Engineered Stone Countertops
Engineered stone countertops can give you the luxurious and elegant look and feel of stone without many of the disadvantages of a pure rock surface like slate or granite. Unlike most natural rock, engineered stone countertops are extremely resistant to wear and tear. This means that engineered stone countertops will not show the scratches, chips, cracks, or surface blemishes that a natural stone surface is likely to accumulate over time.
Saves Money Over Natural Stone
In addition, this rock substitute is often substantially less expensive than its pure counterparts, which makes it a great choice for many homeowners looking for the elegant atmosphere that stone counters provide on a budget that excludes extravagant materials like marble.
Engineered stone countertops are made of a blend of stone, resin, and pigments that give an appearance that suggests pure rock but has the durability and affordability of a synthetic. Over ninety percent of most engineered stone counters is actually made of real stone particles, which gives this material a surprisingly natural look. However, the thing that sets most engineered stone apart from natural stone visually is the fact that it is so imperfect.
Appearance
Unlike genuine pure marble or granite, engineered counters don't have the same variations in tone, or the same kind of detailed and complex veining patterns. Although the overall effect of engineered stone countertops can be roughly the same as the general visual impact of natural stone, when you look closely at engineered stone you won't find the same kind of multifaceted beauty that only nature can create.
This may sound like a disadvantage, but many homeowners discover that the uniformity of engineered stone countertops is actually a blessing in disguise. Because engineered stone is less variable than real stone, when you choose a sample you can rest assured that the counter you order in that shade will look exactly like what you expect.
Easier Designing
This can take the guesswork out of kitchen design, and can make it much easier to plan other elements of your kitchen to match the tone and feeling of your counters than it would be if you were working with pure stone. If you want the atmosphere of stone without the sometimes frustrating variation in color and thickness that comes with dealing with a natural material, engineered countertops may be right for you.
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