Engineered Quartz vs Natural Stone
Elba Marble in Lumiere Collective, A boutique clothing store in Adelaide.
An old debate surrounding decorative surfaces, is whether engineered stone is in fact a reasonable substitute for traditional natural stone products.
In the context of a household surface, the term natural stone characterises granite and marble, both of which have long been used for various applications in homes. Quartz also utilises the natural form of the mineral to create a slightly more durable product to be used in high traffic area such as a kitchen.
Perhaps the most defining feature of natural stone surfaces is their look. Natural stone is very aesthetic and the colour and finish cannot be matched by any other man made surface. Every slab of any given mineral will be entirely unique due to its natural form, and the vein pattern you use will not be consistent across sheets.
However, Quartz also offers a vast array of colours and finishes due to the pigment being combined with the materials during the manufacturing process. This could be styles where the natural look of marble or granite is in fact mimicked, or something more bold and basic — the possibilities are near endless.
Because of the natural composition of some natural stone surfaces they require a separate sealing process which must be reapplied throughout it’s lifespan. This is to ensure that the surface remains no porous and resistant to abrasions. The quartz surfaces are made with a resin which makes them non porous in its manufacturing process, unlike natural stone which is quite susceptible to liquid if not maintained correctly.
Caesarstone Cosmopolitain White engineered stone surface at Kitchenext Adelaide.
A defining difference is the strength. Quartz is extremely hard and does not scratch or break easily, however marble and granite can easily crack from a strong impact. Price is also a contributing factor.
BUT it is important to note that both surfaces have heat resistant qualities, with natural stone having UV resistant qualities (depending on the type) and both surfaces being able to withstand contact heat such as a hot pan.
Due to the incredible look of natural stone the price is higher than most other surfaces. In an attempt to be a cost effective alternative, many companies have designed compact surfaces which have a natural vein or finish similar to patterns found in natural stone. These surfaces also house the resistant attributes sealed stone and engineered stone have.
The choice may seem obvious but for aesthetic purposes it is hard to go past natural stone. Let us know what decision you would make?
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