And when it comes to countertops engineered stone is one of the most environmentally sensitive choices you can make.
What is engineered granite countertops.
They re composed of a blend of about 95 percent crushed natural stone usually quartz and 5 percent synthetic resins to bind the stone.
Engineered stone countertops are created using a process that binds crushed stone together utilizing a polymer resin.
It is completely stain resistant.
Engineered stone and quartz are basically the same.
Engineered stone vs quartz.
It is a manufactured product composed primarily of natural stone with a small amount of polymer resin which binds the material together and makes it strong.
Tops can be tinted to a wide variety of colors.
When remodelista s izabella simmons remodeled her kitchen she liked the look of marble but opted for engineered quartz countertop on her island.
Both are man made and contain about 90 percent quartz and the remaining is resins and pigments.
The primary material employed is typically quartz.
Engineered stone tops combine the beauty of natural stone with the functional benefits of solid surface materials.
Engineered granite is man made.
Engineered stone countertops are created from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin and other synthetic materials such as pigments.
Much stronger than natural granite.
Engineered stone is non porous so whether it s stains spills or acids it doesn t react to anything.
The resulting product is highly customizable and easy to use.
Granite is a purely natural stone that comes directly from stone quarries and is then cut into thin slabs polished and fabricated into countertops.
Unlike natural stone countertops that are cut from pure granite marble or sandstone engineered stone counters are made from quartz crystals held together with a resin binder.
So called quartz countertops are engineered stone products that may contain a large percentage of natural quartz but may also include other minerals.
Here s a countertop that s billed as combining the best that nature and man have to offer.
They are not made from 100 percent quartz.
Although heat resistant its surface is more susceptible to scratching and staining by many foods including vinegar mustard catsup citrus wine and other household materials.
Engineered quartz as it s known is made of quartz and flexible resins a combination that has the strength of granite counters with better impact resistance and more forgiving installation options.
Marble is softer and more porous than granite and engineered stone so extra care should be used when selecting marble for use as kitchen countertops.
Thanks to this artificial production quartz countertops have benefits not available to natural stone countertops.