Let’s talk Quartz!

Engineered Stone / Quartz / Porcelain

We’ve focused thus far on natural stone countertops, however, no list would be complete without giving an honourable mention to Engineered Stone surfaces. Unlike natural stone, these surfaces are specifically designed to be used as countertops, which makes them far superior to stone in many ways. There are also several different types of engineered stone one can consider.

Engineered Quartz, is a very popular choice for countertops, it is made of loose quartz particles bound together with resin. It is harder and more flexible than quartzite, which makes it nearly indestructible, resisting scratching, cracking, and chipping better than any natural stone. Although it is usually white, quartz countertops are available in a variety of colours, and some brands are even made to look like marble.

Quartz countertops cost about the same as quartzite, despite being more durable overall. The one area where quartz countertops are outperformed by quartzite is in heat resistance. The resin in quartz countertops may melt at higher temperatures, so care needs to be taken with hot pots and pans.

Porcelain is probably the oldest of the engineered stone surfaces, and today porcelain is available in nearly every style, colour, and texture that you can imagine. Porcelain is perdurable, and since it is manufactured with extreme heat, it is very heat-resistant as well.

Of course, there are many other surfaces to explore and consider before designing or undergoing a kitchen or bathroom renovation. Soapstone, limestone, travertine, and other types of stone are all viable choices for quality countertops.

Which is the Best Stone to use for Countertops?

When it comes to kitchen renovations and bathroom renovations, there are a number of similarities you will experience. especially when it comes to the selection of the correct countertops. Kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops, however, face different kinds of traffic, meaning that you can not just choose the same countertops for both rooms. Different natural stone countertops can handle different elements better. Bathroom countertops should be able to handle more moisture, whereas kitchen countertops would need to be more durable and handle more heat and general damage. this means a more durable stone should be used.

Granite

Granite has long been the premier choice of stone due to both its beauty and durability. Granite has become increasingly more common as the “go-to” stone for countertops. It is definitely an affordable option for kitchen and bathroom alike. Granite natural stone brings an elegant look to the kitchen or bathroom. Granite is available in an assortment of colours and styles, their is an option to suit your taste and colour pallette.

Before being used as a countertop, granite slabs should be treated with sealant. This will close up any small crevices or pores and make it safe for food preparation and prevent staining. Granite countertops should be re-sealed regularly, preferably once a year. Meaning the upkeep and maintenance will allow the stone to last almost forever.

Quartzite

Like granite, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that offers both beauty and substantial durability to countertop surfaces. Although it is gaining in popularity, it is less commonly used than granite, possibly because it tends to be a slightly more expensive option. Quartzite is not to be confused with quartz.

As a natural stone countertop option, quartzite has one significant advantage over granite. It has greater density, which makes it more resistant to chipping, staining, or scratches. The fact that it can resemble marble makes this advantage even more significant, as many still consider marble to be the most luxurious stone countertop option. Like granite, quartzite countertops also require regular sealing, but virtually no other maintenance.

Dolomite

Rounding out the trio of top natural countertops is dolomite, a lesser-known stone that is slowly gaining popularity as a more durable and less expensive option than marble. It is often called “dolostone” to avoid confusion with the mineral dolomite, even though the mineral is a significant part of the stone’s makeup. This is significant because although dolomite is not quite as hard as granite, it is still much harder than marble, making it a more scratch- and chip-resistant option.

Although sources of dolomite are plentiful, its relative lack of color variance can limit its usefulness as a marble substitute. Like the other natural stone options, dolomite countertops also require regular sealing to prevent staining.

Marble

Marble is listed as a premium choice. Having been used in classical sculpture and as an up-scale building material for centuries, most people naturally equate marble with opulence. However, it is the weakest choice for natural stone countertops one can choose. Marble, despite its popularity, is not as durable as the other options. It is porous, making it extremely susceptible to stains if it is not regularly treated with sealant. It is also not as hard as dolomite, granite, or quartzite, which means it is more prone to scratches or chipping.

Granite

Granite has long been the premier choice of stone due to both its beauty and durability. Granite has become increasingly more common as the “go-to” stone for countertops. It is definitely an affordable option for kitchen and bathroom alike. Granite natural stone brings an elegant look to the kitchen or bathroom. Granite is available in an assortment of colours and styles, their is an option to suit your taste and colour pallette.

Before being used as a countertop, granite slabs should be treated with sealant. This will close up any small crevices or pores and make it safe for food preparation and prevent staining. Granite countertops should be re-sealed regularly, preferably once a year. Meaning the upkeep and maintenance will allow the stone to last almost forever.

Quartzite

Like granite, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that offers both beauty and substantial durability to countertop surfaces. Although it is gaining in popularity, it is less commonly used than granite, possibly because it tends to be a slightly more expensive option. Quartzite is not to be confused with quartz.

As a natural stone countertop option, quartzite has one significant advantage over granite. It has greater density, which makes it more resistant to chipping, staining, or scratches. The fact that it can resemble marble makes this advantage even more significant, as many still consider marble to be the most luxurious stone countertop option. Like granite, quartzite countertops also require regular sealing, but virtually no other maintenance.

Dolomite

Rounding out the trio of top natural countertops is dolomite, a lesser-known stone that is slowly gaining popularity as a more durable and less expensive option than marble. It is often called “dolostone” to avoid confusion with the mineral dolomite, even though the mineral is a significant part of the stone’s makeup. This is significant because although dolomite is not quite as hard as granite, it is still much harder than marble, making it a more scratch- and chip-resistant option.

Although sources of dolomite are plentiful, its relative lack of color variance can limit its usefulness as a marble substitute. Like the other natural stone options, dolomite countertops also require regular sealing to prevent staining.

Marble

Marble is listed as a premium choice. Having been used in classical sculpture and as an up scale building material for centuries, most people naturally equate marble with opulence. However, it is the weakest choice for natural stone countertops one can choose.Marble, despite its popularity, is not as durable as the other options. It is porous, making it extremely susceptible to stains if it is not regularly treated with sealant. It is also not as hard as dolomite, granite, or quartzite, which means it is more prone to scratches or chipping.

How to clean stains off your white kitchen counter tops:

With everyone being safe at home during these drastic times. Lockdown sure has given birth to some home Master Chefs. However, learning new dishes comes with the downside of cleaning. For those who have white Kitchen Countertops these are susceptible to staining especially for those who have wood or melamine countertops. Removing stains does not mean you have to go out and buy expensive cleaning chemicals that would damage your counters. You can get them clean with a few common household items and a little elbow grease. 

How to Clean Marble and Granite Countertops  

What you need:

Cleaning:
Mix warm water and mild dish soap for everyday cleaning, polish with a microfiber towel to shine up the stone. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners, which can strip the sealer and etch the stone.

Stain Removal:
For stains on granite or marble countertops, clean with a paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains). Apply the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Let sit for a few days (or overnight at the very least), and then rinse off the paste. Repeat the process if the stain is not completely gone. Be sure to do a spot test first to ensure the method won’t affect the colour or finish of the stone.

Sealing:
These surfaces are popular for their low maintenance appeal, but they do need to be regularly resealed to protect them from stains. Reseal granite annually and marble 2x a year. 

How to Clean Quartz or Engineered Stone Countertops  

What you need:

Cleaning:

Like it’s natural stone counterparts, these countertops can be washed with mild soap and water.

Stain Removal:
Quartz countertops are largely stain-resistant, but if you do come across a stain use a glass cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge to clean the area.

Sealing:
Engineered stone countertops don’t need any resealing to stay in pristine condition

How to Clean Soapstone Countertops  

What you need:

Cleaning:
This natural stone is nonporous, making it resistant to stains and scratches. Clean it with almost any multipurpose cleaner, as long as it’s not abrasive.

Stain Removal:
Most stains can be removed with a multipurpose cleaner. Scratches and tough stains can be removed with very fine sandpaper (do not use rougher than 80 grit). Apply mineral oil after sanding.

Sealing:
The look of the material will change over time, depending on whether you use mineral oil, which speeds up the oxidation process and makes the stone look darker. Some prefer the natural aged look and leave the stone to age. Mineral oil can help protect the counters from stains.

Switching to Natural or Engineered Stone Countertops is not only a more aesthetically pleasing but comes with more benefits for hygiene and functionality. Check out our website www.earth-stone.co.za for our various options, send us a mail and one of our consultants will be in touch.

Different types of Engineered Stone:

For the longest time, people have made use of natural stone for many uses. Most common being the simple kitchen countertops and flooring. Granite and Marble countertops have been the choice of stone in many homes across the world. However, choosing natural stone over time will deplete in supply as there are only so many mines in the world to get from. For this reason, we as humans have been able to create an almost identical type of stone product using quartz as the base. This we refer to as Engineered Stone. The differences are subtle and the pricing is often cheaper than natural stone. However, the Engineered stone is sustainable, which is a big issue in today’s times.

When it comes to selecting the correct Engineered Stone Countertops or tiling options, it’s not as simple as just opting for the sustainable product, but as we are able to engineer these stone products, we have been able to customise them to suit any taste. Below are some of the options of engineered stone products to help you select the right stone for you.

Caesarstone:

Caesarstone is the ideal choice for an engineered stone countertop. Its composition is 95% quartz with the remaining 5% being the colour additives and a hardened polymer resin. This allows for the quartz countertops to become very strong, as well as scratch, stain and heat resistant.

Silestone:

Silestone is the 2nd choice when it comes to countertops. Very similar to the Ceasarstone, Silestone is only 94% quartz, mixed with the same resins. This stone is a little bit easier on the pocket.

Quantum Quartz:

This beautiful hard stone is composed of only 93% natural quartz and 7% bonding agents and pigments. This stone is very low maintenance and extremely hygienic in the sense of how it can be cleaned and maintained. Quantum Quartz is the ideal stone for tiling, flooring and occasional countertops.

Essastone:

Essastone like its counterparts is a hardened stone made up of 95% quartz and 5% select resins. This stone is non-porous and homogenous, meaning it is low maintenance and strong stone, also being heat, scratch and chemical resistant.

Smartstone:

Smartstone is the new kid on the block. Coming to market in 2002, a mere 18 years ago, Smartstone is only available n a select 24 colours and is composed of 93% quartz. This stone has become one of the tops choices in stone countertops. This engineered stone is highly resistant to heat, staining and scratches, making it the ideal stone for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Earth-Stone Marble and Granite are suppliers of all the above mentioned engineered stone options and will cut and fit all-natural and engineered stone products. Choose Earth-Stone for your stone options, visit us online at www.earth-stone.co.za to arrange for a consultant to come out to you.

Engineered stone vs Natural stone

When it comes to selecting stone countertops, there are so many options available, it is not always easy to decide which is the best suited to your home or even budget. In this blog we will cover the differences of natural cut stones compared to that of engineered stones or more commonly known as Quartz.

The reason for this is that natural stones are as the name says, made of naturally formed stone and cut to size to be used as countertops and for many other worldly applications. Natural stone such as Granite and Marble are often the most common choice when it comes to selecting natural stone countertops. This is due to the durability of the stone, it’s beautiful colours and gradients. However these stones do come with some cons, natural stones are a bit higher maintenance and must be taken care of. Natural stone can crack over time and often get scratch marks.

Engineered stone countertops are man-made, by making use of natural minerals such as quartz and a special resin to keep it all together. These countertops last a great deal of time, and are much lower maintenance than their natural stone counterparts. The engineered stone offers durability and strength with little variation from that of natural stone, engineered stone can handle high heats like that of pots and pans straight off the stove tops and does not crack or scratch.. Selection of engineered stone is not any easier than the natural stone as there are many types such as: Silestone, Caeserstone, Cambria, Okite, Technistone and Icestone.

The only downside is that pricing for these different types of stones don’t vary too far apart. Making the decision of natural stone vs engineered stones a lot more difficult. In the end the choice is up to you. Check out our website for the best options and pricing for all natural and engineered stones and countertops.

Marble vs Granite, how to choose?

Appearance: Although fairly similar in appearance, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Marble vs Granite. Granite shows grains in its layered sediment that created the naturals stone structure and beautiful effects. Whereas Marble shows a much larger pattern, with veins that run through the really make the colour stand out. 

Hardness and Durability: The difference between Marble and Granite cannot be seen, but comes down to the compound makeup of the natural stone. Granite is much harder than Marble and therefore is more resistant to scratches. Although both products are resistant to heat. Be sure to be careful when placing hot pots or plans on your countertops.

 Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if they are properly sealed every one or two years. Granite and marble are porous, so without a seal, liquids will penetrate and stain.

Countertop Maintenance: Most experts agree that granite requires moderate maintenance when compared with solid surface, quartz, laminate, glass or ceramic tile.

Marble is moderate to high maintenance. The care involved in keeping it sealed, avoiding acidic materials and wiping up spills quickly. Whereas Granite is more durable and doesn’t need as much maintenance. Making it the wiser decision for countertops.

Marble vs Granite, What’s the difference?

Marble vs Granite

Appearance: Although fairly similar in appearance, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Marble vs Granite. Granite shows grains in its layered sediment that created the naturals stone structure and beautiful effects. Whereas Marble shows a much larger pattern, with veins that run through the really make the colour stand out. 

Hardness and Durability: The difference between Marble and Granite cannot be seen, but comes down to the compound makeup of the natural stone. Granite is much harder than Marble and therefore is more resistant to scratches. Although both products are resistant to heat. Be sure to be careful when placing hot pots or plans on your countertops.

 Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if they are properly sealed every one or two years. Granite and marble are porous, so without a seal, liquids will penetrate and stain.

Countertop Maintenance: Most experts agree that granite requires moderate maintenance when compared with solid surface, quartz, laminate, glass or ceramic tile.

Marble is moderate to high maintenance. The care involved in keeping it sealed, avoiding acidic materials and wiping up spills quickly. Whereas Granite is more durable and doesn’t need as much maintenance. Making it the wiser decision for countertops.