Porcelain worktops, thoughtfully detailed

Porcelain, ceramic and sintered surfaces are sometimes grouped together in showrooms, but their product specifications are not interchangeable. Record the manufacturer, collection, colour, finish and thickness before comparing quotations.

Ask for a sample with the edge visible. Establish whether the decoration runs through the body or is concentrated on the surface, and how the fabricator proposes to finish exposed edges. This is especially relevant if the worktop will have curved corners or an undermounted sink.

Large designs need a cutting plan. Ask where a prominent vein begins and ends, what happens at a joint and whether a waterfall end can follow the intended pattern. The pieces available and the access route both matter.

Keep a photograph of the final slab layout with your order. If a substitution becomes necessary, ask to approve the replacement product and layout rather than accepting only a similar colour name.

Cosentino describes Dekton as a low-porosity, heat-resistant sintered surface, but its guidance still addresses edge chipping and heat precautions. Those instructions apply to that product. They should not be treated as universal promises about every porcelain surface.

Ask the supplier which protective habits and cleaners they recommend for your chosen product. Check the conditions of any manufacturer warranty, and distinguish material cover from the fabricator’s workmanship terms.

• Exact product and finish, with a sample or reference.
• Visible edge treatment and any mitred or built-up sections.
• Sink, hob and socket cut-outs, including their positions.
• Support requirements and the route into the kitchen.
• Whether matching vertical panels are measured and fitted separately.

Use our thickness and edge guide before settling on a profile. If you want a continuous appearance up the wall, read about splashbacks and upstands too.