Porcelain countertops are sleek, ultra-durable, heat-resistant, and available in a growing range of stunning finishes that can mimic anything from marble to raw concrete. So their popularity should come as no surprise to homeowners when they start comparing material options. Long story short, porcelain’s longevity, low-maintenance, versatility, and stain and scratch resistance deliver unmatched value. 

But even the most beautiful porcelain slabs won’t do much for your kitchen or bathroom if they’re not fabricated and installed correctly. Choosing the right countertop fabricator is just as important as choosing the slab itself. Before you commit to anything, here’s what you need to know.

Image by Counter Culture Fabrication Group

Not All Fabricators Work with Porcelain

This is the first filter in the process of elimination. Porcelain isn’t granite or quartz. It behaves differently under pressure. Porcelain slabs are thinner, typically 6mm to 12mm thick, and can chip or crack if mishandled. It takes a steady hand, specific tools, and experience to cut, mitre, and install them properly.

In other words, the ideal fabricator is one who specializes in porcelain, has a well-established business, and a proven track record of every type of porcelain installation under the sun. 

Ask About Equipment & Certifications

A professional porcelain installer uses waterjet saws, diamond-tipped blades, and polishing pads suited specifically for sintered surfaces. Without them, even a high-end slab can be ruined during cutting or edge profiling.

Also, some leading porcelain brands offer training and certification for fabricators. Check for these credentials if you’re considering a fabricator who works with various materials. It’s not essential, but, depending on how current their certification is, it might indicate that they’re working with the material regularly and staying current with best practices.

Porcelain Requires Precision, Especially for Mitred Edges

Want a waterfall edge or ultra-thin profile? You need an expert. Porcelain provides little to no margin for error. Unlike stone, you can’t grind out a mistake without compromising the integrity of the piece.

A reliable fabricator will show you previous mitred projects and explain how they manage seam alignment, edge buildup, and support systems for overhangs in a way you can understand. Mitred porcelain isn’t a material you can learn on the fly.

Ask About Their Substrates and Adhesives

This is one area homeowners often overlook. Porcelain slabs usually need to be mounted on a substrate, like MDF or plywood, to give the countertop its necessary thickness and stability. But improper substrate prep can lead to flexing, cracking, or sagging over time.

Equally important: the adhesives. Not every glue is compatible with porcelain or its backing. A seasoned fabricator will know exactly which adhesives and sealants to use for a long-lasting bond that resists moisture and thermal expansion.

Don’t Skip the Site Visit and Template Check

Some fabricators try to shortcut the process with generic measurements or templating tools meant for thicker materials. That doesn’t work with porcelain.

A proper fabricator/installer will conduct a site visit to assess your cabinetry, wall angles, appliance gaps, and support structures. Everything from uneven walls to sloped floors can throw off the install, and porcelain’s unforgiving nature requires exacting precision.

Understand Their Handling and Transport Process

Porcelain slabs may be light, but they’re brittle until installed. They must be handled upright, supported along their full height, and moved using proper lifting frames or A-frames. 

A responsible fabricator will explain how your slab will be cut, stored, moved, and finally installed, step by step. You need that level of transparency to protect your investment.

Price Shouldn’t Be Your Deciding Factor

With porcelain, cutting corners costs more than it saves. A low quote often means shortcuts in labour, tools, or install quality, all of which can lead to repairs, replacements, or worse, starting from scratch.

Invest in a fabricator who respects the material. Ask tough questions. Review their portfolio. Speak to past clients. You’re trusting them with a high-performance surface that should last for decades.