Pros and Cons of Natural vs. Engineered Stone

If you’re considering stone countertops for an upcoming kitchen or bathroom remodel, there are many options to choose from. Both natural and engineered stone slabs can deliver beautiful results that will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom. When determining whether to choose a natural or engineered stone slab, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option to ensure your selection best addresses your needs.

Natural Stone

As the name implies, natural stone countertops are made from solid natural stone slabs. There are many natural stone options to choose from, and some of the most popular include granite, marble, quartzite and soapstone.

Pros of Natural Stone

You’ll experience a variety of advantages when you choose a natural stone countertop:

• Uniqueness – Each natural stone slab is truly unique; no two pieces are ever the same. This means your countertop will be one of a kind, enhancing your ability to achieve a distinct feel with your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
• Heat resistance – Natural stone slabs are typically very heat resistant, making them an ideal option for people who like to cook often.
• Variety of options – With so many different types of natural stone to choose from, you have a wide range of options regarding colors and patterns. This makes it easy to find a slab that aligns with your personal style.
• Customizable – Natural stone slabs can easily be cut and shaped as needed to address the various elements in your kitchen.
• Improved home value – The timeless appeal of natural stone can significantly increase the value of your home.

Cons of Natural Stone

There are also several drawbacks associated with natural stone that should be considered when choosing a slab for your countertop:

• Cost – Natural stone slabs are typically more expensive than engineered stone, especially if you choose a rare or exotic stone. In addition, installation costs are often higher due to the weight of natural stone slabs.
• Limited durability – Many natural stone slabs are more easily scratched, chipped or stained than engineered stone. For this reason, it’s important to seal natural stone slabs on a regular basis to provide protection against these issues.
• Weight – Natural stone slabs are typically very heavy and as a result, you may need to provide structural reinforcement to cabinets prior to installation.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone slabs are made of a composite material containing crushed stone that gets bound together by a polymer resin adhesive. The most popular engineered stone option is quartz.

Pros of Engineered Stone

Some of the advantages of choosing an engineered stone slab include:

• Variety of colors and patterns – Engineered stone offers you virtually limitless options in terms of colors and patterns. You can even get an engineered stone slab with properties that mimic the look of certain natural stone options such as granite or marble.
• Durability – Engineered stone will typically be more resistant to stains, scratches, chips and moisture than natural stone slabs.
• Affordable – Engineered stone slabs are generally less expensive than natural stone options.
• Uniform appearance – Engineered stone slabs can have a more uniform and consistent appearance than natural slabs. This may be appealing of you prefer a more cohesive aesthetic to your kitchen or bathroom design.
• Low maintenance – The polymer resin used to bind the stone particles together makes engineered stone nonporous. No sealing is required, and less ongoing maintenance will be necessary compared with natural stone.

Cons of Engineered Stone

As with natural stone, there are several drawbacks associated with engineered stone that you should be aware of when choosing between these options:

• Less heat resistant – Engineered stone is typically less heat resistant than natural stone. When exposed to very high heat, the resin in engineered stone can warp. For this reason, it’s important to always use a trivet when placing a hot pan on your engineered stone countertop.
• Lack of unique variations – Engineered stone lacks the unique, one-of-a-kind veining and patterns found in natural stone. If you prefer a truly unique aesthetic, natural stone may be a better option for you.
• Difficult to shape – Engineered stone slabs are harder to shape than natural stone. This can create challenges if your kitchen has a lot of curves or unique design elements.

The Stone Collection Can Help You Find the Right Stone Slab for Your Project

If you’re looking for the right stone slab to enhance your upcoming home remodel project, The Stone Collection can help. We carry the largest selection of natural and engineered stone slabs, making it easy to find the right slab that aligns with your unique aesthetic style and specific needs.

With our exclusive Get Inspired™ Experience, you’ll have all the information you need to make the right decision. When you visit one of our gallery-style showrooms, our expert surface specialists will discuss your project in detail to understand your specific goals. We’ll explain the pros and cons of all the best stone options that align with your needs, and we’ll work with you to find the right piece that complements your style.

Once you pick out a stone slab, our team will handle the entire project for you, including the design, fabrication and installation. This ensures every phase of the project is handled properly and will be completed with the expert craftsmanship necessary to enhance your home for years to come.

No appointment is required. Just drop by one of our showrooms in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Dallas or Fort Worth anytime and our expert stone specialists will be ready to help you find the right slab to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today or visit one of our showrooms to find the best stone slab for your next project.