Ceramic countertop: pros and cons

Ceramic countertops were all the rage in the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, it is still possible to use this material and achieve a contemporary or classic look, for example by installing them in a herringbone position or using a concrete imitation.

The choice of materials is vast when it comes to buying a countertop for the kitchen or bathroom. There is something for every taste and every price! However, each one has its own particularities that will support your choice. Here's what you need to know if you're leaning towards a ceramic or porcelain countertop.

Colors and styles in spades

There is no shortage of ceramic choices on the market! You can have fun with colors, textures, patterns and sizes. Even the shapes are varied, from square to round to hexagonal. You can also place the tiles in a staggered manner, one below the other or in a patterned way by mixing patterns. Original or discreet, you decide!

Easy to install

Unlike marble or quartz - just to name a few - ceramic is a charm to install. Often, there is no need to hire an expert! Also, the fact that it comes in several pieces rather than one piece makes it easy to handle due to its size and weight.

A respected budget

If you're short on cash to complete your powder room or kitchen renovation, consider tile. Some products are expensive, but most are affordable. This is less true with natural stone! It is even possible to find ceramic tiles for less than 5 dollars per square foot.

Increased resistance

The heat will not impact your porcelain countertop. So you can put your hot dishes directly on it without any further precautions. It is also more resistant to stains, especially if it is non-porous. What about maintenance? Nothing could be easier: water, soap or disinfectant will do the trick. There are also more effective cleaning products, if needed, that will not damage your surface. It is also almost impossible to scratch or damage it with humidity.

An alternative for a damaged countertop

Re-coating a countertop in poor condition with ceramic can be a quick and economical solution. You won't have to remove the entire surface. However, ask about the preparation steps to ensure that the result will meet your expectations.

Possible disadvantages

The main disadvantage is the texture of the countertop. Because of the many joints, the surface is uneven. However, this can be easily remedied by opting for larger tiles. Also, maintaining the appearance of grout can be a challenge due to food splattering in the kitchen. Adding a sealer can solve the problem in most cases. If not, choose a dark grout color.

So, is the ceramic or porcelain countertop winning your heart?