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When you’re redesigning your kitchen or living room or remodelling your entire home, the countertops and window sill you choose, can set the tone for the whole project. Material selection has a big impact on the overall vibe and atmosphere of the space. When it comes to selecting between engineered stone vs natural stone, there are a few things to consider. Factors like initial cost, installation costs, turnaround time (TAT), functionality, and your personal design preference can all affect your decision-making process. It’s essential to make a well-informed decision while selecting material to get the look and functionality you want.
Engineered stones such as Quartz, Dekton, and Corian Quartz have made significant progress in recent years that even experts find it hard to differentiate from natural stone.
As the name suggests, natural stones are created by nature itself and have been around forever. Some popular types of natural stone include Granite, Marble, Travertine, Sandstone, and Quartzite.
Having all the information about each type of stone is crucial for making informed decisions in your project.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stones are composite materials made by mixing crushed natural stones, such as quartz crystals etc. So, what happens in the manufacturing process is that these components are mixed with resin and other chemicals, and then they’re pressed and heated. So basically, what you get is this really strong material that doesn’t absorb any liquids and comes in all sorts of uniform colours and designs. It’s usually used for countertops and other surfaces.
Pros of Engineered Stone
- Engineered Stone is great because it has a uniform appearance. This means it has a consistent colour and pattern, giving it a cohesive look.
- It can resist stains, scratches, and impacts.
- Because engineered stone is non-porous, it is easy to clean and inhibits the formation of bacteria.
- A wide range of colours and patterns are three on the market
- It’s low maintenance. You won’t have to spend a lot of time and effort taking care of it like you would with natural stones.
- These stones have consistency. This means it’s easier to match if you need to make repairs or additions.
Cons of Engineered Stone
- Heat Sensitivity: Compared to natural stone, engineered stone could be less heat-tolerant.
- Environmental and Health Risks: Resins and other chemicals used in manufacturing influence the environment and human health.
- Engineered stone isn’t very easy to shape, so it’s not the best choice for curved surfaces.
- Because engineered stones don’t have any distinguishing characteristics, their patterns tend to be less distinct and hence lack personality.
Natural Stones
Natural stones are called that because they’re found in nature. These stones are formed when different minerals and molten lava come together over a long period. This process gives each stone its unique texture and pattern. So the colour of natural stones varies a lot depending on where they were quarried.
Pros of Natural Stone
- Natural stone is timeless and elegant. It has this classic and enduring aesthetic appeal that never goes out of style. Marble is a symbol of luxury, don’t you think?
- Stone from nature has these pleasant variations in colour and pattern that give it a unique personality.
- Natural stone lasts a long time and can withstand wear & tear. It lasts longer than most other materials.
- Natural stone is great at handling high temperatures. It’s heat-resistant!
- Stone that comes from nature is an environmentally friendly and sustainable option. It’s a resource that requires very little processing.
- Natural stone is super versatile! You can use it for all sorts of things like countertops, flooring, backsplashes, window sill and more.
Cons of Natural Stone
- Replacing a single tile or countertop section with natural stone can be a bit tricky. You might end up noticing some visible differences.
- Natural stone tends to be more expensive upfront when you compare it to certain engineered alternatives.
- Natural stones are usually quite heavy, so they might need some extra support when being installed. This can make the installation process a bit more challenging.
- You’ll want to make sure you seal and clean your natural stone regularly to keep it looking its best.
READ | Why Natural Stone Is Cheaper In The Long Run Compared To Engineered Options
The Difference Between Engineered Stone Vs Natural Stone
There are quite a few differences between engineered stone vs natural stone, as we’ve seen from weighing the pros and cons of both options. But the biggest difference is how they came into existence in the first place.
Natural stones are processed, while engineered stones are manufactured in factories.
Natural stone undergoes an array of processes like cutting, polishing, and other treatments in factories to make it suitable for different applications. Engineered stone is manufactured by crushing natural stones and mixing them with resins to create an attractive composite material that has the desired properties. The difference lies in the extent of human intervention and the combination of materials in the manufacturing of engineered stone.
Latest News on Engineered Stone
Starting from July 2024, Engineered stone will be banned in most Australian states and territories. It wasn’t really surprising when Australia became the first country to announce a ban earlier this month, right?
The ban was put in place because they discovered that engineered stone contained crystalline silica. This was harmful to the workers cutting and grinding the stone. It could cause a lung disease called Silicosis, which happens when you breathe in crystalline silica dust over a long period.
Source: The Gurdian – Australian Ban on Engineered Stone
Conclusion
When you’re choosing the material for your kitchen countertops, backsplashes, floors, or walls, select a material that will give the project an appealing appearance and comply with needs. Both natural and engineered stones are stunning. So, when you’re making a decision, it’s important to think about how you plan to apply it, your budget, and the overall design appearance you’re aiming for.
Stone Galleria: Natural Stone Supplier
We don’t just offer materials, we provide a partnership that you can rely on and we’re always responsive to your needs. Stone Galleria understands that businesses have unique needs, and we are dedicated to providing reliable and affordable supply chain management solutions.
We’re a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of Granite, Sandstone, and Quartzite. We ensure our products are customised to your needs, including dimensions, thickness, and various finishes.
Why not start your journey to improve your operations by requesting a free quote today? Just fill out our inquiry form, and we’ll get back to you right away.
Knowledgeable – Reliable – Responsive
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