Engineered stones have emerged as a game-changer in the world of interior design and architecture, offering a vast range of visually stunning, durable, and versatile materials. In contrast to natural stones, engineered stones such as quartz, porcelain, and glass are manufactured through different processes. In this blog, we are highlighting the unique characteristics and popular applications of engineered stone surfaces.
Quartz: The Durable Beauty
Quartz is one of the most sought-after stones used in interior design. It is made of approximately 90-95% refined quartz crystals and 5 – 10% pigments, resins, and other additives. Quartz surfaces are celebrated for their exceptional durability and crisp appearance.
The fun fact is that quartz can be made in various patterns and colors ranging from pure white, and black to bright blues, greens, and reds. Most quartz surfaces mimic the aesthetic of trending natural stones such as marble, granite, and soapstone.
Characteristics:
- Durability: Quartz is highly durable and strong, which makes it resistant to scratching, chipping, and daily wear and tear. This is why many homeowners prefer to use quartz in high-traffic areas of their houses.
- Non-porous: Almost all natural stones are porous, but quartz surfaces are non-porous, making them immune to staining. Moreover, quartz does not etch from domestic acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, or wine, making quartz countertops ideal for busy kitchens.
- Consistency: Being a man-made stone, quartz is made to ensure a uniform distribution of colors and patterns, which is not always possible with natural stones.
- Maintenance: Quartz surfaces are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep, typically just mild soap water is enough to get rid of the stains on quartz countertops or flooring.
Applications:
- Kitchen Countertops: Quartz’s impeccable durability and resistance to stains, etches, and scratches make it perfect for kitchen countertops, where it can endure the daily rigors of food preparation.
- Bathroom Vanities: The non-porous nature of quartz prevents it from absorbing moisture. Thus, quartz surfaces do not allow the growth of mold and mildew.
- Flooring and Wall Cladding: Quartz’s durability and aesthetic adaptability make it ideal for flooring and wall cladding in both home and commercial settings.
- Furniture: Quartz is also utilized in making furniture pieces such as tabletops, adding strength and elegance.
Porcelain: The Versatile Performer
Porcelain is another engineered stone that is made from Kaolin, a type of clay. It is fired at a very high temperature to achieve its durability and strength. Apart from durability, porcelain offers a more refined aesthetic than any other engineered stone. Its supreme aesthetic makes it a versatile choice for interior design applications.
Characteristics:
- Durability: Porcelain is tough and resistant to scratches, making it perfect for kitchen applications.
- Waterproof: Its non-porous surface makes porcelain resistant to water and moisture, making it an excellent choice for water-prone areas such as bathrooms, pool surrounds, and kitchens.
- Heat Resistance: Porcelain can endure high temperatures, which is why it is a great choice for kitchen countertops and fireplace surrounds.
- Aesthetic Flexibility: Available in a vast range of colors, textures, and finishes, porcelain surfaces often mimic the look of high-end marble.
Applications:
- Flooring: Porcelain tiles are vastly used in flooring because of their unmatched durability and minimum upkeep. They are perfect for high-traffic areas and suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Wall Cladding: Another popular application of porcelain is wall cladding in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces because of its lofty aesthetics and moisture resistance.
- Countertops: Porcelain surfaces are becoming popular as a countertop material, offering an exemplary combination of timeless allure, heat resistance, and durability.
- Outdoor Spaces: Porcelain can endure environmental impacts such as snow and thaw cycle. It does not get affected by harsh weather conditions, therefore, making it a suitable surfacing option for outdoor applications including pool surrounds, outdoor kitchen countertops, facades, and more.
Stoneglass: The Modern Elegance
Stoneglass is a man-made wonder in the stone industry. Manufactured to perfection, stoneglass surfaces offer a unique blend of modern aesthetics and superior durability – a perfect material for contemporary houses.
Characteristics:
- Eco-friendly: Stoneglass is an eco-friendly material since it is not manufactured with any malicious chemical substances.
- Non-porous: Stoneglass is completely non-porous, which prevents it from absorbing any liquid. Thus, stoneglass countertops are immune to staining from accidental spills and splashes. Moreover, its non-porosity prevents any bacterial growth.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Stoneglass comes in pristine shades of white and black with low opacity, making it an ideal choice for backlit applications. Stoneglass can also be engraved with different intricate patterns, allowing the flexibility of versatile applications.
- Durability: Stoneglass is more strong and durable than quartz and porcelain. it does not break easily, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas in luxurious spaces. However, it is not entirely scratchproof. Black surfaces tend to show scratches more prominently than the white ones.
Applications:
- Kitchen Surfaces: The sleek appearance and ease of maintenance of stoneglass prove it to be an ideal choice for kitchen backsplashes, countertops, and even islands, contributing to the appearance and functionality of any setting. Besides, stoneglass is resistant to staining, which makes it perfect for busy kitchens.
- Bathroom Surfaces: Stoneglass can brighten up your bathroom space with its minimal aesthetic. Being non-porous, it prevents moisture absorption, making it an ideal choice for vanity tops, flooring, and walls.
- Countertops: Even though less common than porcelain or quartz, stoneglass countertops are used for countertops due to their unique aesthetic and exceptional durability.
- Decorative Elements: Stoneglass can be used for building other decorative elements, including tabletops, columns, staircases, and shelving, adding a touch of elegance and modernity to any space.
Engineered stones like quartz, porcelain, and stoneglass provide numerous advantages that make them popular in modern interior design. Their durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance requirements make them ideal for a variety of applications, including kitchen countertops, bathroom surfaces, and decorative features. Whether you choose the consistent beauty of quartz, the adaptable performance of porcelain, or the futuristic elegance of glass, engineered stones offer limitless opportunities to improve the utility and aesthetics of your environment.
