When choosing a material for countertops, engineered stone is perhaps one of the top choices for many reasons. Among these reasons is that this type of stone is environmentally friendly, low-maintenance, and is an excellent alternative to natural stone. This stone has come a long way, yet not everyone’s eyes are trained to recognise it.
If you want to learn more about engineered stones, you have found the right guide. Here, we will discuss more on engineered stones, their pros and cons, types, and the reasons why having an engineered stone for your home’s surfaces is worth it.
What Is Engineered Stone?
Also known as an alternative for natural stone, engineered stones possess both natural and artificial elements. From the term itself, engineered stone can make up for the shortcomings of natural stones. They are known for being affordable and durable and having uniform colours, uniformed thickness, and multiple hue variations compared to natural stones.
It usually comprises 90 to 95% crushed quartz with a binder of polymer resin, and the rest is made of other materials, such as shells, mirrors, and metals. But there is a new form of engineered stone that is made up of 30% vinyl and 70% ceramic.
Engineered stones are used in the same applications that natural stones are used for, but this material is more commonly used for bathroom and kitchen surfaces, particularly backsplashes, flooring, countertops, and benchtops.
Types of Engineered Stones
Here are some of the options available for you if you want to opt for engineered stone surfaces:
1. Caesarstone
It’s a no-brainer to choose Caesarstone right away if the costs of natural stones such as granite and marble are too hefty for you. Made of 95% crushed quartz, this type of engineered stone makes an excellent alternative, especially that quartz, as a material, is resistant to scratches and stains.
2. Essastone
You can elevate your kitchen or bathroom’s look by using Essastone for your surface’s material. It comes with sophisticated patterns and palettes, giving you a variety of options to choose from. Because of its 95% natural quartz composition, Essastone is undeniably durable and hard, meaning it can withstand scratches, dents, and heat. And just like any other engineered stone type, Essastone has low maintenance needs.
3. Lithostone
If you want what everyone is having for their surfaces, then Lithostone is the name. With minimal upkeep, durability, and guaranteed longevity, you can be assured that you will be making the right choice if you choose this engineered stone. It is comprised of 90% quartz and is engineered to have a smooth and non-porous finish. And because of that, any surface that uses Lithostone will always like new to the untrained eye.
4. Quantum Quartz
Maintaining surfaces, such as tiles for bathroom and kitchen floorings, made out of real stones can be tiresome and costly. Your home still has other areas that need upkeep, so why stress when you can opt for an engineered stone, such as Quantum Quartz? It has 93% natural quartz, while the rest of its composition are bonding and pigments that make this stone unique. And get this: it has lesser upkeep needs and is sanitary.
Pros of Engineered Stone
Here are the pros that come with engineered stones:
1. Durable
Quartz is undeniably one of the world’s durable natural stones. And with it having the most percentage in an engineered stone composition, along with developed resin, you can be assured that engineered stones are durable. It is durable enough that even if you use it for various surfaces, you will witness its resistance to heat, scratches, cracks, and more.
2. Resistant
Engineered stones are definitely way better than natural stones when it comes to resistance against scratches, stains, and heat. This makes them the perfect materials used for kitchen where these external factors are inevitable. So, even if you accidentally place a pot or pan that is fresh from the stove or pour vinegar down, you don’t have to worry because engineered stones can take and withstand it.
3. Wide Range of Options
Engineered stone’s adaptability allows it to blend seamlessly into the design and decour of your house or project. It comes in a vast range and selection of colours, patterns, and designs. And if you want the patterns of marble and granite, an engineered stone can combine the best of both worlds as there are some that mimic the natural appearance of real stones.
4. Fewer Maintenance Needs
Engineered stone benchtops require very little upkeep. Unlike conventional benchtop materials like marble and granite, they do not need frequent resealing to look new. All there is left for you to do is simply and regularly clean them with standard kitchen or bathroom supplies.
5. Affordability
Engineered stone is often less expensive than natural stones. When you consider the lack of continuing maintenance expenses and the peace of mind that comes with a lengthy warranty, engineered stone benchtops become a very appealing investment choice.
Cons of Engineered Stone
Just like natural stones, engineered stones also come with disadvantages. However, the cons will depend on one’s preference. So, if you prefer the beauty of imperfections and irregularities brought about by natural stone and want character, engineered stones may not be the best choice for you because, as mentioned, it offers uniform colours and variations.
Although it is also mentioned that you won’t have to worry about heat, you should not forget that engineered stones are also comprised of resin, which is plastic. Hence, it is not wholly heat-resistant. And if it is exposed to high temperatures, it can get discolouration issues.
Turn to Stone Interiors for Your Engineered Stone Installation Needs
If you are looking for a Melbourne stonemason company you can entrust with your domestic or commercial projects, Stone Interiors is the name you can rely on. We manufacture and install countertops, benchtops, and other kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
For your manufactured stone benchtop needs and quick and cost-effective stone benchtop installations, get a quote for your project from us by calling 0422 448 494 today!