IN THIS POST
– Natural Stones
– Engineered Stones
– Which One to Buy?
Whether you are renovating your kitchen or remodelling your entire home, the type of material you choose for your countertops and floors can make or break the entire project. The biggest conundrum most homeowners face in this regard is deciding between natural vs engineered stones. Considering the countertops and floors and the highlights of any home, it is important to have all the facts handy so you can reach an informed decision.
There are quite a few differences between natural vs engineered stone, with the core difference being their source. While natural stones are cut from slabs of stones found in quarries deep in the earth, engineered stones are a composite material comprising crushed natural stone and polymer resin or cement mix.
The debate between natural vs engineered stone really comes down to one point: which of these materials best fit your home décor, theme and budget? You also need to make sure the type of stone you choose for the countertops and floors is durable enough to endure your daily use.
Let’s take a look at the types as well as pros and cons of natural stone vs engineered stones.
Natural Stones
As the name suggests, natural stones exist in nature. They are created as a result of various minerals and molten lava rock fusing together over a certain period of time, giving each stone its distinct texture and pattern. The colour of the natural stones, on the other hand, highly depend on where they were quarried.
If you are looking for a premium countertop or flooring material that will make your home look high-end and luxurious, then you might want to choose natural stone for your renovation project.
However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages associated with natural stones. For example, natural stones have unique patterns and designs that ensure no two stones look alike, which can be its drawback in some cases. However, they are also very hard, resilient and long-lasting.
Types of Natural Stones
Here are some of the most popular types of natural stones used for kitchen and bathroom countertops along with the floors.
- Marble
- Granite
- Slate
- Quartzite
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Serpentine
- Soapstone
You can find out more about types or marble floorings and their rates in our detailed guide on the topic.
Pros of Installing Natural Stones
These are some of the most noteworthy benefits of installing natural stones in your home:
- They are available in beautiful variations, which means each two pieces has its own distinct pattern and hues, adding to its aesthetic
- Natural stone tiles and slabs outlive most other materials, including laminates and wood
- This material is durable, solid and hardwearing. You won’t have to replace them for at least a couple of decades
- You can cut natural stone in whichever shape and style you like
- Natural stones complement almost every home décor theme and go with a variety of different materials, including stainless steel and others
- These types of stones have a smooth and cold surface
- Natural stone slabs and floorings are easy to clean and maintain
Cons of Installing Natural Stones
Here are some of the major disadvantages of installing natural stones in kitchens, bathrooms and other parts of the house.
- If you ever need to replace a floor tile or a part of your countertop, there is no way to find an exact match for the existing stones. This stands particularly true for granite and marble
- Natural stones are relatively pricey. Moreover, you need to hire an expert to install them
- These types of stones may be easy to clean, but you need to seal their surface regularly to keep them looking spotless and shiny
- Most natural stones are very porous, which makes them susceptible to staining and discolouration
- Repairing chipped stone can be rather difficult. In some case, it may even be impossible
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is a man-made alternative for natural stone and is created in factories. They comprise both natural elements (ground natural stone) and artificial elements (adhesives such as polymer resins and pigments). Engineered stones are quickly gaining popularity among homeowners for their uniform colouration, durability, and budget-friendly options.
Unlike natural stones, the engineered stone tiles and slabs are available in a wide variety of hues with even pigmentation and uniform pattern. They are also seamed and uniform in thickness.
If you are a fan of modern and chic décor with lavish solid-colour surfaces crisp lines, you should consider sprucing up your home with engineered stone. However, make sure to study the pros and cons of engineered stones before reaching a final decision.
Types of Engineered Stones
So what are some of the most popular types of engineered stones available in the market? Let’s find out.
- Quartz
- Engineered marble
- Caesarstone
- Cambria
- Concetto
- Silestone
- Icestone
In case you are surprised to see quartz mentioned in the list of engineered stones, the truth is that quartz countertops available in the market are actually made from ground-up particles of stone bound together with space-age plastic resins. Sure, they have a certain percentage of quartz, but the rest include cement-based or polymer binders, crushed up granite and marble, along with recycled waste such as ceramic, glass, silica and mirror, among others.
Pros of Installing Engineered Stone
These are the major pros of installing engineered stone in your home
- Engineered stone tiles and slabs are customizable
- You can buy this material in a wide range of colours and designs, with added features such as shiny glass particles embedded under the surface
- If you ever need to replace a piece of your countertop or a floor tile, you can easily purchase its replacement from the market
- Generally, engineered stone is not very porous, which makes it impervious to stains and discolouration
- Engineered stone is easy to clean and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance
- They’re less expensive but just as durable than the natural stones
- Some engineered stones are even harder than the natural ones
Cons of Installing Engineered Stone
Here are the biggest disadvantages of installing engineered stones in your home
- These types of stones are not easy to shape. So, if your kitchen or bathroom counter has a lot of curves, bends and other design elements, installing engineered stone might be a little challenging
- Engineered stones do not have any distinctive features like marble and granite, which do not have two similar-looking pieces
- Installing engineered stone slabs and tiles may be tricky, so you will need to hire a professional for the process
Natural vs Engineered Stone: Which One Should You Buy?
Your decision to buy natural vs engineered stone depends on three main things: durability, aesthetics and budget.
When it comes to strength and durability, both natural stone and engineered stone are on the same level. That means neither of them has an advantage over the other on this front. As far as maintenance is concerned, you need to make sure to clean their surfaces using mild cleaning solutions and avoid harsh chemicals.
In terms of aesthetics, both natural stone and engineered stone have their own distinctive looks. While natural stones have unique patterns, hues and flaws, engineered slabs have uniform colours and can be found in a variety of shades and designs.
However, on the budget front, engineered stones tend to be slightly less expensive than the natural ones.
So, what are your thoughts on installing natural vs engineered stones in your house? Let us know your thoughts and comments by dropping us an email on blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, here are some of our similar guides that you might find helpful:
- The best options for kitchen countertops
- How to determine the quality of marble and ceramic tiles
- Choosing the best tiles for each room in your home
- Types of flooring tiles in Pakistan and their prices
For more information on different types of building materials, stay tuned to Zameen Blog – the top construction and property blog in Pakistan.
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