Bathroom and kitchen surfaces
Many people have a hard time deciding between natural stone and engineered stone for their bathroom and kitchen surfaces. This is quite understandable given the numerous advantages and disadvantages provided by each material. Further complicating matters is the fact that today’s stone market offers a plethora of choice, both in natural stones and the engineered variety.
We are not here to tell you which is the best choice. In fact, there is no right answer here because of the many variables at play; when choosing which route to take, each individual homeowner will have a different set of preferences and particular circumstances that influence his or her decision.
What we WILL do today is talk a bit about the many Engineered Stones available in the market. Products such as Quantum Quartz Stone, Caesarstone, Smartstone, Silestone, etc.
Natural stone, as a means of constructing interior surfaces, is one of the oldest, most beautiful and luxurious materials in the world of architecture and design.
Just what is engineered stone?
Engineered stone is manufactured by combining natural stone chips, various fillings and polyester resins into a solid agglomerate.
It is a great material for the construction of kitchen bars, kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities and other surfaces. Some designers even choose to incorporate engineered stone into window sills, walls, and floors. No matter what your project is, Quantum Quartz Stone, Caesarstone, Silestone, and Smartstone can provide you with the specific qualities you are looking for.
With the latest technologies, engineered stone manufacturers can imbue their products a great variety. Engineered stone is easy to shape and comes in a dizzying array of colours, tones, and shades. Engineered stone can be a single colour, have a granular pattern, have a mirror shine, a matte finish, etc. Therefore, from a design perspective, engineered stone gives an unparalleled sense of creative and artistic freedom.
Engineered stone is also very resistant to scratches, cracks, and other types of damage and, if properly taken care of, can last for many years. These qualities make engineered stone a solid option for kitchen countertops. The ability to quickly clean any dirt, soot and stains from the surface makes this material a highly popular choice for vanity tops.
Are there any downsides to engineered stone?
To be fair, those who ascribe to the school of Ecodesign might want to steer clear of engineered stone because it is, after all, artificial. Designers who value uniqueness will almost always opt for the diverse variety of natural stone. Additionally, the industrial manufacturing process behind engineered stone products makes it difficult to include in traditional rural or rustic designs.