There are many reasons to update the look of your counters: maybe you have just purchased a new home, you're attempting to raise the property value for resale, or possibly just want to refresh the look of your current home. The choice of whether to use natural or engineered stone is one of the hardest to make as they both look stunning. Which do you choose? Read on to find out about the properties of these stones and how they might work best for you.
Scratching, Stains, and Maintenance
Natural Stone is prone to chipping and staining based on mineral clumps contained in the slab. It must be sealed at least once per year.
Engineered Stone is a uniform material throughout and less likely to chip. It does not require sealing.
Chipped natural stone photo courtesy of: https://elitestoneandtilecare.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/chipped-granite-countertop-650x400.jpg
Heat Resistance
Natural Stone is forged in heat and is safe in ranges up to 350 or 400 degrees.
Engineered Stone is coated with a heat-sensitive resin. Any contact with hot items can cause scorching, melting, or blackening.
Scorched quartz photo courtesy of: https://usenaturalstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/burned-quartz.jpg
Color Options and Variety
Natural Stone comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Even within one stone color, slabs often greatly differ. Pius recommends selecting the actual stone you will be using for your installation to guarantee the best match.
Pius natural stone Venato Oriental
Engineered Stone can be manufactured in any color, but most typically comes in white and grey due to popular demand. Slabs are typically very similar.
Pius engineered stone Bianco Carrara
Chemical Resistance
Neither Natural Stone nor Engineered Stone should be exposed to harsh chemicals.
Engineered Stone can permanently alter color if exposed too long to higher acidity materials, including some standard cleaners and lemon juice.
Stained quartz photo courtesy of: https://www.countertopspecialty.com/images/quartz-countertops-stain-from-oven-cleaner-ttl-675-min.jpg?ezimgfmt=rs:382x237/rscb45/ngcb45/notWebP
Outdoor Use
Natural Stone does well in outdoor environments with proper sealing.
Engineered Stone is never recommended for outdoor installations because it needs a more stable environment or may fracture.
Fractured quartz photo courtesy of: https://i.stack.imgur.com/6P0Cz.jpg
Appliances, Sinks, and Inserts
Pius Bright White quartz with a rounded apron front sink.
Stone type is irrelevant with regard to type of sink, type of appliances, or any other countertop insert. These items can work with both Natural and Engineered Stones.