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Porcelain Countertops

Are you looking for an affordable but elegant solution for your kitchen countertop? Do you want to give your kitchen a flare of ancient China or Regency Era England? What you need is a porcelain countertop.

Porcelain is a luxury type of ceramic produced for almost 3000 years. It is known for its translucence, heat resistance, and strength. A porcelain countertop is not only highly durable and easy to maintain but will also enrich your space with aethereal beauty.

U&K Cabinets is one of the leading providers of porcelain countertops for the Chicago area. We offer more than 170 different finishes and colors of porcelain countertops. Conveniently serving Chicago and the surrounding areas, we are committed to providing high-quality products and dependable service. U&K offers a free design service that comprehends full kitchen or bathroom design. Our expert designers can help you choose the perfect countertops to match your interior design. Contact U&K Cabinets for a consultation and use our free design service.

Aged Clay Porcelain

Aged Dark Porcelain

Aged Timber Porcelain

Aldem Porcelain

Antracite Porcelain

Arabascato Polished Porcelain

Arabascato Visio Polished Porcelain

Arena Porcelain

Arctic White Porcelain

Barro Porcelain

Basalt Beige Porcelain

Avorio Porcelain

Avorio 1 Porcelain

Aspen Grey Porcelain

Aura 15 Porcelain

Ars Beige Porcelain

Aria White Porcelain

Basalt Black Porcelain

Basalt Grey Porcelain

Basaltina Nera Matte Porcelain

Basalto Dark Satin Porcelain

Basalto Light Satin Porcelain

Bedrock Porcelain

Beton Porcelain

Bianco Assoluto Porcelain

Blaze Porcelain

Bianco Statuary Venato Porcelain

Blanc Concrete Porcelain

Bianco Porcelain

Bianco C Satin Porcelain

Bianco Lasa Porcelain

Bianco C Polished Porcelain

Bianco Carrara Porcelain

Blue Stone Porcelain

Bombon Porcelain

Borea Porcelain

Calacata Oro Venato Porcelain

Bruno Porcelain

Calacatta Borgo Polished Porcelain

Calacatta Borgo Satin Porcelain

Calacatta Extra Satin Porcelain

Calacatta Vena Oro Porcelain

Calacatta Porcelain

Calacatta Polished Porcelain

Calacatta Lucca Polished Porcelain

Calacatta Lincoln Satin Porcelain

Calacatta Lincoln Polished Porcelain

Calacatta Gold Porcelain

Calacatta Extra Polished Porcelain

Calatorao Porcelain

Calce Nero Porcelain

Carrara Polished Porcelain

Understanding Porcelain Countertops

Due to its durability and beauty, porcelain is perfect for a kitchen countertop. It can also be molded according to your needs. Porcelain is naturally non-porous and resistant to bacteria, which gives it an advantage over natural stone.

Porcelain is typically made from kaolin, which is a type of clay. The clay is added feldspar, silica, and other minerals until they form a homogenous mixture. The mixture is then pressed into large, thin slabs using various methods, such as dry pressing. The slabs then need to be compressed to press possible air pockets out. They are first dried in a controlled environment and fired at high temperatures (typically between 1,200 and 1,400 °C or 2,200 and 2,600 °F). Firing starts sintering when particles fuse to form a dense, syrupy structure. This is what gives porcelain its strength and durability.

The surface of the porcelain is then polished to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. The slabs are then cut into desired shapes and adjusted to what you need for your kitchen. Each slab is subjected to strict quality control to ensure no cracks, chips, or inconsistencies in color and texture. They are then tested for strength, durability, stain, heat, and chemical resistance. In that way, users get the highest possible quality porcelain countertop in the Chicago area. The porcelain countertops are then carefully transported at the desired location.

Slabs for porcelain countertops usually come in sizes up to 120 x 60 inches and thicknesses ranging from 3 mm to 20 mm. Custom slabs can also be made. Larger and thicker slabs provide increased durability and a seamless appearance, while thinner slabs are lighter and easier to handle, making them suitable for a wider variety of different designs.

Since porcelain countertops are slightly more affordable than some other luxury countertop options, such as granite and quartz, but still offer heat, stain, and bacteria resistance, they are becoming an increasingly popular solution for homeowners in the Chicago area. Be sure to book your appointment with our expert advisors today to get the best advice for your Chicago home.

Porcelain VS Granite Countertops

Both porcelain and granite are popular solutions for homeowners in the Chicago area. Both materials are highly durable, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant. However, there are some key differences between them.

Porcelain	Granite
Low maintenance. No need for sealing.	Maintenance is easy but requires regular sealing.
Lighter and easier to handle.	It is pretty heavy and demanding during installation.
It can be styled as desired and provides a uniform look.	Each slab has unique patterns, but patterns cannot be customized.
Though resistant, it is still possible to chip and scratch it.	Granite is very difficult to chip and virtually indestructible.
It is slightly more affordable than granite but can be equally pricey, depending on the design.	It is generally more expensive than porcelain.

The Cost of Porcelain Countertops

The price of porcelain countertops in the Chicago area typically ranges from $60 to $100 per square foot installed, with higher-end options exceeding $150 per square foot, and depends on the following factors:

Size and thickness: Larger and thicker slabs (12 mm or more) are more expensive than the thinner ones. If you need a complicated solution with custom-made slabs, this will also affect the price.
Design and Finish: Intricate patterns, high-definition printing, and specialty finishes increase prices.
Brand: Well-known brands that ensure higher quality and more design options may charge more.
Installation: You must account for the installation costs, including labor and potential extra support. The more complex the installation, the more it will cost.

When compared to other materials, averaging $60 to $100 per square foot installed, porcelain is slightly more expensive than laminate ($20 to $50) and some other solid surface countertops, such as corian ($40 to $80), while being generally more affordable than quartz ($50 to $120), granite ($40 to $100) and marble ($60 to $150). Therefore, Porcelain presents you with a solid mid-range solution and some high-end options at around $150 per square foot installed.

Styles and Finishes

Popular Styles of Porcelain Kitchen Countertops

Porcelain comes in various colors and patterns, suitable for every taste, and it offers the possibility of styling it as we desire. Many opt for a marble-like surface, with intricate veining and subtle colors, since porcelain is slightly more affordable than marble. Others choose an industrial, concrete, or metallic look adjusted to their sleek, minimalist apartment. A natural stone or wood look is always popular for a domestic, earthy feel.

If you do not have the budget for complex designs, there are always solid colors. White porcelain is a beautiful classic, but there are a myriad of neutral and bold colors to choose from.

Types of Finishes Available

A porcelain countertop can have a matte, glossy, or textured finish. A matte porcelain countertop offers a non-reflective, smooth surface that does not show fingerprints or smudges. Glossy porcelain has a shiny, reflective surface that enhances the color vibrancy, and a textured porcelain surface mimics natural textures, such as stone, concrete, or wood, providing a tactile element and depth to your kitchen countertop.

Trends in Porcelain Countertop Designs

Even though it has been used for millennia and always has a classic note, porcelain comes in a great variety of designs and can be fully customized to suit your Chicago home. Here are some of the latest trends in porcelain countertop designs:

Matte Finishes are currently more popular than glossy ones due to their contemporary, refined appearance and practical benefits.
Thin Profiles (3-6 mm), slick and easy to handle.
Large Format Slabs (up to 10 feet long) to minimize seams.
Neutral and Natural Colors like whites, grays, and beiges provide a natural, simple look.
Bold Patterns, such as high-contrast veining, are contrary to the previous trend.
Custom Prints, made with modern printing technology, give Chicago homeowners more creative freedom.
Integrated Sinks
Combining porcelain with other materials (e.g., wood, metal) for a unique, eclectic look.

Porcelain Kitchen Countertops

As a naturally non-porous material with high durability, porcelain is heat-resistant, easy to maintain, and hinders bacterial growth. It is, therefore, a sublime choice for your kitchen countertop. Whether you prefer a sleek, all-black design or a more classical white or gray porcelain countertop, expert consultants at U&K Cabinets can help you make the right choice for your Chicago kitchen. We can offer exquisite marble-like porcelain, such as Calacatta Vena Oro, or a classical Glem White—anything to please your taste.

When choosing the right color for your kitchen, it is essential to keep several things in mind. Do you prefer to follow the latest trends or lean towards a more timeless look? We advise selecting a color palette that you will not grow bored of easily. Black, white, gray, and beige are always popular choices, alone or in combination. Combining green and earthy tones will give your kitchen a rustic, provincial look, while shades of blue and gray follow a more maritime theme. It all depends on the environment you live in and your personal preferences. At U&K Cabinets, we strive to provide you with the best possible service and consultations to create your perfect home.

Porcelain Bathroom Countertops

Due to its heat and water resistance, porcelain makes an excellent choice for your bathroom countertop. It is also very easy to clean, and with the right maintenance, it will last a lifetime and even several generations.

U&K Cabinets offers various colors and patterns that are perfect for bathroom design. Whether you prefer marble-mimicking porcelains such as Nuba White, Crema Marfil, and Onice Bianco or a bold color or pattern, we are here to provide consultations and the porcelain you choose. Many homeowners in the Chicago area opt for white, cream, gray, or black marble-like porcelain, but we have those options if you prefer something more original or custom-made. When choosing the right color for your bathroom, you can let your imagination roam free, and we will be sure to help you make the right choice.

Maintenance and Care

In addition to being highly durable, porcelain countertops are pretty easy to maintain. Follow this simple advice, and your porcelain countertop will always look new.

A daily wipe with a soft cloth, water, and mild soap is enough. Avoid using any harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface. Porcelain is naturally non-porous and does not require sealing, like granite does. You also need to be careful with sharp knives or cleavers near your porcelain countertop, as it is possible to scratch or chip it, so be sure to use a cutting board at all times. It is also advisable to always use hot pads and trivets, even though porcelain is heat-resistant.

Durability

Porcelain is resistant to wear, mechanical, and thermal stress (including exposure to the hottest pans). The surface is scratch-resistant, making it ideal for busy kitchens.

Hygiene

Porcelain is hygienic and safe for contact with food. Easy to clean, accommodating both successful and failed culinary experiments.

Recyclable Material

Porcelain is eco-friendly as the material can be recycled, contributing to sustainable building practices.

Affordability

Porcelain countertops are cost-effective without compromising on quality.

No Sealing Required

Porcelain countertops do not require sealing, making them low-maintenance and easy to care for.

Lightweight Slabs

Porcelain slabs are lightweight, making them easier to handle and install than other countertop materials.

Our Clients Usually Ask

Is porcelain suitable for kitchen countertops?

Due to its durability, heat- and water resistance, and resistance to bacteria, porcelain is a supreme choice for kitchen countertops.

How are porcelain countertops made?

Porcelain is made of kaolin, a type of clay that is mixed with other substances, dried, and fired.

Are porcelain countertops durable?

Yes, they are highly durable and, with proper maintenance, will last a lifetime.

Where to buy porcelain countertops in Chicago?

In Chicago, you can purchase porcelain countertops from home improvement stores, tile and stone showrooms, kitchen and bathroom design centers, specialty countertop suppliers, online retailers, local fabricators and installers, and potentially from interior design or architectural firms offering custom options. U&K Cabinets offers an entire kitchen or bathroom solution, complete with design, and materials.

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