There are so many countertop materials to choose from when doing countertop replacement, but how do you know which one is best for you? today, we will be discussing the differences between natural and engineered stone countertops.

Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stone countertops are any material of countertops, which have not been engineered. They are natural blocks of stone, which include marble, granite, soapstone, limestone etc. Some of the important things you need to know about natural stone countertops are:

Natural Stone Is Unique

Because natural stone is mined, and it has natural veining in it, every block of natural stone will be unique in its own way. It looks extremely beautiful and it looks almost like an abstract puzzle piece. The colors in the base, the veins and the design are all so unique and distinct from each other. No two blocks of natural stone will ever be the same and this is one of the many traits of natural stone.

It Is Sustainable

Being a stone, natural stone countertops are very sustainable, and they last for a very long time. It is very durable, and it makes for an amazing investment. Natural stone is proven to last for a very long time, if it is maintained properly and one of the best things about it is that natural stone is recyclable. It has almost no bad impact on the atmosphere unlike a lot of countertop materials, which cannot be degraded and are bad for the environment. So, natural stones are great choices to go for if you are concerned about your environment and atmosphere.

Natural Stone Is Porous

Natural stone, being naturally resourced, is a porous stone. Any rock or stone will have an appreciable amount of porosity. Porous countertop materials are not always good for the kitchen, but there are various sealants, which can be applied on the surface, to seal the rock, which will prevent the rock from absorbing any liquid, which is dropped on the surface. So, if you want to go for natural stone countertops for your kitchen, then getting it sealed with a sealant is a good idea.

Engineered Stone Countertops

Engineered stone countertops are of different types, but the most popular among them are quartz countertops. These countertops are made with crystals of quartz, which can hold the structure better. This allows for a lot of durability. Some things about engineered stone countertops are as follows:

Engineered Stone Is Very Easy to Clean

Engineered stone has a very smooth surface on the top, it is also not porous, which makes it very easy to clean. The smooth top surface is due to the quartz crystals, they hold together very easily and stay strong, which decreases the porosity as well. This also makes engineered stone countertops very easy to clean. All you need is a wet washcloth and a cleaning solution. Just one wipe and you are good to go.

It Is Strong and Durable

Engineered stone countertops are very strong and durable. They are amazing countertop material for any type and size of kitchen and bathroom, which has a lot of human traffic, and it is an amazing material for kids as well. They don’t chip very easily around the corners. Engineered countertop materials are one of the most durable materials ever to exist and they match the strength of granite and other natural stones.

The Design Is Very Attractive

Engineered countertop materials are man-made, and they have a lot of designs and variety of colors to choose from. The designs are endless and there is a design for everyone. There are no seams in the material and it looks like a smooth single block of engineered countertop material. The slates are also very reminiscent of real granite countertops. In natural stones, there might be seams and irregularity in the pattern. If you are someone who is bothered by this fact, then you can go for engineered stones for your countertops.

There you go! Now, you know which countertop material is best for you, with all of the differences being laid out. You should also take recommendations from the granite countertop installer Raleigh NC you choose. It may help narrowing down your search.