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Natural stone vs engineered stone are two popular choices for countertops, flooring, and various other applications in interior and exterior design. Each has its unique qualities, advantages, and disadvantages. Choosing between the two is a crucial decision in any construction or renovation project.
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Natural Stone: The Timeless Beauty
Natural stone, as the name suggests, is quarried from the Earth in its raw, unaltered form. Common types of natural stone used in construction and design include Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartzite, Limestone, Travertine, Sandstone, Sensa, Onyx and Tiles. The appeal of Natural stones lies in their inherent beauty, unique patterns, and timeless elegance. In this natural stone, you will see the most popular and best stones.
Best Collections In Natural Stone
We have so many collections of natural stone. But in these stones, the most popular collection stones are Granite, Marble, Quartzite, and Limestone.
Marble
Marble is a type of natural stone prized for centuries for its beauty and elegance. It's a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone undergoes a process of heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. The result is a material with stunning visual appeal, making it a popular choice for various architectural and artistic applications.
Marble is renowned for its wide range of colours and intricate veining patterns. Common colours include white, grey, beige, and green. The veining can be subtle or bold, depending on the type of marble.
Marble has a natural lustre or sheen, which adds to its aesthetic appeal and makes it a favourite for sculptures, countertops, and flooring.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone renowned for its durability, beauty, and versatility. It's an igneous rock formed from the crystallisation of molten magma deep within the Earth's crust. Granite has been a popular choice for various applications in construction and design for many years.
Granite comes in a wide range of colours, including shades of white, grey, pink, red, green, and black. Its texture is typically granular, with small mineral crystals visible in the stone. Granite can have various patterns, from consistent speckling to dramatic veining. The patterns result from the minerals present in the stone and the way they crystallise.
GIALLO VENEZIANO GRANITE
£295.10 Giallo Veneziano Granite is a natural stone from South America. It has a warm brown and gold base colour with darker brown veining throughout the stone. This is a warm alternative to stark black or white worktops that can easily… read more |
CALACATTA BORGHINI BOOKMATCH MARBLE
£1,083.50 Calacatta Borghini Bookmatch Marble is a type of marble known for its luxurious appearance and elegant white background with striking grey veining. When bookmatching Calacatta Borghini marble, two slabs are cut from the same block and then opened like a… read more |
ANDROMEDA GRANITE
£325.87 Andromeda Granite is a stunning natural stone from Work-tops.com that has an appealing combination of black, beige, brown, and golden specks on a background of dazzling white. One of this Granite's most intriguing qualities is its capacity to provide a… read more |
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone that shares some similarities with marble and granite but also possesses unique characteristics that set it apart. It is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone known for its exceptional durability and striking appearance.
Quartzite comes in various colours, including white, grey, beige, pink, and gold. It often exhibits a fine to medium-grain texture and can be sparkling due to quartz crystals.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock with a wide range of applications in construction and design. It is formed from the remains of marine organisms such as coral, shells, and microorganisms that have settled on the ocean floor over millions of years. Limestone is known for its natural beauty, soft, muted colours, and unique textures.
Limestone comes in various colours, including white, beige, yellow, grey, and even pink. Its texture can range from fine-grained to coarse and can include fossils, shells, and other natural markings.
EMERALD GREEN QUARTZITE
£566.86 Emerald Green Quartzite has an attractive green base which is adorned with a lovely veined pattern. This stone can be used in both modern and classic style kitchens, to add a unique touch to your environment. Quartzite is offered by… read more |
MOLIANOS EXTRA LIMESTONE
£269.58 Molianos Extra Limestone is a variety of limestone extracted from Portugal, most notably in the Moleanos region. Due to its enticing glance and robustness, it is a popular natural stone utilised in construction and applications in architecture. The Molianos Limestone… read more |
KILKENNY COMMERCIAL LIMESTONE
£245.23 Kilkenny Commercial Limestone is a natural stone product that is quarried in Ireland. This Limestone makes an ideal choice for many commercial and residential applications. This stone is known for its durability, versatility and beauty. The natural greyish tones and… read more |
Engineered Stone: The Versatile Alternative
This engineered approach provides more consistency in colour and pattern. Common types of engineered stone are Quartz, Silestone, Dekton, Porcelain, Composite stone, Obsidiana, Ceramic, Semi-precious stone, Terrazzo, and Invisible cooktop.
Most Popular Collection In Engineered Stone
We have so many collections of natural stone. But in these stones, the most popular collection stones are Quartz, Silestone, Dekton, Porcelain, and Composite stone.
Quartz
Quartz, often referred to as engineered quartz or quartz surfacing, is a popular and versatile artificial material used in various applications in the construction and interior design industries. Unlike natural stones like granite and marble, quartz is composed of natural quartz crystals mixed with resins and pigments to create a durable and consistent product with a wide range of design possibilities.
Silestone
Silestone is known for its high-quality quartz products and has become a popular choice for countertops, backsplashes, and various other applications in interior design and architecture.
Silestone, like other engineered quartz surfaces, is prized for its consistent appearance. It offers a uniform colour and pattern, making it suitable for projects that require a predictable and controlled look.
Dekton
Dekton is engineered using a proprietary process that involves sintering, a high-temperature and high-pressure treatment that mimics the natural process of rock formation over millennia. This results in a highly durable and versatile material that has gained popularity in various architectural and design applications.
STATUARIO ALTISSIMO 401 QUARTZ
£370.36 Statuario Altissimo 401 Quartz is a premium, manually engineered stone slab that combines stunning aesthetics with endurance. Its obvious white background is beautifully veined with subtle grey striations, resembling high-end natural marble. This quartz is ideal for countertops, backsplashes, and… read more |
ETHEREAL NOCTIS SILESTONE
£582.37 Ethereal Noctis Silestone has a gorgeous silvery white base with grey veins, which makes it an ideal choice for your kitchen. It is given a dazzling finish that makes it a perfect addition in both residential and commercial settings. It… read more |
Porcelain
Porcelain is a ceramic material known for its versatility, durability, and wide range of applications in various industries, including construction, interior design, and art. Porcelain is formed by heating clay at high temperatures, resulting in a dense, vitrified material resistant to water absorption.
Porcelain tiles and slabs are available in many colours, patterns, and finishes, including matte, polished, textured, and even wood or stone-look designs. Porcelain is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear, scratching, and impact. It is one of the hardest and most durable materials available for various applications.
Composite Stone
Composite stone, often engineered stone or composite stone countertops, is a versatile and popular material used for various surface applications in interior design and architecture. It is manufactured by combining natural stone aggregates, typically quartz or marble, with resins, polymers, and pigments to create a durable and attractive product.
PIETRA MODENA COMPOSITE QUARTZ
£363.71 Pietra Modena Composite Quartz is a type of composite quartz material used for countertops, vanities, and other surfaces in residential and commercial applications. Composite Quartz, also known as engineered Quartz, is a man-made product that combines natural Quartz minerals with… read more |
BIANCO LASA PORCELAIN
£457.15 Bianco Lasa Porcelain has a white base which displays brown, blue and grey linear veins. This surface stone is suitable for all interior spaces and leaves the space looking nothing short of breathtaking. Because of its non-porousness, stain resistance, moisture… read more |
POSIDONIA GREEN SILESTONE
£552.97 Posidonia Green Silestone slab has a calm green surface that is luminous and brings serenity to any room while gracefully illuminating interiors. It is given a dazzling finish that makes a perfect addition in both residential and commercial settings. It… read more |
Frequently Asked Question
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Which Is More Durable, Natural Stone Vs Engineered Stone?
Natural stone and engineered stone each offer unique advantages when it comes to durability. Natural stone, such as granite and marble, is prized for its time-tested endurance. It can withstand heat, scratches, and harsh weather conditions, but it may require periodic sealing and is susceptible to staining. Engineered stone, like quartz, is engineered for durability, being highly resistant to staining and scratching. It doesn't need sealing and is less porous. However, it may not tolerate extreme heat as well as natural stone. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences, but both can provide durable and attractive surfaces when properly cared for.
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Can Natural Stone Vs Engineered Stone Be Used For The Same Applications?
Yes, both natural and engineered stones can be used for various applications such as countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and even outdoor surfaces. The choice depends on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
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Which Is Easier To Maintain, Natural Vs Engineered Stone?
Engineered stone, such as quartz, is generally easier to maintain than natural stone. Engineered stone is non-porous and less prone to staining, making it more forgiving with spills and liquids. It also doesn't require sealing, a common maintenance task for natural stone like granite or marble. Engineered stone is easy to clean with mild soap and water, and its surface is less likely to harbour bacteria. However, natural stone can be manageable with regular sealing and care, but it's more sensitive to acids and may require more attention to prevent staining or damage. In terms of maintenance, engineered stone is often the more user-friendly choice.
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