No. There are different types of porcelain, including dishes and dolls, that can be very fragile. Porcelain Stone, on the other hand, is tough and long lasting because it is fired at extremely high temperatures (2000ºF and above) until it becomes vitrified (glass-like). This process makes Porcelain Stone 30 percent harder than natural stones such as granite and marble. Prove it to yourself by trying to scratch a piece of Porcelain Stone with your house keys. Or, put a pencil under a Porcelain Stone tile, step on both sides of the top, and rock back and forth. Ordinary tile or stone would break --- not Crossville Porcelain Stone^®!

Not to worry. Your sink is merely glazed with porcelain, so the color doesn't go all the way through like it does with Porcelain stone. With Porcelain Stone, there's never a problem with wearing through the color layer. If Porcelain Stone were to somehow chip, you probably wouldn't even notice --- it's the same color inside.

Porcelain Stone may cost more than manmade laminates, but you have to compare value --- not price. On the other hand, Porcelain Stone costs less than most solid surfacing products and some natural stones, like granite. Procelain Stone delivers great looks, an incredible range of color options, easy installation and wipe-clean maintenance.

Porcelain Stone is almost totally non-absorbent, which means it is virtually impervious to stains and mildew. It's the grout between the stones that you need to be savvy about. Many countertops are now installed with 100 percent epoxy grouts that are easy to use, clean up quickly following installation and refuse to stain or mildew. Otherwise, an application of high performance grout sealer is recommended to retard the staining of joints when using conventional sanded grout.

Porcelain Stone is made from raw materials found in the earth that simply don't come in bright white. Ordinary tile can be made from any kind of clay since the body color is hidden under the glaze, whereas white Porcelain Stone shows its true color throughout.

Not necessarily. Porcelain Stone is no different in temperature than anything else in the room; it's just that we tend to equate smooth with cold. (Of course, cool is good in warm weather climates!) Still, it's easy to warm things with an area rug or two. Or, if you're installing a brand new floor, ask your contractor about under-floor radiant heating. Low-voltage electrical floor warming systems are available, affordable and easy on your heating budget.

Because you are getting a superior product. Porcelain Stone requires the finest natural ingredients and a rigidly controlled manurfacturing process that utilizes the most advanced processes and technology.

Simply because some colors cost more to manufacture than others. The coloring agents are more expensive and more difficult to control, requiring more technology, time and skill.