Granite or Engineered Stone
Quality Countertop Options in Richmond
Are you looking for countertops that not only are elegant to look at but are easy to clean and maintain? Our high-quality engineered stone countertops might be right for you. We customize our countertops based on your needs, which is why you can expect to enjoy the benefits of engineered stone while meeting your design expectations. What makes engineered stone a popular choice for countertops is their unrivalled durability. These countertops last you for a long time to come without showing any signs of wear and tear.
We believe that having the right know-how is key to making the right decision regarding your countertops. Please read through the information on this page to decide whether engineered stone countertops are right for you. If you have any queries, you can send them to us, and we will get back to you. Alternatively, you can call us at 778-960-5899.
Granite or Engineered Stone?
Both granite and engineered stone come with unique features that make them both attractive choices. Choosing between the two can be difficult, and while one material might work in a home, it might not work in another. It would help if you considered these products’ individual qualities and placed them against your own needs. The following is a detailed overview of each materials’ qualities.
What Is Engineered Stone?
Engineered stone is a popular term for what we in the industry call- quartz. Our engineered stone countertops are made from quartz crystals that are placed together with the help of resin and pigments. This makes them different from natural stone countertops made from stones such as marble and granite. Quartz countertops and other quartz products such as backsplashes provide the look of natural stone with increased benefits due to the stone being engineered.
The Benefits of Engineered Stone
Engineered stone has been around for a long time, and with good reason. It comes with countless advantages, which makes it a popular choice for construction, especially of countertops. Some of the many benefits of engineered stone countertops are:
Quartz is one of the hardest materials available to us. Its strength and durability make it next to impossible to chip and break. Your quartz countertops will last you a long time.
Engineered stone offers close to zero porosity. Engineered stone countertops don't absorb liquids, making them extremely easy to clean.
While natural stone is prone to staining, engineered stone is highly resistant to staining. This makes it a perfect addition to kitchens, where spills are common.
Engineered stone is available in diverse colours and design options, making it a suitable fit for any style of home.
Generally, engineered stone tends to be cheaper than natural stone and comes with the increased benefits.
| Granite | Engineered Stone | Acrylic and / or Polyester Plastics | Tile | Laminates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Names | Graniten/a | Engineered StoneSilestone, Ceasarstone, Cambria, Avanza, Zodiaq | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsCorian, Staron, Gibraltar, Avonite, Surell, Hi-Macs | TileCeramic, Porcelain | LaminatesWilsonart, Formica, Nevamar, Pinoite, Arbortite |
| What Is It? | Granite100% Natural stone quarried from within the earth | Engineered StoneMan-made: 85%-95% crushed quartz with a resin binder | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsMan-made: Acrylic or Polyester Plastics | TileMan-made: Ceramic or Porcelain | LaminatesMan-made: Printed colors/patterns on a fiberglass backing |
| Heat Resistance | GraniteNot affected by heat | Engineered StoneCan be affected by high heat (over 400F) | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsHot pots can warp, melt, crack, or discolor the surface | TileNot affected by heat | LaminatesHot pots can warp, melt, or discolor the surface |
| Cleanliness | GraniteIndependent studies have found granite to be one of the most bacteria-resistant surfaces available | Engineered StoneNon-porous - very resistant to bacteria | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsDeep scratches can harbor dirt and or moisture | TileGrout is very porous and can be difficult to keep clean | LaminatesNon-porous - easy to clean |
| Scratch Resistance | GraniteHighly scratch resistant - small scratches can be professionally repaired | Engineered StoneHighly scratch resistant | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsScratches easily - can be sanded | TileFinish can be scratched and is usually not repairable | LaminatesCan be scratched - not easily repaired |
| Fabrication | GraniteMay require seams - various edge profiles available | Engineered StoneMay require seams - various edge profiles available | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsSeamless - usually set on a wood sub-structure - various edge profiles available | TileShould be set on an approved sub-structure - limited edge profiles | LaminatesSheet material is applied to a wood sub-structure - limited edge profiles |
| Appearance | GraniteHighly polished finish - every piece is naturally unique in color and patterning | Engineered StonePolished finish - consistent and uniform color and patterning | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsMatte finish - with consistent and uniform color and patterning | TileGrout joints can vary greatly - tile color and shading can vary | LaminatesHighly visible seams - consistent and uniform color and patterning |
| Maintenance | GraniteMay require periodic sealing to prevent staining | Engineered Stonen/a | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsScratches can be sanded out | TileGrout needs to be re-sealed often | Laminatesn/a |
| Price | Granite$46/sf and up | Engineered StoneMORE expensive than granite | Acrylic and / or Polyester PlasticsPrice varies based on color - many of which are more expensive than granite | TileMore expensive than tile | LaminatesInexpensive |
Contact Us
Are you having trouble choosing which material is right for you? We advise you to get in touch with us to get informed suggestions from our team. They will assess your unique demands, lifestyle, tastes and budget to recommend the right product for you.