Contemporary staircases that wow
All-weather areas
Ultra-compact surfaces are UV-resistant, meaning their colour won’t fade. Porcelain’s UV-resistance along with its resistance to heat makes the material the perfect choice for outdoor flooring and wall cladding. It can also be used for benchtops and cabinet fronts on outdoor kitchens and barbecue areas, even under the harsh Australian sun. And it’s one of very few products in the residential market that can be used on outdoor cabinets and still be covered under warranty.
Ultra-compact surfaces are UV-resistant, meaning their colour won’t fade. Porcelain’s UV-resistance along with its resistance to heat makes the material the perfect choice for outdoor flooring and wall cladding. It can also be used for benchtops and cabinet fronts on outdoor kitchens and barbecue areas, even under the harsh Australian sun. And it’s one of very few products in the residential market that can be used on outdoor cabinets and still be covered under warranty.
Bathroom wet areas
Bathrooms can also benefit from using ultra-compact surfaces. Due to the fact that this porcelain material is non-porous, large-format porcelain slabs and tiles can be used as flooring and wall cladding in bathrooms, even in shower areas.
Top materials for bathroom tiles
Bathrooms can also benefit from using ultra-compact surfaces. Due to the fact that this porcelain material is non-porous, large-format porcelain slabs and tiles can be used as flooring and wall cladding in bathrooms, even in shower areas.
Top materials for bathroom tiles
VARIATIONS
Colours and finishes
The colours used in the manufacturing of porcelain benchtops are all made from natural pigments, although the shades available will vary and depend on the supplier. During the manufacturing process, the material can be manipulated to have a smooth or textured finish, from matt to high gloss, depending on the look you would like to achieve.
Colours and finishes
The colours used in the manufacturing of porcelain benchtops are all made from natural pigments, although the shades available will vary and depend on the supplier. During the manufacturing process, the material can be manipulated to have a smooth or textured finish, from matt to high gloss, depending on the look you would like to achieve.
Patterns
Designs and patterns are printed on the surface of the product. You can expect to see some exciting designs and patterns such as woodgrain, cement, metallics, rusted steel and marble patterns that rival the look of natural stone, as well as the ever-popular white.
These realistic designs and patterns mean you can now incorporate the look of natural and raw materials you might not ordinarily choose to have in your home. For example, now you can choose the look of rusted steel without the drawbacks. We can also expect to see more unusual colours and patterns introduced in the not-too-distant future.
Designs and patterns are printed on the surface of the product. You can expect to see some exciting designs and patterns such as woodgrain, cement, metallics, rusted steel and marble patterns that rival the look of natural stone, as well as the ever-popular white.
These realistic designs and patterns mean you can now incorporate the look of natural and raw materials you might not ordinarily choose to have in your home. For example, now you can choose the look of rusted steel without the drawbacks. We can also expect to see more unusual colours and patterns introduced in the not-too-distant future.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Due to the fact that ultra-compact surface material is new to the market and only specialised fabricators can work with and install it, it’s worthwhile shopping around to get the best price on porcelain. However, the cost of this innovative new product is surprisingly competitive.
Regardless of the wholesale price of the material, the cost to consumers will vary greatly depending on the supplier and how much they need to charge. Prices will also vary depending on the thickness and colour you choose, the amount of material ordered and the level of detail required when cutting and installing the material.
Expect to pay somewhere in the region of 30 per cent more for a porcelain benchtop than you would for a premium range engineered stone benchtop. This brings the price in at somewhere around AU $1,400 per square metre (NZ $1,466 per square metre), for one of the standard range colours with a 12-millimetre thickness.
How much does a kitchen benchtop cost?
Due to the fact that ultra-compact surface material is new to the market and only specialised fabricators can work with and install it, it’s worthwhile shopping around to get the best price on porcelain. However, the cost of this innovative new product is surprisingly competitive.
Regardless of the wholesale price of the material, the cost to consumers will vary greatly depending on the supplier and how much they need to charge. Prices will also vary depending on the thickness and colour you choose, the amount of material ordered and the level of detail required when cutting and installing the material.
Expect to pay somewhere in the region of 30 per cent more for a porcelain benchtop than you would for a premium range engineered stone benchtop. This brings the price in at somewhere around AU $1,400 per square metre (NZ $1,466 per square metre), for one of the standard range colours with a 12-millimetre thickness.
How much does a kitchen benchtop cost?
HOW DO YOU INSTALL IT?
This isn’t one for DIY enthusiasts.
Porcelain benchtops can be installed by a stonemason, but they must be accredited to fabricate the product. Ensure that you check this out when engaging a professional. Due to the hardness of the material, specialised tools are required for installation, to avoid damaging it.
TELL US
What do you think of this new product? We would love you to share any experiences you’ve had installing and using it in your home in the Comments section below.
MORE
Houzz Quiz: What Kitchen Benchtop Is Right for You?
Which Benchtop Material Will Take You to Kitchen Island Paradise?
16 Common Kitchen Dilemmas Solved
This isn’t one for DIY enthusiasts.
Porcelain benchtops can be installed by a stonemason, but they must be accredited to fabricate the product. Ensure that you check this out when engaging a professional. Due to the hardness of the material, specialised tools are required for installation, to avoid damaging it.
TELL US
What do you think of this new product? We would love you to share any experiences you’ve had installing and using it in your home in the Comments section below.
MORE
Houzz Quiz: What Kitchen Benchtop Is Right for You?
Which Benchtop Material Will Take You to Kitchen Island Paradise?
16 Common Kitchen Dilemmas Solved
Related Stories
Most Popular
How to Choose the Right Finish for New Kitchen Cabinets
By Anne Ellard
What finish to use on kitchen cabinets? Flat matt or shiny gloss? We detail how to work out the best look for you
Full Story
Kitchens
Material Pairings for Kitchens: 11 Combos Designers Love
Can't decide on colours and finishes for your new kitchen? Here are design experts' 11 fail-safe, go-to combinations
Full Story
Kitchens
Perfect Pairings for Kitchens: 5 Combos NZ Design Experts Love
Deciding on colours, shapes and finishes for your new kitchen? Here, five design experts share their go-to combinations
Full Story
Most Popular
Designing a New Kitchen? Find Your Dishwasher Sweet Spot
By Anne Ellard
Use this comprehensive guide to find the best and most practical place for your dishwasher
Full Story
Kitchens
What's In a Smart Kitchen (and What Can We Expect Next)?
The kitchen is the hub of the home, so it's little surprise to see tech having a growing presence – here's what to know
Full Story
Kitchens
How to Give Your Kitchen Curve Appeal
By Jo Simmons
Functional, straight lines often dominate in kitchen design, but it doesn’t have to be that way
Full Story
Kitchens
19 Kitchen Islands That Resemble Bespoke Furniture
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Kitchens
Pro Panel: What's New in Eco Alternatives for Kitchen Carcasses
By Kate Burt
Ever considered what a kitchen’s ‘skeleton’ is made of? Now's the time, with eco materials to inspire from the UK and US
Full Story
Most Popular
Best of the Week: 40 Marble Marvels From Around the Globe
From floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms to splashbacks with sensational veins, here's a gallery of marble marvels
Full Story
For Pros
4 New Looks for Engineered Benchtops and Surfaces From the USA
See the top colours and styles for new engineered surfaces, spotted at the 2021 KBIS trade show in the USA
Full Story
I am Doing a kitchen Reno at the moment. I had a designer draw up my plans for my new kitchen which looks great. We chose our finishes of which I went for the Neolith Calacatta silk finish. This is expensive but I love the look & feel of it. I started to do some research and feedback is that this tends to crack. so now I’ve been searching for another benchtop.
i spoke to a stone mason & he agrees that Neolith is great for bbq’s and in walls but not the best for kitchen bench tops due to the chipping & cracking. I’m finding it difficult choosing another product as I had my heart set on this product.
if anyone could give me feedback if they have it & how it’s been working for them I would greatly appreciate it.
Have a look at Talostone its engineered stone but they have a matt and leather honed finish and they do the best reproduction of marble call Michelle 0448120866 they have an amazing showroom in Dank st Waterloo https://talostone.com.au/
I know this article was many years ago now. We installed Dekton trillium on our island bench, around our fireplace and in our bbq area late 2018. We LOVE it. One tiny chip from the first week. We are now considering what to put in a small kitchen in our wheelchair accessible farmstay and are considering push g Delton again as we feel the extra $$ (about 25% more than whole kitchen using “low silica” engineered stone) may save us having to replace a stained or burnt benchtop later. Today I spoke to a stonemason who said he found it chipped a lot and that we must be very caref in our kitchen. So wondering if others have had issues with chipping. I just ordered our bathroom tiles and regret not having thought of using the Dekton on the shower walls to avoid grout.