By There has been an ongoing debate about which material is better—engineered stone or marble. Which will last longer and keep its stunning looks? Well, both have their advantages and disadvantages. You merely have to consider your preferences when selecting the one that will work best for you, but if you don’t know much about this subject then you could hire a bathroom remodeler or a home inspector so they can give you a professional opinion on what you should choose. In this article, we will help you make that decision. We are going to discuss the essential details you need to know about engineered stone and marble. If it’s other materials you’re looking for, such as a bathroom wall tile, you can scan through the internet.
What is an Engineered Stone?
Engineered stone is manufactured using quartz and other natural stone aggregates. Resins and pigments make up about 10% of this humanmade product. It is known to be durable, attractive and functional. What’s more, it has a consistent look. Despite being heat-resistant, this material, which is commonly found on engineered stone countertops, is not susceptible to bacteria growth, making it the ideal option for kitchens where food preparation is a common activity.
What are the Benefits of Engineered Stone?
Here are some of the advantages of choosing engineered stone for your kitchen or bathroom countertops, splashbacks and floor:
Increase the Room’s Aesthetic Appeal
Engineered stone is quartz aggregates compressed into slabs. So, you can expect it to have the similar colour and texture as slate and granite. The only noticeable difference is the uniformity of the slabs’ appearance. Of course, you cannot achieve the uniqueness and character that natural stone offers. However, when an untrained eye looks at your engineered stone countertop, they would not see much difference between it and marble. You can find engineered stone slabs in earth tones, rose hues, greys and more.
Tough Enough to Last a Long Time
One of the good qualities of engineered stone is its hardness. When you compare it to granite or slate, it doesn’t crack as easily. Moreover, its heat resistance allows you to place a hot pan on it without scorching it. Its surface is not prone to cuts and scratches. Of course, you should still use a cutting board to protect the engineered stone’s finish.
Requires Little Maintenance
Natural stone is gorgeous and durable, but it is still porous. So, bacteria get into the fissures and pores, which can be challenging to remove. On the other hand, engineered stone is non-porous. Since the material does not absorb liquids, it is easier to clean. This product can be a valuable asset to food safety, primarily when you regularly handle vegetables, raw fish or meat in your kitchen.
What are the Advantages of Marble
When it comes to home renovations, marble is always the premium choice for people who want to add a luxurious and classic appeal to any room. For the last decade, it has been sitting quietly in the background. However, many people are starting to rediscover its incredible austerity and texture. You should know that while marble is one of the most beautiful, naturally occurring stones, this material is not for everyone. Check out some of its advantages and disadvantages below:
It is Timeless and Resistant to Shattering
We can still witness the beauty of classical sculptures because of the material used by the artists. Marble has been the sought-after material for this field because of its softness and resistance to shattering. It has calcite which has a low refraction index. So, light can penetrate several millimetres into the material before it scatters out. Consequently, it has a distinct ‘waxy’ look which gives a life-like appeal to marble sculptures. So, if you want an artisan yet luxurious look for your home, opting for marble is the best way to go.
It is Natural Yet Highly Durable
One of the most popular trends these days is going for a less artificial and less processed environment. Marble is a stunning, natural product that is known for its durability. Its reputation has stayed for hundreds of years.
It is an Excellent Insulator
Marble can stay relatively cool even when sun directly hits it. So, you can reduce your air conditioning costs. During winter, it can stay warm and soft underneath your feet.
What are the Disadvantages of Marble?
The veins of marble slabs can be considered their weak points because they have a different chemical composition to the rest of the stone. It is possible for sections of a tile to be hollow, with no way of telling from its outer layer. Consequently, these areas can be susceptible to cracking or breakage.
Aside from that, marble does not undergo treatment or compressing before fabrication. So, it is inherently porous. Without proper sealing, the material can absorb the liquid. If you spill food products on it, it can be a source of bacterial growth. Moreover, since it has a porous nature, stains can soak in and leave indelible marks. As such, it is essential to find marble slabs that are adequately sealed. That said, you also have to treat your marble surfaces regularly.
