“Take time to consider all factors when selecting the ideal material for your home project,” says Kaelyn Van Camp, Marketing Manager for
Stone Mart, a wholesale supplier of natural stone and engineered surfaces. From visual appeal to functionality, here’s a look at how different materials compare.
TAILORED AND UNIQUE VISUAL APPEAL
There’s no shortage of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from for both natural stone and engineered surfaces.
When it comes to natural stone, every slab is unique. From reds and browns to blues and greens to lights and whites, or a combination of it all, part of the appeal in natural stone is that your slab will always be one-of-a-kind.
Looking for something with dramatic movement or a statement piece? Quartzites, onyx, and semi- precious stones offer impressive color ranges and styles. Some of these materials can be backlit to create a glowing effect in the stone. If you prefer something with more of a pattern, granite is a consistent staple. For soft, subtle elegance, marbles, dolomites, and soapstone are a great place to start.
Engineered surfaces, such as quartz and porcelain, come in many designs and colors. They can resemble natural stone or provide a solid surface in more unique colors and designs.
Both natural stone and engineered surfaces offer different finishes—polished, honed, matte, suede, and/or leathered. For these decisions, there’s no better way to test the texture than in-person. The experts at Stone Mart can help you choose the best fit for your home, so that the countertop of your dreams is even satisfying to the touch.
SOME KEY FUNCTIONALITY FACTORS TO CONSIDER
“When selecting material, consider the material’s functionality compared to where and how you will use it,” Van Camp says.
Natural stones are heat- resistant, but they are also porous (except for soapstone), so they require sealing to help prevent staining. Granite and quartzite are durable and scratch-resistant. Marble, onyx, and soapstone can scratch more easily, while marble and onyx are more susceptible to staining. Dolomites are a combination of marble and quartzite, so they vary in their durability.
Quartz and porcelain are both scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, durable, non-porous, and good for indoor use. While porcelain is heat-resistant, a potholder or trivet will be necessary when setting something hot on your quartz countertop. Porcelain is also excellent for outdoor applications.
Care for both natural stone and engineered surfaces by using a natural stone or quartz cleaner or a mild soap with water per the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are thinking about updating your home, ask your fabricator or contractor about visiting the experts at Stone Mart to find the perfect match for your project.
