A growing number of brands are producing porcelain benchtops in Australia, following the ban of engineered stone.
As a quick recap: engineered stone was a popular benchtop choice until research found there were serious health implications for people that work the stone, because it produces a fine crystalline silica that can cause serious lung conditions. The Australian government announced a ban, which came into effect on 1 July 2024.
Since then, a wide range of alternatives to engineered stone have come onto the market. And porcelain, as a benchtop surface, is quickly becoming one of the most favourable options.
In fact, big brands previously known for engineered stone products, such as Caesarstone and Smartstone, are paving the way with innovative porcelain benchtops that look stylish and are durable.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of porcelain benchtops, the stylistic choices that can be made and the big question – what about the cost?
Porcelain benchtops pros and cons
Just like natural stone, porcelain has a wealth of benefits, as well as quite a few cons that could deter desire.
The main advantages of porcelain are its durability and non-porous qualities. Because of the way it is made (fired in a kiln), porcelain is very sturdy and strong, and has high heat resistance. In addition to this, porcelain is naturally non-porous, making it stain resistant and able to block moisture without any sealing required.
And then of course, the cons of porcelain fall mainly under chipping and scratching. Because it is a more fragile material, chipping is quite common. If you have a pattern or design on your porcelain, a chip would expose the non-surfaced porcelain underneath. Chips are quite difficult to fix as well.
Colour and style options for porcelain benchtops
Porcelain comes in a huge range of colourways and styles depending on what you would like for your kitchen. It can mimic the look of marble with beautifully coloured veins or with patterns that can act as design focal point.
Keep in mind that if chipped, any pattern (including marble looks) will expose the un-surfaced porcelain underneath. So, just like any benchtop surface, it’s important to check the quality of the product and how it will wear over time before choosing one for your home. If you can, consider getting quotes and product details from a few different brands to help you find a benchtop that suits your budget, practical needs and aesthetics.
Are porcelain benchtops expensive?
Unfortunately, porcelain can be more expensive compared to other options like timber and laminate. This is because of the duration of production and installation.
It costs around the same as a natural stone benchtop (like marble or granite), around $700 to $2000 per square metre. But it could have additional costs for installation. Installing a porcelain bench can require specialist skills and tools as it is fragile and very brittle to handle.
Is a porcelain benchtop cheaper than engineered stone?
A porcelain benchtop is not cheaper than engineered stone, which cost around $400 to $600 per square metre, plus installation, before it was banned. Similar to a natural stone bench price, porcelain is more expensive because of the production and installation process. But it is also safer for workers and not part of the government’s ban.
So, as more brands continue to develop alternatives to engineered stone, it’s likely you’ll find more affordable options.
