As the heart of the home, the kitchen plays an integral part in defining the living space’s overall interior design/ styling. Therefore, several factors have to be considered in choosing the suitable material, design, and budget for kitchen countertops as it is the most utilized area of the house.
Often the question lies on which material to choose, natural stone or porcelain tile. Here are few points that should be prioritized in choosing the material for the kitchen countertop.
DURABILITY
Natural stones are generally hard, and granite is considered one of the hardest. However, due to the manufacturing process of porcelain tile, they are slightly harder and can withstand wear and tear, making them more ideal as kitchen countertops.
RESISTANCE AND SAFETY
Kitchen countertops must be resistant to moisture, heat, stain, and scratch as it is exposed to daily activities like cooking, dining and food preparation. While natural stones are porous and soak up liquids, making them more susceptible to staining, porcelain tiles are more resistant to moisture and heat and will not stain due to their non-porous surface. In addition, as porcelain tiles do not absorb water, they are considered more hygienic and food-safe and are less likely to harbor molds and bacteria.
With an additional process of sealing and coating, natural stones like granite and marble will offer the same benefits as porcelain tiles; however, this has to be done every so often, with an added expense.
COST-EFFECTIVE
The quarrying and cutting process makes natural stones like granite and marble more costly compared to porcelain tiles. In addition, the work put into acquiring these natural stones makes them expensive and the periodic maintenance and time-consuming installation process. On the other hand, Porcelain tile requires minimal maintenance, is easy to clean, and is less costly to install.
AESTHETIC APPEAL
As a naturally sourced material, marble, granite, etc., are unique in each piece with a significant variation in design, making its appearance distinct. There is also a limitation in color and pattern available for natural stones since they are quarried from different locations. If aiming for uniformity, porcelain tiles are preferred because, thanks to technological advancement, the aesthetic of natural stones is replicated in its surface and body, perfectly mimicking marble’s veining, granite’s pebbled finish, and even other natural stone’s intricate details. And this is in addition to its technical attributes.
Download our latest catalogue to find more design inspiration for your countertops or visit our Maximus Megaslab page to learn more about our Big Slab collections and its application.