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10 Things You Don’t To Know About Engineered Stone Countertops

10 Things You Don’t To Know About Engineered Stone Countertops

Engineered stone countertops are made from quartz and flexible resins. This gives them strength of granite countertops. However, they have a better impact resistance. If you are planning to choose these countertops for your island, here are some things you should know about them:

What Is Engineered Stone?

Engineered quartz is different from Quartzite.  It is a manmade stone created from a combination of natural materials. However, it is 90 to 94% quartz and the rest is pigments and resins. Thanks to the strength of quartz, this stone is naturally resistant to scratches, dents, abrasions, and acids.

They Are Easy to Maintain

Engineered stone is easy to maintain. Since it is non-porous, water or bacteria cannot pass through it. As mentioned above, it is heat and scratch resistant, you won’t have to do any extra effort to ensure it lasts longer.

For daily cleaning, simply use warm water and soap. Don’t use abrasive cleaners as they can make the surface of the countertops dull. Hone surfaces like these often show more fingerprints so you might have to frequently clean the surface.

They Are Eco-Friendly

Engineered stone countertops are eco-friendly because they are produced from recycled waste products mixed with quartz, polymer, and resins. Plus, less energy is required for their manufacturing.

Engineered stone is not just a great fit for countertops, it can also be used in floors, walls, and backsplashes. It is hard, non-abrasive, non-reactive to acids and non-porous. It is made from natural stone so it is heavy and hence it is not suitable for outdoor applications.

The Stone Can Be Manufactured Anywhere

Engineered stone as we all know is majorly made from quartz. As it is man-made, it can be easily manufactured anywhere. That is why it is abundantly available almost everywhere. However, its quality may vary from one country to another.

They are Not Great When it Comes to Resisting Heat

Engineered stones can bear temperature below 300 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they are not good at resisting heat because they contain plastic and resin. Natural stones like marble or granite, on the other hand, are better when it comes to their heat resistant quality.  You might want to consult your quartz countertop contractors before installing them in your kitchen.

The Stone is Easy to Customize

Engineered stone countertops are extremely easy to customize. Your quartz countertop contractors will be ready to entertain most of your customization needs. Other natural stones are hard to connect from the corners and edges. This stone can be produced in any shape, size or design.  It is also available in patterns and colors that are a copy of marble and granite.

Popular Brands of Engineered Stone

Popular brands that produce engineered stones include Cambria, Icestone, Silestone etc. They use almost the same manufacturing technology. The biggest producers of quartz countertop contractors are Israel, Spain, and Italy. The only brand that produces engineered stone countertops in the United States is Cambria. The rest of the quartz countertop contractors Raleigh NC use imported stones.

Cost of Engineered Stone

Engineered countertops are affordable as compared to natural stone countertops. It can cost you between $70 and $ 120 per sq ft. The price may vary depending on the location, configuration, and pattern you choose. It is going to be an affordable choice for kitchen countertops since they have the ability to last for a long time and their maintenance is pretty easy.

It Is Known for Its Anti-Microbial Properties

Engineered countertops are great because you don’t have to give them special treatment for preventing the microbial growth. That’s why they are also recommended for vanity.

Engineered stone has lots of benefits over natural stone. Natural stone is natural, which is why some people prefer it but it’s all the matter of personal taste. Engineered stone is uniform whereas natural stone is irregular. If you are looking for countertops that need less maintenance, engineered stone countertops are the best. You can either choose the imported stones or the ones manufactured in your country. Keep in mind the price and quality will vary. Since they are available in a variety of colors and patterns, you can customize your kitchen according to your personal taste even better.

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