Factors that Determine the Difference Between Engineered and Natural Stone
25 February 2022When selecting beautiful, elegant stone for your kitchen benchtop, bathroom vanity counter or living room fireplace surrounds, you have myriad choices. Both engineered and natural stone are favourite selections among many homeowners. Yet it is essential to understand their differences before choosing between the two.
Before making your purchasing decision, take time to consider how you will use this attractive stone in your home. If this marble, granite or slate will form your new living room fireplace surrounds, you want stone that will maintain its appearance over time. Yet if you choose a granite bar countertop for your rustic entertainment room, this stone with natural imperfections can greatly enhance the decor.
Factors that Determine Major Differences Between Engineered and Natural Stone
The following characteristics and factors determine the primary differences between engineered and natural stone:
Characteristics and Qualities of Engineered Stone
Engineered stone, or quartz, is a manufactured building and construction material. This reconstituted stone is created by combining quartz crystals with a resin binder. For many people, it is difficult to distinguish engineered from natural stone.
However, reconstituted stone has more uniform colours and patterns than natural stone. There is a wide array of available colours today in engineered stone. These beautiful and versatile colour choices include rich earth tones, rose, soft gold and varied shades of grey. Additional pigments are often added to align with varied customer preferences and needs.
Main Advantages of Engineered Stone
• Stain Resistance. Natural stone surfaces can be stained by wine, juices, coffee, oil and other substances once the initial sealant wears thin. Yet engineered stone resists staining, even if the sealant is worn off. This reconstituted stone retains its original appearance during long-term use better than marble, granite or sandstone.
• Cleaning Ease. The surfaces of engineered stone do not absorb liquids like natural stone surfaces do. This feature makes cleaning and maintaining your countertops or wall panels simple and efficient. When your kitchen benchtop is made of reconstituted stone, you never need to worry about keeping foods safe from contamination.
• Surface Durability. The surface finish of engineered stone is nearly as hard and durable as granite. The great advantage of reconstituted stone is that it does not chip or crack as easily as granite or slate surfaces. Engineered stone also resists damage from high heat. However, you should always use a cutting board for chopping, slicing or dicing foods on any benchtop surface.
Qualities and Features of Natural Stone
Elegant and stunning natural stones are formed from natural elements in the earth. These stones have been used since ancient times as building materials and decorative items. The most frequently used of these stones today include marble, granite, sandstone, slate, travertine and quartzite.
Natural stones can vary in texture, colour and pattern, even when they originate from the same source in the earth. Homeowners often prefer these beautiful natural “works of art” because of their unique designs and colouration. Granite is a favourite choice for countertops due to its reliable durability and highly appealing aesthetic beauty. Although somewhat less durable, marble is also a frequent choice for stunning benchtops and wall panels.
Major Advantages of Natural Stone
• Varied Textures. Natural stone exhibits a wider array of textures than engineered stone. Pure stone can be honed to display a pleasing low-sheen finish. This is especially well-suited for heavily-used kitchen countertops and fireplace surrounds. Natural stone surfaces can also be torch-flamed or sandblasted to produce more vibrant colours and patterns.
• Pure Colours. Pure stone from the earth has more natural variances in hues and tones than an engineered stone in a single slab. Natural stones are available in different shades of earth tones, green, blue, rose, grey, brown, black and white.
• Durability. Natural stone benchtops and counters are strong and durable. Yet they do need regular sealing to prevent liquid absorption and staining. If well cleaned and maintained, natural stone countertops can offer lasting beauty and service for at least 50 years.
When you consult our experts at Hans International located in Sunshine North, Victoria, you will receive excellent advice concerning the factors that determine differences between engineered and natural stone. Our experienced team will ensure that you are well-informed on the pros and cons of both categories of stones. They can also guide you in selecting the ideal stunning stone to greatly enhance your home’s interiors.
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