Porcelain stoneware countertop for the kitchen: material features and main properties

The most important element of the kitchen set is the countertop. During its entire service life, it is exposed to various negative factors of the domestic environment, since all the work on food preparation is performed on it (kneading dough, cutting meat, fish, vegetables, etc.). Therefore, the tabletop must have maximum strength and resistance to mechanical damage..

Kitchen countertop made of porcelain stoneware is an excellent solution for the design of a modern kitchen.

One of the best materials used to make this work surface is porcelain stoneware. In terms of its operational properties, an artificial stone is no different from a natural one, but it has a more affordable price..

The biggest plus of porcelain stoneware is its affordable price.

Features of porcelain stoneware countertops

The porcelain stoneware tabletop is a horizontal type-setting board, the upper plane of which is faced with porcelain stoneware tiles with minimal tile joints. The space between the tiles is treated with a sealant, which avoids the flow of all kinds of liquids. The end of the countertop is finished with the same artificial stone or supplemented with another material suitable in relief and color.

Porcelain stoneware is a moisture resistant material, which is an important aspect for a kitchen..

Porcelain stoneware tiles are lightweight, so they are laid on load-bearing surfaces made of:

wood;
metal;
plastic;
concrete.

Porcelain stoneware tiles can be laid on different surfaces.

Advantages

The main advantages of porcelain stoneware countertops include the following factors.

Attractive appearance.
Resistance to the appearance of chips and cracks, as well as to chemical attack (oils, paints, detergents).
High temperature resistance, allowing the work surface to be installed next to the stove.
Lack of harmful additives and dyes in the composition of the material.
Durability.
Ease of care.

The biggest advantage of porcelain stoneware is its durability and resistance to damage..

Note! Artificial stone is presented in a large color palette, so the countertop can be matched to any kitchen interior.

Self-production

Installing a porcelain stoneware countertop is not a very time-consuming process, so you can do it yourself. The main thing in this case is that all tiles have smooth polished edges and be cut strictly to size.

Installation of porcelain stoneware countertops can be done independently.

Preparation of the base

Porcelain stoneware is a tiled material, so it is placed on a solid base..

The most practical option is the bearing surface of concrete. Before laying the tiles, they are cleaned of dust and dirt with sandpaper and primed with a solution of water and PVA glue (in a ratio of 1 to 3).

The metal base is degreased with a nitro solvent, treated with sandpaper and covered with two layers of primer (with a time interval of 3 hours). After that, a steel mesh is attached to the surface and tile glue is applied to it in an even layer..

Important! The tiles are laid 24 hours after the preparatory work so that the base dries properly..

A moisture-resistant plywood sheet with a thickness of no more than 22 mm is placed on top of wooden and plastic surfaces. To avoid the sliding of the tiles, which occurs due to the change in the size of the plywood as a result of sharp temperature changes, cement particle boards are fixed between the chipboard and porcelain stoneware.

Laying and grouting

For the installation of ceramic granite tiles, tile glue or liquid nails are used. The tiles can be laid in any way (rows, herringbone, rhombuses, patterns). Extreme trim elements should protrude slightly beyond the edges.

For laying porcelain stoneware, ordinary tile glue is suitable..

The butt is veneered in the same way as the upper plane. However, to prevent the tiles from falling, they are attached to the countertop with construction tape. After the glue is completely dry, the adhesive tape is removed.

It is better to fill the tile joints with a moisture-resistant epoxy grout. If an ordinary cement-sand mixture is used for this purpose, after 7 days it is additionally covered with a hydrophobic impregnation.

You can use a moisture-resistant grout to fill tile joints..

Features of large format material

The size of a sheet of large-format porcelain stoneware is 10×30 cm. This material allows you to minimize the amount of waste when performing finishing work. Its cutting is carried out with a grinder with diamond discs..

For cutting porcelain stoneware, you can use a grinder with a diamond disc.

Diy porcelain stoneware tabletop

When making kitchen countertops from porcelain stoneware with your own hands, you should adhere to these rules.

The bearing surface should be as rigid as possible. This will help to avoid movement and deformation of the tiles during operation..
The size of the tile joints should not exceed 2 mm.
When laying, it is necessary to check the horizontalness of the tiles with a building level..

For self-installation of a porcelain stoneware tabletop, you need to follow some rules.

Care

The porcelain stoneware worktop is cleaned for the first time immediately after the installation of the tiles. The remnants of glue and grout are first moistened with water, and then removed with a weak solution of hydrochloric acid. This should be done with gloves so that the caustic liquid does not burn your hands..

Light dirt can be removed with a dry or damp cloth. In more serious cases, use acidic detergents.

Dirt on the surface of porcelain stoneware can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge.

Important! Do not use abrasive pastes and powders as they can damage the material.

Stylish ideas from designers

The worktop sets the style for the entire kitchen interior, so the choice of artificial stone should be taken very seriously..

The countertop should match the design of the kitchen.

Designers give several recommendations regarding the cladding of the work surface with porcelain stoneware.

Clinker tile looks good indoors in a minimalist style.
Wood imitation tiles will make a strict interior more comfortable.
Glossy and polished tiles match any design.

Wood imitation porcelain stoneware top.

Professional advice for choosing

Porcelain stoneware has excellent technical characteristics, so any kind of this artificial stone is suitable for finishing the countertop. However, when buying, you need to pay attention to the texture of the coating, since dirt and food debris accumulate on the embossed tiles, which significantly reduces its hygiene..

For the kitchen countertop, porcelain stoneware with a flat surface is suitable..

Facing the countertop with porcelain stoneware tiles is especially popular. Artificial material allows you to hide all the irregularities on the bearing surface. In addition, it is resistant to mechanical stress, high temperatures and bacterial growth..