Back when countertops were still an up and coming industry, the most common form we see them in are natural stone and man-made countertops. Since there were only two options, homeowners were left with two choices only – either they buy an expensive but durable countertop or they get a cheap but weak countertop.
However, in the last couple of years, the industry has evolved drastically. Aside from these two options, we now also have engineered stone countertops to choose from. What are these new kinds of countertops which include quartz and many others? Are they really worth getting over the most expensive countertop options out there?
Engineered countertops are basically a mix between stone countertops and man-made countertops. They are made from natural stone and then are mixed along with binding resins in different processes. For example, quartz countertops are made by first crushing quartz stones and then mixing them with binding resins.
The result is a great countertop material that can be used for both kitchens and bathrooms alike. Engineered stone countertops are made from only high quality materials which is why they are always one of the prime options for countertops nowadays. If you’re a homeowner looking for a countertop, then engineered stone might just be what you are looking for.
This time around, we are going to talk about engineered stone countertops and what their benefits are. This is an important topic to tackle considering that you might be on the verge of picking the right countertop for your kitchen. Without further ado, here are some important benefits of engineered stone countertops that you need to know.
They Come In A Wider Selection Of Colors
One difficult part about getting a countertop is getting one and then later on realizing that it doesn’t actually match the colors of your home. It’s an annoying part of being a homeowner. Another problem is that you already have a countertop material of your choice. The problem is that it doesn’t come in the color that you want it too.
Since engineered countertops are part synthetic, you can have them come in a wide selection of colors. This ability to make engineered countertops look more and personalized is one of the best assets of this countertop material. There are more color options to choose from as compared to what you are given when picking natural stone countertops.
Whether you want it for your bathroom or kitchen, or whether you have a luxury home or a simple home, a quartz countertop or any engineered stone countertop can fit your house perfectly. Everyone wants to have a countertop that stands out but one that blends perfectly is more often a good choice too.
They Are More Affordable
The cheapest countertop material money can buy are those that are man-made. These include those made of concrete, steel, wood, and many others. While cheap, you aren’t definitely getting the same quality that you would expect from natural stone countertops. On the other hand, natural stone countertops are very expensive too.
Engineered stone countertops are essentially in the middle area when it comes to pricing. They range from $100-$200 which is not bad considering the countertop you are getting and the fact that they look and feel like any natural stone countertops. However, since the price range is very flexible, you can certainly find one that fits your needs well.
We all deserve getting a good countertop for our kitchens and bathrooms but that doesn’t mean we have to spend money we can’t afford to lose on it. Sometimes, it’s simply better to go for the mid-ranged options which offer the same quality for a very limited price.
They Are Easy To Clean
One of the upsides of natural stone countertops is that they are very easy to clean and maintain as compared to other countertop materials. For starters, they are less sensitive to acidic and strong cleaning agents such as those made with lemon and even hard detergents. If you use these on a natural stone countertop, it can stain almost immediately.
If you are a homeowner that prefers to use countertop materials that are way easier to clean, the quartz countertops might just be the best solution for you. Not just quartz countertops, you should also consider natural stone countertops as well as these are just as easy to clean as quartz. They are definitely easier to maintain as compared to natural stone countertops.
Because it’s easy to maintain, many homeowners now prefer engineered stone countertops over other countertop materials. A lot of homeowners tend to avoid getting natural stone countertops because they’ve heard that it is indeed harder to maintain. Well, they should treat engineered stone countertops a lot differently.
They Are Non-Porous
One of the most pressing issues that people have with natural stone countertops is that they are porous. A natural stone countertop being porous means that it has tiny holes in it. These are holes that are so small, liquid and other materials can actually seep into it. This is the common cause of stains, mold, and even bacteria.
Since engineered countertop materials are already sealed and processed, they no longer become porous. They become non-porous materials that can withstand minor spills and stains just to name a few. For a kitchen, this is one of the most important features to have because you can expect to have stains again and again for your kitchen.
Although kitchen countertops are non-porous, try not to abuse this quality of them. You should still take your time and clean the countertop once spills do happen. People enjoy a clean countertop and that means doing all that you can to ensure that your kitchen countertop is free from bacteria and stains as well.
They Can Be Personalized In Many Ways
Since the make of natural stone countertops are almost purely synthetic, they can be customized in many ways. We’ve said before that they can come in various colors but that’s not all. Engineered stone countertops also come in many shapes which is why it is very possible to make them fit in your kitchen no matter what size it is.
This is a common problem with natural stone countertops. These are countertop materials which are sourced directly from quarries. As such, they come in huge slabs of stone which are nearly impossible to break down and customize unless they are finally in your home. For kitchen countertops, made of engineered stone, nearly every shape is possible to do.
This is a huge benefit simply because you want the countertop to fit in your home naturally. Aside from that, you might also want for the countertop to come in various shapes such as circle, square, and many others. Most of the time, people have countertops customized so that they can be used for the bathroom.
Obviously, you’ll have to shell out some extra cash if you want to have your own customized countertops. However, this extra investment will certainly be worth it if you want to have a countertop that naturally blends in with your home. It’s not always that you’d find something like this.
Aside from the colors and the shapes, you can also have the edge of the countertop customized as well. Instead of going for simple edges, why not invest a little more and try other styles of countertop edges. Those are certainly going to make your kitchen or bathroom look more fancy.
They Are Available Most Of The Time
Unlike your typical natural stone countertop,engineered stone countertops are very easy to source. You can even call a contractor now and have one installed in your home ASAP. on the other hand, you have to wait for a long time mostly just to get a natural stone countertop of your choice. This is because the material has to come from a far place.
It’s availability makes engineered stone countertops some of the best countertop options money can buy. It’s good for replacements, and for many other things. It’s not always that you can find a natural stone countertop that can be delivered to your home in a fast manner. However, you can say that this is possible with engineered stone countertops.
Natural stone, man-made stone, and engineered stone countertops all have their own pros and cons. However, it seems like engineered stone countertops are more popular nowadays as compared to others. Their benefits are certainly worth it. As such, getting one for your kitchen might be the best decision you can make for your home.
Of course, the decision will always be yours by the end of the day. Still, considering engineered countertops is a great option. There are just so many benefits to it that’s hard to overlook. Hopefully, you get the right kitchen countertop material for your house. There’s more to this industry than quartz, granite, and marble after all.
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