Alex Stepanov

Alex is a professional stone mason specializing in the fabrication, installation and project management of natural and man made surface products across residential and commercial sectors. Alex has over 20 years experience in the industry working on high end luxury projects for some of Toronto most esteemed designers and builders. His specialty is the fabrication of porcelain surfaces for counter-top, fireplace and bathroom applications.

Media Coverage:

The Spruce

Kitchen Style Upgrade: Picking the Perfect Backsplash Material

Kitchen Style Upgrade: Picking the Perfect Backsplash Material

For many homeowners, the kitchen is the heart of the home. For that reason, choosing the right surface materials for a kitchen renovation is essential. Backsplash is just one of the many choices you’ll need to make when renovating your kitchen, and having the right one can truly transform your space. If you want to know what is the best backsplash for kitchens, the experts at Counter Culture are here to help. Continue reading →

Discover What Sink Style Is Right for Your Home

Discover What Sink Style Is Right for Your Home

When it comes to renovating your home, choosing the right sink can make a huge impact on the functionality and style of your space. One option that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the integrated sink. Yet knowing if an integrated sink is the right choice for your home can sometimes feel like a tough call. Continue reading →

How to Choose Backsplash and Countertops

How to Choose Backsplash and Countertops

Kitchen renovations are an exciting time for many homeowners though the process of completing a renovation is often stressful too. The finished result of any kitchen renovation is always worthwhile, yet for some, the number of choices that need to be made through the process is often overwhelming. When it comes to the atmosphere of your kitchen, countertops and backsplash play a significant role. Not only do countertops and backslash need to look beautiful, but they also need to offer functionality too. With so many options to choose from, learning how to choose backsplash and countertops can feel like quite the task. Continue reading →

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Flooring

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Flooring

Porcelain tile has been a popular choice for bathroom floors for many years due to its durability and non-porous properties. Yet traditional porcelain tile doesn’t always come to mind for homeowners when looking for beautiful flooring options. Thankfully, large format porcelain slab is available to bridge the gap between the functionality of traditional porcelain tile and the aesthetic desires of homeowners. Continue reading →

Forget about Stains by Choosing Porcelain Countertops

Forget about Stains by Choosing Porcelain Countertops

If you are someone who truly loves to cook, you’re going to want to be sure that your kitchen countertops are designed to handle the wear and tear that comes with regular use. When searching for the best countertop material for kitchens, durability is always something to keep in mind. Yet, the ability to keep your countertops stain-free and hygienic is likely something you’ll think more about day-to-day. Continue reading →

Are Porcelain Countertops a Better Choice than Quartzite?

When determining which type of surface material would be best for countertops, there are many factors to consider. The right countertop can truly transform a space and make it more beautiful. However, there is a lot more to countertops than just being nice to look at. The functionality and practical use of countertops should always be considered when choosing surface materials for kitchen and bathroom countertop projects. Yet, knowing which countertop material is best often feels like a challenge.

At Counter Culture, we are experienced porcelain slab fabricators that are dedicated to providing home builders, designers, and owners with high-quality porcelain countertops to suit their spaces. We feel that large format porcelain slab is a wonderful choice for nearly any surface in a home. We also know you’ll want to do your research before making such an important choice. In this post, we compare quartzite vs porcelain countertops to help you make the best choice for your space.

What is the Difference Between Porcelain Slab and Quartzite?

When comparing porcelain countertops vs. quartzite countertops, it is first important to understand what the main differences between these materials are. Porcelain slab is a man-made material that offers many practical benefits, such as being easy to clean and durability, with the bonus of being able to be custom fabricated to suit any style. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a natural stone material that may have a unique appearance depending on the presence of minerals within the stone. Like porcelain slab, quartzite is durable and beautiful. However, it is a porous material that is susceptible to staining and may be more easily scratched than porcelain slab.

Our post, What is Porcelain Slab, offers additional insight into what porcelain is and what it is best suited for. We know that porcelain kitchen countertops and porcelain bathroom vanities are smart choices that any homeowner would love to have.

What’s More Affordable, Porcelain or Quartzite?

When comparing the price of quartzite to porcelain, you’ll need to keep in mind that material thickness and style can influence the total costs. These materials are comparably priced though it can be difficult to determine total costs without considering the unique details of your project. Our post, Is Porcelain Slab Affordable, offers insight into the cost of installing porcelain slab countertops which can be helpful in knowing which surface material is best suited for your needs.

Is Porcelain Easier to Care for Than Quartzite?

Porcelain slab is a truly wonderful surface material for nearly any area in a home. From porcelain showers to porcelain floors and countertops, porcelain offers superior functionality and beauty without the burden of regular maintenance. Unlike quartzite, porcelain slab does not need to be sealed to prevent damage or staining. Porcelain slab is non-porous, meaning it won’t absorb what you put on it and won’t harbour bacteria. Porcelain is also easy to clean, care for and is ideal for anyone who makes the most out of their space.

How Can I Know Which Surface Option is Best for Me?

Porcelain is a wonderful choice for nearly any surface in a home. Quartzite also offers beauty and durability for countertops. When it comes to functionality and ease of use, porcelain takes the upper hand with being a more functional option that requires less maintenance. Ultimately, the surface option that is best for you is the one you love. Be sure to connect with a porcelain slab fabricator to see for yourself just how amazing porcelain can be. With endless styling possibilities, porcelain slab is always a smart choice.

Are Porcelain Countertops Better than Quartz?

Are Porcelain Countertops Better than Quartz

When you are in the beginning stages of a kitchen or bathroom project, finding the right surface materials for the space can be a tough job. Keeping budgets, style, and functionality in mind, you have lots to consider. Whether you are a homeowner, developer, or designer working with clients, understanding the benefits and limitations of your countertop material choice is essential. Continue reading →

What’s Best for Countertops, Porcelain vs Marble?

Porcelain slab is the best material for countertops due to its durability and beauty. Porcelain slab offers enhanced durability, design versatility, superior hygiene, and cost-effectiveness over time, making it an ideal choice for virtually any surface.

If you’ve been searching for the best material for countertops, there’s no doubt you’ve come across a staggering amount of options. Though natural stone has long stood out as a luxurious choice, porcelain slab has been making waves in the design space. We feel that porcelain slab could be the perfect choice for countertops, vanities, and kitchen backsplash. Let’s compare porcelain vs marble countertops and uncover why this versatile and beautiful material has continued to grow in popularity.

At Counter Culture, we have more than 25 years of experience in stone fabrication and have dedicated the last decade to the study of large-format porcelain slab. We know that porcelain can be the ideal material choice for virtually any surface in a home. In this post, we compare marble vs. porcelain countertops to help you understand which option is most suitable for your space. Whether you are a home builder, designer, or owner, we have the expertise you’ve been searching for and are the porcelain slab fabricator you can depend on.

Porcelain vs Marble, which is Best for Countertops?

To uncover which material type is best for your project, understanding the properties of porcelain countertops vs marble is essential. Though porcelain can be fabricated to resemble marble, a key difference between the two is how much maintenance they require. Whether you are looking for porcelain kitchen countertops or are deciding between marble and porcelain bathroom vanities, you’ll want to consider the following points.

Cleanliness – if comparing porcelain vs marble countertop options, hygiene and cleanliness should always be a top concern. Though beautiful to look at, marble is a porous material that is prone to harbouring bacteria. It also means that it can absorb liquids such as water and oil, and may also result in stains from foods such as berries or turmeric. As porcelain is a non-porous material, lingering stains and bacteria are less of a concern. Though adequate cleaning is still required, you can feel confident that unwanted bacteria will not leech into your porcelain countertops.

Porcelain’s non-porous surface makes it an excellent choice for environments where hygiene is a priority, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It does not harbour bacteria or odours and is easily cleaned with just soap and water. The hygienic benefits of porcelain are important when you are considering this material for a lived-in or high-traffic area of the home.

Durability – marble is softer when compared to porcelain. It is prone to scratching and chipping, and can leave some feeling like their countertops are something to worry about. Marble countertops may also become dull over time due to how easily they can be scratched. Porcelain, on the other hand, is a very durable material that cannot be easily scratched or chipped. Though porcelain slab can be difficult to install and is fragile during the installation process, once installed, it is one of the most durable countertop options.

Porcelain slabs offer remarkable durability and resistance to scratches, chips, and heat. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike marble, porcelain does not require frequent sealing, which reduces both maintenance costs and effort. Emphasizing porcelain’s ability to withstand daily wear and tear without losing its aesthetic appeal is crucial for those who prioritize long-term value.

Maintenance – day-to-day maintenance of both marble and porcelain countertops is simple. Cleaning with soap and water is enough to keep either surface clean. Keep in mind that marble requires regular sealing while porcelain does not. For a low-maintenance countertop option, porcelain is the better choice.

Design Versatility – Porcelain slabs can be fabricated in an extensive range of colours and patterns, including designs that mimic marble and other natural stone patterns. This variety allows designers and builders to achieve their desired look without the limitations often imposed by the natural veining and colour variations found in marble. Highlighting specific case studies or visual examples where porcelain was chosen for its aesthetic flexibility could provide tangible insights to potential clients.

Knowing which material is best for kitchen countertops can sometimes feel difficult. However, if you are looking for a countertop option that is low-maintenance, looks beautiful, and is made for real life, porcelain slab might just be your best bet.

What Other Countertop Options Could I Consider?

Porcelain slab is a fantastic choice for countertops that offers both beauty and practicality. Though you can’t go wrong with porcelain, looking into all of your options is always a smart move. Our post, Porcelain Countertops vs Granite Countertops, helps you compare another popular countertop choice to ensure you’ve chosen the countertop type that is best for your space.

Is Porcelain Slab Expensive?

When considering the price point, porcelain slab is in line with other luxury countertop options. Keep in mind that long-term, porcelain may be a more affordable option as it offers increased durability and less maintenance compared to other natural stone options. Our post, Is Porcelain Slab Affordable, offers more insight into the cost of porcelain slab countertops.

While the initial cost of porcelain can be comparable to that of high-end marble, porcelain slabs often emerge as a more cost-effective solution over time due to their low maintenance needs and longevity. Discussing the financial benefits, including potential savings on repairs and replacements, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of why porcelain is a prudent investment for large-scale projects.

How Can I Find a Porcelain Slab Fabricator Near Me?

Though it has been popular in Europe for some time, porcelain slab continues to gain popularity in North America. For this reason, finding an experienced porcelain slab fabricator can be challenging. Our post, Where Can I Buy Porcelain Slab, offers insight into finding a porcelain slab fabricator that can accommodate your project.

Choosing between porcelain and marble countertops depends on the specific needs and preferences of the project. However, for those seeking a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically versatile option, porcelain slabs offer distinct advantages that marble cannot match. Encouraging clients to consider these benefits can help them make informed decisions that align with their project goals and long-term satisfaction.

Porcelain slab and marble are both beautiful options, though porcelain may be a more suitable option for those who truly live in and use their kitchens. If you are looking to learn more about porcelain slab, contact the experts at Counter Culture. We look forward to showing you just how incredible porcelain slab can be.


Our Completed Porcelain Kitchen Countertop Projects

  • Laminam Orobico Grigio Porcelain Kitchen and Backsplash
  • Laminam Diamond Cream Matte Thin Profile Kitchen - Porcelain Kitchen Countertops
  • Laminam Calacatta Michelangolo Lucidato Porcelain Kitchen and Backsplash
  • Laminam Bianco Statuario Venato Lucidato Porcelain Kitchen and Backsplash
  • Porcelain Kitchen Couintertops3
  • Antolini Calacatta Lincoln Porcelain Kitchen Couintertops
  • Antolini Polished Porcelain Kitchen Couintertops
  • Laminam Diamond Cream Polished Porcelain Kitchen Couintertops
  • Porcelain Kitchen Couintertops
  • Porcelain Kitchen Couintertops2

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What Stone is Best for Shower Walls?

There really isn’t anything more beautiful for bathrooms than stone. From vanities to flooring and even shower walls. Stone makes a beautiful choice that also offers functionality. But, knowing what is the best material for shower walls and other bathroom surfaces can sometimes feel overwhelming. Not all surfaces are made equally, and some require much more maintenance than others. When looking to source material for your next project, being prudent with your selection is essential. Continue reading →

Porcelain Countertops vs Granite Countertops – Which Is Best for Your Project

Porcelain vs Granite Countertops

Whether you are a home builder looking to source the best possible countertop material for your projects or are a designer with a keen eye for beauty and functionality, large format porcelain slab needs to be on the top of your list for surface materials. This exciting surface option has been gaining popularity in North America, and there’s no question why. Versatile, durable, and stylish porcelain slab countertops for kitchens, bathrooms and other surfaces in a home are a smart choice. But how do they compare to more traditional surface materials such as granite? Continue reading →