Choosing the right countertop material is a big decision.
Get clear on your options:
Let's weigh the pros and cons of your two best countertop options: Natural Stone and Engineered Stone .
Let's dive in!
NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS
The PROS:
- Timeless Beauty: Natural stone countertops, such as granite, marble, and quartzite, boast unparalleled beauty and elegance. Each slab is a unique work of art created by nature, adding character and charm to any space.
- Heat Friendly and Durable: Natural stone is incredibly durable and can withstand the test of time with proper care and maintenance. While it’s generally very resistant to scratches, heat, and stains, if any repairs are required, a skilled fabricator can often repair and revive most natural stone countertops to look like new again, making them an excellent long-term choice.
- Increased Home Value: Natural stone countertops add value to your home and appeal to potential buyers. Far less likely to be impacted by passing design trends, they're seen as a luxurious and timeless addition that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.
The CONS:
- Maintenance Requirements: On occasion, natural stone countertops do require re-sealing to protect against stains and etching. While certain types of natural stone, such as marble, may be more susceptible to scratching and chipping, most granites and quartzites only require rare attention and maintenance.
- Limited Availability: Some types of natural stone may be less readily available than others, depending on it's rarity and the location it's sourced from. Mother Nature is full of change, fluctuations in stone patterns are common. If you find something you love it’s always best to secure it with a deposit!
ENGINEERED STONE "QUARTZ" COUNTERTOPS
The PROS:
- Wide Availability in Shades of White: If you are looking for a bright, white kitchen, engineered stone, (aka “quartz”) is the best product for the job. With hundreds of options available, our team can help you narrow down the best engineered stone for your project.
- Consistent Appearance: Engineered stone offers a consistent appearance with a wide range of color and pattern options. If you're aiming for a sleek, modern look, engineered stone may be a great choice.
- Durability: Engineered stone is resistant to scratches, and most stains.
- Low Maintenance: This resin-based material is non-porous, making them easy to clean and maintain. They don’t need to be sealed, simply wipe them down with a mild detergent and water.
The CONS:
- Susceptible to Heat Damage: Despite its durability, engineered stone can be damaged by excessive heat. It's essential to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from hot pans, pots, and all electrical countertop appliances that generate heat such as Air Fryers, InstaPots, and heated Hair-Styling irons.
- Prone to Discoloration: Before selecting engineered stone, you’ll want to ensure the windows in your home are UV blocking since engineered stone can be susceptible to discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight over time.
- Seam Settling: Overtime, your home may “settle” causing your cabinets to shift, which in turn can cause discrepancies in countertops seams. Most manufacturers warranties are limited and prevent fabricators from polishing the surface of engineered countertops since this disrupts the factory surface and durability of the stone, so these discrepancies can be difficult to repair/correct.
- Safety: Engineered stone has recently been under scrutiny in the press due to fabricators failing to adhere to industry regulated safety measures. Umpqua Stone Co takes every precaution when fabricating and installing engineered stone to protect our craftsman and customers to the highest level possible.
Many customers are surprised to find that that natural stone countertops are not competitively priced with engineered stone. Both offer unique advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, the choice usually comes down to "look" and "lifestyle."
If you prioritize consistency, zero maintenance, engineered stone may be the way to go. If you crave the organic allure of a one-of-a-kind piece of nature, you'll likely reach for a unique slab of marble, granite, soapstone, or quartzite.
Whatever you choose, rest assured that you're investing in a quality countertop that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your home for years to come!