Have you been contemplating doing something different with that drab, dated kitchen in your home? You may be tempted to gut it and start with a new layout entirely. However, you don’t have to make such a drastic move to fall in love with your kitchen again.
Changing the countertops alone can give your kitchen the makeover it needs, especially if you decide to switch to stone.
With so many options available, you’re probably wondering which stone you should choose. More importantly, you’re probably wondering whether to choose natural stone or engineered stone. What follows is more about the two types of stone and how to decide which option is best for your kitchen.
The Difference Between Natural and Engineered Stone
In shopping for your new stone countertops, you may hear the words “quartz, marble, and granite” tossed around a lot. However, these stones differ. Some of these stone countertops are natural stone, and others are engineered stone.
Marble and granite are natural stones typically sourced from quarries. Quartz is engineered by mixing crushed quartz minerals with pigment and polymer resins, forming the material into stone.
In addition to differences in origin, another significant difference is color. Since marble and granite are natural stones, they have pigments readily available in nature. Hues such as brown and white are more common with marble and granite. On the other hand, quartz has more color options since pigments can be added to the gemstone.
Aesthetics
As you shop around for the perfect stone countertop, you’ll have to keep in mind how beautiful the slab will look in your kitchen. Does your kitchen have a modern feel, or a country farmhouse aesthetic? Or is your kitchen a hodgepodge of various design types? Whatever the case may be, you want to feel good about the piece you’re choosing for your home. After all, this investment will be in your home for quite some time.
So, you’ll want to select a piece that you won’t get bored with or be annoyed with once the thrill of newness wears off. When choosing between natural and engineered stone, consider how well each will complement your kitchen decor.
Durability
Not everyone is a top chef. So, your kitchen countertops may not be used regularly to help with meal prep. However, you’ll still want to ensure that the countertops you choose are durable. Both engineered and natural stone are very durable. However, engineered stone may have an advantage in keeping bacteria and foodborne germs at bay.
On the other hand, if you are notorious for pulling hot items out of the stove and putting them directly on the countertop, engineered stone may not be the best option. This is because you may scorch engineered stone from the pan’s heat. While it isn’t ideal to place hot pans directly on granite or marble, they can withstand heat better than quartz.
Cost
While aesthetics and durability are critical in choosing the right type of stone, you can’t underestimate the role that price plays in your final decision. In most cases, quartz is the more cost-effective option. However, it may not fit well with your decor, and it may not last as long as you’d like.
If your budget allows, you may want to opt for a natural stone. On the other hand, if you’re short on remodeling funds but still want to switch to stone, engineered stone may be the right choice.
Resale Value
If you’re concerned about your home’s resale value, both natural and engineered stone can fetch higher prices at closing than laminate or tile. When it comes to natural or engineered stone, both are comparable in dollar value at closing.
While granite and marble will always offer greater aesthetic appeal than quartz, quartz is gaining popularity as the “worry-free” stone. Unless you reside in a multimillion-dollar estate, engineered stone may be a better kitchen countertop material for everyday use.
Countertop Preference
So which stone is the best option for you? It ultimately boils down to your preference. If you won’t be using your kitchen much but want it to look beautiful, natural stone may be the best option. If you want the beauty and durability of natural stone but don’t have a large budget, quartz may be the safer bet. When making a choice, your preference will weigh heavily on your final decision.
Upgrade Your Kitchen or Bath with Expert Countertop Fabrication
Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek offers a wide selection of granite, quartz, and marble countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. Our custom countertop fabrication services ensure a precise fit and beautiful finish. Visit our Milwaukee-area showroom for inspiration, then meet with one of our designers to start creating a statement look with natural stone throughout your home.