Engineered Stones

About Engineered Stone

Stone slabs come in two main varieties, natural like marble and artificial. While the natural stones feature a unique appearance where no two pieces are identical, it also bears some disadvantages. Porousness is the key disadvantage of many natural rocks, which can be largely eliminated by sealing - but the process needs occasional repeating. 

Engineered stones are the upgraded counterpart to natural rocks, designed to overcome the natural flows. The resulting compound boasts an exceptionally hard, non-porous surface and often a more affordable price. It typically contains over 90% of quartz crystals, accompanied by crushed stone and a polyester resin binder. On the downside, its appearance is less exciting than that of a natural stone. 

Apart from quartz, other types of natural rock, such as granite, can also be a part of the engineered version. 

Engineered Stone Manufacturing 

At the beginning of the process, pieces of quartz and other natural rocks are crushed or ground by a specialised machine. Once reduced, the mass is transferred to a mixer for combining with additives and colouring agents. The mixing continues until the mass is homogenised.

The next step is exposing the compound to vibration and physical pressure in a vacuum chamber, necessary to join the pieces close together. Finally, the resin is added to bind the fragments and produce a compact mass, hard as a rock. Once dried, the engineered stone can be processed further, cut and shaped in the same ways as natural stone. 

Advantages of Engineered Stone

• Ease of maintenance: Engineered stone doesn't require special care. Regular cleaning is sufficient, and no sealing is needed. Its surface is resistant to scratches, stains, scratches, and acid abrasion. 
• Durability: Engineered quartz blended with synthetic resins, insoluble in water. It makes the slabs and tiles less likely to chip or crack and extends their life span indefinitely. For that reason, engineered stones feature extended warranties and cover for accidents or defects.
• Health and hygiene: Composite stone's surface is non-porous, hence resistant to bacteria growth. That makes engineered stone countertops an excellent solution, resistant to germs, mould, and fungus, while also being resilient to oils and all kinds of stains. 
• Uniform appearance:  Consistency of engineered stone's colour and texture provides uniformity, ideal for minimalist interiors and formal public or commercial spaces. 
• Affordability: A range of hues available in composite stone extends beyond the naturally occurring spectrum. It makes exotic variations accessible and affordable, with a price tag several times lower than their natural counterparts. Also, it's possible to obtain a perfectly uniform and pure white engineered stone for a fraction of the regular cost. 
• Versatility: Engineered stone can be poured to make substantial slabs of uniform, consistent quality. That eliminates several seams and grouts, inevitable with natural stones such as travertine. 

Engineered Stone Applications

Apart from being an ideal choice for kitchen countertops, the composite stone is also suitable for backsplashes and flooring. Its non-porous character makes it also an excellent choice for wet areas such as showers and bathrooms, swimming pools, and a variety of outdoor applications. 

In general, engineered stone can be used in the same way as natural rock. While not reaching the same rustic look like slate tiles, it excels in water, stains, and chipping resistance. 

Types of Engineered Stone

The differences in engineered stones are subtle. It can mimic the look of most popular natural stones, from limestones to granite, but the structure of the compound doesn't change much with the choice. Some varieties are accessible worldwide, and their brand names became recognised as types. These are the few: 

• Caesarstone: A popular choice for engineered stone countertops is composed of 95% quartz and 5% of colour additives, and a hardened polymer resin. Its properties include exceptional strength accompanied by scratch, stain and heat resistance.
• Silestone: Also a popular material for countertops and similar to Caesarstone, Silestone contains a slightly lower percentage of quartz content, which also makes it more affordable. 
• Quantum Quartz: This stone is exceptionally hygienic with low maintenance requirements. Apart from countertops and backsplashes, Quantum Quartz is the ideal material for tiling, flooring and bathroom applications. 
• Essastone: A tough compound similar to Caesarstone, with the same quantity of quartz and 5% select resins. This stone is non-porous and homogenous, heat, scratch and chemical resistant.
• Smartstone: Composed of 93% quartz and available in a selected palette of 24 colours, Smartstone is highly resistant to heat and scratches, ideal for kitchen applications. 

Newer technologies brought more advanced versions of composite stones, combining the best features of different materials to create a superior product. Merging affordable and convenient toughness of ceramic with the vinyl's softness and warmth resulted in an exceptionally comfortable and reliable engineered stone tile, available in a variety of shapes, colours, and designs and grouted like traditional stone. It makes excellent flooring or paving, with all benefits of natural flooring minus the maintenance. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Engineered Stone

Engineered stone countertops are essentially maintenance-free. It can be easily cleaned and disinfected with a variety of regular household cleaners.

The surface of composite stone won't stain or absorb liquids. 

Although engineered stone is resistant to scratches, a cutting board is still recommended to use for food prep.

Crushed marble combined with resin to produce engineered stone is also known by the name "cultured marble". While less porous than its pure form, cultured marble is also softer than quartz and requires special care.