If you aren’t a countertop connoisseur, it’s difficult to differentiate between natural and engineered stone counters. Both types are well liked and can add value to your kitchen in a number of ways, but still people are left with the dilemma of which is the better decision.
Natural Stone
For some, natural stones are the best stone countertops because they are sourced from the earth. This type of countertop material is known for its inherent luxurious look—and since it’s created by Mother Nature, it’s free of any synthetic materials.
Here are the pros of natural stone:
It’s unique. As we said, natural stone is created by the earth. That means no two slabs are exactly alike.
It adds value. Natural stone counters add value in the way of aesthetics and the resale value of your home. Natural stone countertops are enticing for buyers looking to make a worthwhile investment.
It’s durable. While varying types of natural stone have varying degrees of durability, it’s known to be a quite hardy material.
Cons of natural stone:
It’s heavy. Since the slabs are so heavy, they typically require professional installation. Some homeowners don’t want to spend money on that, nor do they want to spend money on reinforcing their lower cabinets.
It must be sealed. Not all natural stones are porous, but most are—and that means they need to be sealed in order to be protected from liquid damage and other types of wear.
They may crack. Natural stones are less flexible and therefore more likely to crack than engineered stones.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone counters are made of a composite material of finely crushed stone mixed with additives called polymers and resins. These additives bind the particles together to create a nonporous surface.
Pros of engineered stone:
It’s uniform. The look of engineered stone counters can be controlled, which makes for a more uniform appearance.
It’s affordable. If you’re looking for the look of natural stone without the hefty price tag, engineered stone will serve you well.
It’s eco-friendly. Engineered stone counters are often made with materials that would otherwise be wasted. Instead of quarrying a finite resource from the earth in the way natural stone is collected, engineered stone is synthetic and made on demand.
Cons of engineered stone:
It’s less heat resistant. Engineered stone is by no means weak against heat, but it doesn’t have the same level of resistance as natural stone does.
It’s uniform. While some people love engineered stone’s uniformity, others see it as a downfall because they like the unpredictable nature of natural stone.
Judging the Differences
Now that you know the differences between natural and engineered stones, it’s time to decide between the two best stone countertops which is right for you. For help making this decision, be sure to reach out to Affordable Quality Marble & Granite.
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