Durable Engineered Stone Countertops

Learn which countertop options are the most durable and the pros and cons associated with each.

Durable engineered stone countertops.

Quartz is an engineered stone that is made by combining around 90 percent ground quartz mineral with roughly 10 percent polymer resin. The non porous surface is easy to maintain and heat resistant too. Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean and it is considerably less expensive than natural stone quartz or solid surface countertops especially for diyers willing to do their own work. As we all know engineered stone is made from 90 percent quartz and the rest is resins and polymer.

They have a similar appearance to natural stone but they possess benefits not. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns quartz typically ranks close in popularity to the perennial top choice. This is not an easy decision because the distinction between the two countertop materials isn t apparent. Like natural granite engineered granite is extremely durable and is heat and scratch resistant but its engineered characteristics take it a few steps further.

Unlike natural stone countertops that are cut from pure granite marble or sandstone engineered stone counters are made from quartz crystals held together with a resin binder. Granite on the other hand is a natural stone. Early versions of engineered stone suffered from a limited color palette and patterns but modern offerings are much broader. The natural stone crystals are blended and heated to create the surface of the engineered stone.

Strong durable and attractive engineered stone is very consistent in look and pattern. Recent innovations in porcelain tiles offer many more design options than ever before including tiles that look like wood marble or even leather or cork. Unlike natural stone these surfaces are designed specifically for use as countertops which makes them superior to stone in several ways. Quartz engineered stone vs.

Call now for assistance. Although we ve focused thus far on natural stone countertops no best of list would be complete without giving mention to engineered stone surfaces as well. Engineered stone vs granite. After all quartz and granite are each loudly touted by their respective manufacturers as being purely natural straight.

In your eagerness to choose a countertop for your kitchen or bath you have narrowed it down to two materials. Practically maintenance free engineered quartz countertops are stain acid scratch heat and impact resistant and thanks to their non porous surface don t need to be sealed like natural stone countertops. Common brand names include zodiaq silestone cambria and caesarstone. It is best to use for high end projects.

Engineered stone quartz porcelain. What are its primary characteristics.