Whether you are redesigning a kitchen or remodelling an entire home, the type of material you choose for your kitchen countertops, shower trays and floors will set the tone for the entire project. A key decision is choosing between natural or engineered stone. This will often come down to cost, practicality, longevity, and a designer's personal preference.
Engineered stone has come a long way in the past few years, often requiring a double take even for the trained eye. Understanding the facts about each stone type will not only help you make better decisions for the project, but help you impress your client. Now more than ever, clients and homeowners are better versed in engineered and natural materials, and are able to distinguish between natural quartz, silestone, limestone and porcelain with a glance. With this in mind, it is important to be well acquainted in these materials, and how to use them.
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Let’s start by defining the differences between the two stones, then dive into the pros and cons of each.
What is natural stone?
As the name suggests, natural stones exist in nature. They are created as a result of various minerals and molten lava fusing together over time, giving each stone its own distinct texture and pattern. The colour of natural stones depends highly on where they were quarried.
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What are the pros of natural stone?
Natural stone offers a wide variety of options, unique beauty, exceptional durability, endless customization, effortless maintenance, and timeless elegance.
- There are endless options available so you are sure to find the right stone for your project
- No two slabs are the same, so each piece of marble in your project is unique;
- Natural stone tiles and slabs outlive most other materials;
- This material is durable, solid and hardwearing;
- You can cut and carve natural stone into any shape ;
- Natural stone slabs and floorings are easy to clean and maintain; and
- Nothing screams luxury like marble.
What are the cons of natural stone?
Natural stone can be difficult to match, is more costly than engineered stone, requires regular maintenance, is prone to staining, and chipped stone can be challenging to repair.
- 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 is particularly true for granite and marble;
- Natural stones are more expensive than engineered stone;
- They require ongoing maintenance and annual sealing;
- Most natural stones are very porous, which makes them susceptible to staining and discolouration; and
- Repairing chipped stone can be rather difficult or even impossible, in some cases.
What is 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). While engineered stone is a very popular option in North America, the Australian government has banned its use in most jurisdictions (which will take place in July 2024).
Engineered stones are quickly gaining popularity 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.
What are the pros of engineered stone?
Engineered stone offers customizable design, extensive color options, seamless replacement, stain resistance, effortless maintenance, affordability, comparable durability, and exceptional hardness.
- Engineered stone tiles and slabs are customizable in design and size;
- You can buy this material in a wide range of colours and designs;
- If you ever need to replace a piece of your countertop or a floor tile, you can easily purchase its replacement from the market as long as it’s from the same batch;
- Engineered stone is not porous, which makes it impervious to stains and discolouration;
- Engineered stone is easy to clean and is generally considered low maintenance;
- It is more affordable and just as durable as marble; and
- Some engineered stones are even harder than the natural ones.
What are the cons of engineered stone?
Engineered stone isn't well-suited for curved surfaces, lacks unique characteristics, is prone to chipping, and its dust can cause health issues.
- Engineered stone is not easy to shape, so are not ideal for curved surfaces;
- Engineered stones do not have any unique characteristics, so designs tend to look more uniform; and
- Engineered tiles are prone to chipping if the edges aren’t installed correctly.
- Engineered stone dust has been linked to serious long-term damage, including breathing difficulties, lung cancer and silicosis (scarring of the lungs)
When selecting the material for your countertops, splashbacks, walls, or floor, you should opt for one that will add a beautiful finish to your design and meet the clients' requirements. As you can see both natural and engineered stone products are beautiful, so it’s important to consider the usability, budget, and overall design aesthetic you’re going for.
If you're deciding between natural stone and porcelain, we have an article for you.
For more information...
Check out Stone Federation UK. They are friends of Portaire (you can read our article on the benefits of natural stone), and the top experts of natural and engineered stone in the industry. You can reach out to them on their contact us page.
