As you’ve likely realized, engineered stone has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking a durable countertop material in both residential and commercial applications. By having a better understanding of what an engineered stone is, as well as its many benefits when used as a countertop material, designers and homeowners alike can make educated decisions regarding their building and remodeling needs.
With engineered stone, "slabs" are made from small pieces of quartz that are bonded together using a special resin and pigments. The result is a unique look that both residential and commercial clients love. And since different manufacturers mix their pigments, resin, and quartz at different percentages, no two pieces look the same from one manufacturer to the next.
When used as a kitchen countertop material, there are several unique advantages that engineered stone offers. Quartz is one of the most popular engineered stone options on the market, so let's focus on the many benefits it affords.
There are many brands and styles of quartz available, so no two slabs will look exactly the same across different manufacturers. And while quartz isn't "made to order," it is designed with today's top design trends in mind, and quartz manufacturers are able to mix in the pigments they need to achieve the exact color they desire to put on the market. With so many colors and styles available, homeowners can find one that best suits their tastes.
Quartz is also known for being a breeze to clean and maintain, which your clients will love. Because it isn't porous, most quartz slabs won't need to be sealed. However, some lighter-colored slabs and those with a concrete or matte finish will benefit from the use of a special sealer, like Stonetech Quartz & Porcelain Tile Sealer, for added protection. As a result, it also isn't easily prone to staining or damage from acidic liquids (like lemon juice or vinegar). Aside from routine wiping down with a stone-safe cleaning product, there isn't much that needs to be done in the way of engineered stone maintenance.
Engineered stone is designed to stand up to the test of time. It's a tough and durable material, which means it won't easily become damaged by accidental knife slips (though a cutting board is still recommended), and scorch marks are less likely to occur unless a hot pan is left on the surface for a short period of time. Of course, it's still important to take common-sense precautions, such as using pot holders and not cutting food directly on the countertop surface, to prolong the life and beauty of engineered stone countertops.
Caesarstone, one popular brand of quartz, cautions that although this engineered stone is extremely durable, it is not completely damage-proof. Fabricators are encouraged, for example, to use a minimum of 1/8 inch pencil round radius, which can reduce the susceptibility for chipping around the edges.
In 2018, Cambria brought forth a lawsuit that affected five popular Chinese quartz makers— you can read all the details here. Of all the major brands, only a handful were not affected by this lawsuit because their products are not produced in China. Those interested in using engineered stone for an upcoming building or remodeling project are encouraged to stick with reputable manufacturers who have already released letters stating that their prices will not be increasing due to these tariffs. Some examples of these companies include Cambria, Pental Quartz, Silestone, and Caesarstone.
As you can see, engineered stone makes for an excellent kitchen countertop choice for both residential and commercial applications. Aside from being available in a wide range of color and style options, these countertops are easy to clean and built to last for many years to come.
If you're looking for an engineered stone supplier, look no further than Connecticut Stone. With more than 70 years of experience in providing clients with quality stone and engineered stone products, we look forward to serving you. We offer engineered stone in slabs ranging in thickness from 1.2cm to 2cm or 3cm, as well sizing from about 55" x 120" to 65" x 130". We're also proud to carry the top brands in engineered stone, including:
If you’re interested in using engineered stone for you next project, contact us today and we’ll put you in touch with one of our natural stone experts.
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