Granite vs. Porcelain & Sintered Surface
Porcelain is one of the newest surfaces in the countertop market. Also known as ‘ultra compact’ or ‘sintered stone,’ some brand names include Dekton and Neolith. At first glance this surface seems to have it all. It is heat resistant, scratch resistant, chemical resistant, UV resistant, and nonporous. Though the color selection is far from extensive, many options exist that attempt to mimic the veining and beauty of marble.
Porcelain surfacing is not without issue. It is not full-bodied, so if you do scratch it, you may not have options for repair. It is thin, typically ½” thick, which means the edges will need to be mitered for it to look pleasing as a kitchen countertop. This increases labor costs. Porcelain is not yet widely available, so you may need to do some searching to find a local installer. It is also at the high end of the countertop price range.
Countertop Comparisons Series
