[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Engineered stone is an alternative to natural stone that is made by crushing materials such as quartz and marble, and then binding them together with a polymer resin. Engineered stone addresses some of the shortcomings of natural stone, and is wonderful option for flooring and counter tops. Here’s what you should know about this affordable and attractive material.
Benefits of Engineered Stone
- Easy Maintenance and High Durability: Engineered stone is relatively easy to maintain. It is resistant to heat, making it great for counter tops in the kitchen. It is manufactured by bonding crushed stones together. The finished product is just as hard as granite and won’t easily crack under pressure, which is why it is just fantastic for flooring.
- Non-Porous: Because it is bound tightly by a polymer resin, engineered stone is non-porous. making it hard for flaws such as cracks to develop. It also does not easily develop mold. It is therefore beneficial for areas in the house that are often subjected to moisture like bathroom floors and kitchen counter tops.
- Attractive: Another reason people opt for engineered stone is because it is very attractive. Since the stone is man-made, its patterns are designed to be more uniform than other types of natural stones like granite and marble. You can also find a wide range of hues from dark tones to bright colored patterns.
- Easy to Clean: It does not easily get stained like some of its natural stone counterparts. It is less porous than natural stone and therefore does not absorb liquids. You can easily clean any type of stains which is something that cannot be said of some of the natural stone products available in the market. Natural stone often does not have a sealant making it susceptible to getting stained, especially when used in the kitchen or bathroom.
Cons of Engineered Stone
Despite all the great qualities that make it an ideal choice for flooring and counter tops, it has a few shortcomings.
Sensitive to Chemicals: Most of the products made of quartz are known to be particularly sensitive to chemicals which are found in some of household cleaning products. Very acidic and alkaline chemicals can damage the stone.
Aesthetic Quality: The advantage of engineered stone is that it has more uniform patterns and colors. This can be an advantage as well as a disadvantage to some. Some people prefer the natural look of granite and marble. Furthermore, some engineered stone products have visible seams which may not be very appealing to some homeowners.
Installation: Since it is made from crushed stone bound together by a resin, engineered stone can be heavier than natural stone. This makes installation more complicated. It therefore needs a lot of support underneath whether it is being used for counter tops or for flooring.
Cost of Engineered Stone
The cost of engineered stone products ranges from $100 to $200 per square-foot. You may require an expert to do the installation for you since the material can be quite heavy. It is slightly less expensive per square-foot compared to marble and granite.
Interested in how engineered stone looks and feels? Schedule an in-home consultation with Windows, Floors & Decor. A flooring expert will bring samples to your home so you can see what it’s like for yourself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vcex_button css_animation=”bounceIn” url=”https://www.windowsfloorsdecor.com/contact/appointment/” size=”large”]Schedule a consultation today![/vcex_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]