There are two primary materials to choose from when looking for kitchen countertops: natural stone and engineered quartz. So what is the difference between natural stone and engineered quartz?
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Engineered quartz is also simply called quartz. But engineered quartz stone is not found naturally, but made from quartz crystals held together with a resin binder. This makes it possible to create a variety of different colors and patterns for you to choose from for your countertops.
Engineered quartz countertops have their own advantages and concerns. Some concerns people have about these countertops is that they are so hard, they are painful to run or bump into. This is the case with most stone countertops, but quartz is harder and less absorbent of any shock than most stone. Another thing that is a concern with quartz countertops is the resin in the counters. The binding material, or resin, used to manufacture these countertops can become discolored with age and with exposure to heat. So make sure to take care of these quartz countertops the same as you would with natural stone.
Engineered quartz has several advantages that natural stone can not offer. First of all it is harder and therefore more durable. This means this material is ideal for a high traffic kitchen. Your countertops will be able to handle your busy life. It is less easy to chip or scratch and it better resists stains and liquids. It is also not affected by common household cleaners in the same way. Engineered stone can withstand a higher pH balance and is not affected by acidic materials like natural stone is. All this makes it easier to use and care for quartz or engineered stone.
Natural stone is stone found in nature and formed by a natural processes. The most notable kinds of natural stone are granite and marble, although there are a variety of stone choices, such as quartzite, soapstone, and travertine.
Natural stone is a lot more brittle than engineered quartz. Natural stone is also naturally porpous which means it absorbs all liquids. Before bringing natural stone into your home, you have to know how to properly seal and take care of your natural stone countertops. Sealing should take place every 1-2 years, unless extreme wear and tear has taken place on the surface. It is also affected by acidic spills such as wine and juices. Any spills need to be cleaned up immediately so as not to permanently damage the stone.
An advantage of natural stone is first and foremost its beauty and its uniqueness. This is unparalleled by any man made stone. When it is properly sealed and taken care of, natural stone will last for many generations and does not need to be replaced often. Natural stone is a great investment for your home if you want to add beauty and value to your kitchen.
In conclusion, both natural stone and engineered quartz have attached to them a similar price tag. They are both very beautiful and with the proper care will last for a very long time. Engineered quartz is more suitable for a high traffic kitchen, whereas natural stone is better suited for a unique and ageless kitchen space. Both these materials offer the customer many benefits, and choosing the one that is best for you is a job for your Star Home Remodeling Design Specialist. If you want to discuss your options, make a free no-obligation consultation appointment online or call us today.
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Engineered stone, often referred to in the countertop industry as quartz, is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive. It has many different applications. In the case of counters, slabs are made from quartz crystals held together with a resin binder. Most quartz is manufactured with a ratio of about 93% crushed stone to 7% resin and pigmentation.
Engineered stone has a similar appearance to natural stone. One difference you will notice is that it is much more uniform in color and pattern. Natural stone contains variation in color, hue, and pattern because of the way the stone of formed in the earth. Because quartz is manufactured, the appearance of each slab ends up with less variation. One benefit to this is that the pieces used throughout your kitchen will match perfectly. A wider range of color is available during manufacturing through pigmentation.
Another benefit to engineered stone is that it is nonporous, unlike its natural stone counterparts. Quartz is stain resistant because there are no pores or small holes in the surface to allow liquid to seep into it and stain the stone. Unlike granite or marble, it also does not require sealing, making it a lower maintenance option for busy homeowners. Because it is nonporous, it is also antifungal and antibacterial, making it a great option for commercial applications such as restaurants and medical offices.
One drawback to engineered stone is that it is not as heat resistant as a natural stone like granite or quartzite. Because it is comprised of a mixture of stone and resin, exposure to high heat (such as a hot pan directly off the stove or out of the oven) may damage the surface of the material or weaken it, leaving it more prone to cracking. A hot pad or trivet should always be used to avoid heat damage. Care should also be taken with small appliances that generate a lot of heat like toasters, microwave ovens, and pressure cookers.
For most quartz manufacturers, using engineered stone in outdoor applications will void their warranty and so it is not recommended for use outdoors. The pigment used to create the colors will fade in the sunlight, and the resin used to bind the material will yellow with exposure to UV rays. There are currently only two quartz manufacturers that create engineered stone certified for usage outside: Caesarstone and Diresco, which both have a special resin formula for select colors that is resistant to fading and yellowing.
Overall, both natural stone and engineered stone are great options for your kitchen counters. Both are popular, come in a variety of styles, and are long lasting. While it is hard to go wrong with either choice, it&#;s a good idea to work with a professional to select the perfect countertop material to fit the rest of your kitchen design and within your budget.
If you need assistance with your kitchen or bathroom remodel, or would like to further discuss countertop options, Innovative Stone SRQ would be happy to help! Contact us today for more information!
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