Whenever you think about remodeling your house or renovating the kitchen, the primary decision is the choice of appropriate material. Knowing the best fit for your kitchen countertops or even the floor is inevitable. A wrong choice can kill the entire look and makes the efforts go waste. Most people are unaware of the diverse variety of stones available as kitchen countertops or flooring material. That is why they fail to pick the most suitable type of stone for their homes.
To make your house modeling procedures effortless and up to the mark, we have developed a detailed guide regarding the choice of stones. There are two main kinds of stones, i.e., Engineered stones and Natural Stones. Both come with distinct features along with noteworthy pros and cons.
The following guide will give you enough insight to choose the perfect type of stone according to your requirements and needs.
Natural Stones:
The name pretty much describes the definition of naturally occurring stones. These stones are not manufactured artificially. Rather they exist in the same high-end forms naturally. Natural stones are formed due to the fusion of various minerals and molten lava rocks that give them tons of varying textures, designs, and colors. These stones come in an endless range of intricate patterns and colors due to the natural fusion of different earthy materials. The color of natural stones gives a fascinating indication of their origin and composition.
Hot-Selling Types Of Natural Stones:
Many people choose natural stones for their kitchen countertops and flooring material due to their premium and unique look. However, you may ponder the underlying advantages and disadvantages before picking the type of stone for remodeling and renovating.
Advantages Of Natural Stones:
Unmatched Patterns: Natural stones are popular due to the variety of stunning colors, patterns, and textures. Each type of natural stone comes in a distinct design, and it is nearly impossible to find two similar natural stones. This adds to the uniqueness of these kinds of stones.
Durable:
When it comes to using natural stones as kitchen countertops, these are durable and can outlive other common materials such as wood. Once you install natural stones as kitchen countertops, you can rest assured about the durability and long-lasting functionality these stones provide.
Easy To Maintain:
The main factor that gives natural stones an edge over other remodeling materials is their low maintenance. As much as natural stones are easy to install, these are also easy to maintain. Hence, natural stones are the unbeatable choice if you want to put yourself at ease with an easy-to-clean and maintain countertop.
Complement All Themes:
Natural stones come with various patterns and designs to choose from. That is why these stones complement all themes and are timeless in their look. These can be cut easily, which makes it possible to mix and match a couple of materials to design aesthetic slabs or floorings.
Disadvantages Of Natural Stones:
Difficult To Find The Exact Match:
If any part of your kitchen or bathroom countertop gets broken, you may need to replace it with the same kind of stone. But when the slabs are made of natural stones, it is an impossible task to find the exact match as a replacement. This makes natural stones a risky choice.
Stains And Marks:
Due to the naturally occurring porous texture, these stones are easy targets for discoloration. The porous material can get stained, which gives a filthy look.
Costly:
Natural stone slabs or countertops are relatively expensive compared to other materials. It requires high-end expertise to install natural stone countertops or floorings; thus, the process can be hard on your pocket.
Engineered Stones:
These are the artificial alternatives for naturally occurring stones. Engineered stones are natural ground stones fused with artificial resins, pigments, etc. Over the years, engineered stones have gained immense popularity due to the easy access and uniformity of textures and colors. These are easy to find and prove a convenient option for constructing slabs and floorings.
They are man-made and can provide instant elegance to your home due to their modern look. So, if you are someone who wants to create a statement look for the kitchen of home flooring, engineered stones are a good option.
Some commonly used engineered stone types are:
- Quartz
- Silestone
- Concetto
- Icestone
Nevertheless, these stones also have pros and cons, and it is important to know your requirements before choosing the type of material.
Below is a detailed description of the advantages and distance of engineered stones:
Advantages Of Engineered Stones:
- Easy Replacement:
Engineered stones provide an easy replacement option due to their man-made composition. If any part of your bathroom slab, kitchen countertop, or flooring is cracked, you can find a similar replacement easily.
- Uniformity:
These are uniform in colors and patterns, as all of them are created with similar techniques. So if you want a uniform theme in your home, engineered stones are a wise choice.
- Customization:
Many eye-catching options are available for choosing your favorite type of Engineered Stone. You can customize them according to your preferences and liking. The color, pattern, and texture can be modified exactly as per your needs. This makes engineered stones a desirable material for remodeling and renovations.
- Not Susceptible To Discolouration:
The texture of engineered stones is generally smooth, and the surfaces are even. That is why there are not any prominent pores visible on engineered stones. This makes them resilient to discoloration and staining.
- Budget-friendly:
Engineered stones are relatively less expensive than natural stones and can be easy on your budget. If you search for reasonable options for renovation materials, engineered stones will do the job well.
Disadvantages Of Engineered Stones:
- Less Durable:
Engineered stones are less durable as compared to naturally occurring stones. These are prone to damage and can not serve well on a long-term basis. So they might cause a bit of hassle when it comes to durability.
- Complicated To Install:
Due to the uneven surfaces and artificial composition, the engineered stones are difficult to install. If the surface has edges and curves, it might be a bit complicated to efficiently adjust engineered stones there. Unprofessional workers can mess up the surface as well as the stones if they are not installed properly.
- Less Variety Of Distinct Patterns:
Engineered stones do not have a versatile range of patterns and designs. Most stones might appear similar and have few distinguishing features. So if you want variations, engineered stones might not be the best for you.
Conclusion:
The debate on choosing the best kind of stone for remodeling and renovations narrows down to the stance of personal preferences and requirements. When choosing between natural or engineered stones, many factors need to be considered mindfully. The right choice is possible only by careful consideration of the needs of your place and your liking.
Also Read: Where to use stone beyond countertops?
