Engineered Granite: The Ultimate Guide for Homeowners

Although engineered granite resembles natural stone, it has advantages not present in natural materials. This post offers you some of the benefits of engineered granite.

Engineered granite is an artificial substance constructed mostly of natural stone with a small quantity of polymer resin to tie the components together and make it much more robust than natural granite. Engineered granite has various advantages, including durability and stain-resistant surfaces.

Learn more about the benefits of engineered granite and the distinctions between natural and engineered granite by reading on.

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Engineered Granite

One type of engineered stone is engineered granite, which is not natural. It was “engineered,” or artificial granite, as the term implies. A collection of stone shards constitutes engineered stone with a unique resin bound together instead of being entirely natural. Typically, engineered stones have 95% stone and 5% resin. But those are some extremely high temperatures, so you shouldn’t worry too much. Check this out to learn interesting facts about granite.

Obtaining temperatures that could cause the resin to liquefy raises a problem. The resin injection provides the necessary amount to keep the particles bound together.

Benefits Of Engineered Granite

The following are a few benefits of using engineered granite countertops:

Gorgeous, consistent appearance

Engineered granite has a homogeneous, constant appearance in contrast to natural granite, which includes imperfections and variations. Also, because it is engineered, various colors, patterns, and designs can be used to create it. Imagine having the appearance you desire whenever you desire it. The color is more uniform than the differences in hue you’ll find in most real stone slabs, which is one difference you’ll notice. While individuals who value natural stone’s individuality may see this as a drawback, the upside is that the engineered stone you use throughout your kitchen will match flawlessly.

Kitchen counters of engineered stone are available in various colors, including rose, grey, and many earth tones spanning the color spectrum.

Most of the color originates from the Quartz’s inherent tint, while colorants are available to achieve the right tone. Check this out if you want to know about epoxy kitchen countertops.

Durability

Although natural and engineered granite is tough and long-lasting, one advantage of manufactured granite countertops is that it is hardly ever chipped or cracked. It is the ideal surface for today’s hectic lifestyles because it is also very heat, stain, and scratch resistant. Also, this material is resistant to cuts and scratches to keep its brand-new appearance for a long time. Despite this, we urge you to avoid cutting veggies with a sharp object.

Easy to maintain

Like engineered granite, natural granite is simple to keep clean. But because granite is porous, stains can quickly build up on it. Bacteria, which may be hard to eliminate, can penetrate pores and fissures. Juice, oils, and red wine might be your worst enemies if you need to seal your countertop properly. Synthetic granite countertops’ surface will not absorb liquids, making cleanup simpler and more efficient. Engineered stone will help to ensure food safety if you prepare raw meat, fish, or vegetables in your kitchen.

Surfaces Are Stain-Proof

Incorrect application of the sealer or wear-off will result in discoloration of natural stone by juice, alcohol, and other liquids. Countertops made of engineered granite hold up well against these substances. They’ll last longer and look better than granite rivals.

Last Very Good

The ultimate product is extraordinarily tough—almost as tough as granite. The fact that it doesn’t crack as quickly as granite or slate is a benefit. Hot pans won’t leave scorch marks because of their excellent heat resistance. It would help if you still used a cutting board to protect the surfaces from cuts and scratches despite their resistance.

Natural Or Engineered Granite?

Lack of porosity is engineered granite’s most significant advantage over natural granite, while it also offers excellent resistance to cracking and chipping.

Porosity

Every natural stone has some pore structure. Granite is still porous but less permeable than marble. The primary issue with porosity is how much simpler it is to discolor. Wine and coffee have intense colors and can seep into pores, dry out, and leave their pigments behind. Then, it takes some effort to remove the stains. Natural stone seals prevent this. Sealing covers an object with a water-resistant substance, such as plastic or natural wax. The stone becomes smoother and brighter, and its stain resistance increases.

The stain is considerably less durable than the stone, so constant use will eventually cause it to fade. As a result, the stone will eventually begin to show stains. You’ll need to clean the stain out and reseal the stone to correct this.

Engineered granite is free of this issue. It no longer requires routine restaining and is far more stain-resistant. All the pores in the stone fill with thoroughly soaking it in highly durable epoxy.

Cracking and Chipping

Natural stones could be better, but they can be highly durable. With continual use, they begin to deteriorate. Any material will experience this, but the stone’s porosity may hasten the process since liquid intrusion can weaken the bonds holding the minerals together and cause unexpected chemical reactions. The stone may begin to chip and develop cracks over time. The corners require extra caution when handling because these parts frequently break first.

On the other hand, engineered stone is significantly less prone to chipping and cracking due to its significantly lower porosity. Also, because it is more cut-resistant, you can cut food on top of it. That is a significant characteristic; however, a cutting board can increase its toughness and preserve its look.

FAQs

What benefits do engineered stone kitchen countertops offer?

The advantage is that all engineered stones in your kitchen will completely match. Kitchen counters of engineered stone are available in various colors, including rose, grey, and many earth tones spanning the color spectrum.

Are engineered countertops better than granite countertops?

Engineered countertops do well against these substances. They'll last longer than granite, marble, or sandstone alternatives and look better.

How long do engineered stone countertops last?

Countertops made of engineered stone are incredibly robust. The ultimate product is extraordinarily tough—almost as tough as granite. Its advantage is that it resists cracking better than granite or slate. Because of its high heat resistance, a hot pan won't leave a scorch mark.

What are engineered stone countertops?

Quartz is a common name for this substance in the industry, but engineered stone offers a more precise notion of what it is. Quartz crystals are used to make engineered stone countertops. A resin binder binds them together, as opposed to natural stone countertops, which are cut from pure granite, marble, or sandstone.

What are the advantages of having granite floors?

Like kerbstones and cobblestones, pavers, patio flooring, and wall coverings, granite is another versatile building material. Due to their excellent durability and minimal care needs, granite flooring is remarkably suggested for outdoor and commercial settings.

Conclusion

We sincerely hope you now understand engineered granite’s benefits. If you love the appearance of natural stone but want counters that merely require a different level of maintenance, engineered stone countertops are a terrific option.

For you to make decisions based on your needs, we have also given you information on the distinctions between natural and manufactured granite.