Alternatives to Granite Countertops – Stunning Engineered Stone

Last Updated on July 16, 2013

Nature Made Granite. We Made it Better.

We often get asked by our clients about alternatives to granite countertops.

One of the questions we hear most is: “I would like something other than ordinary granite for my counters—what options do I have?”

While we appreciate the beauty of ordinary granite, Mother Nature certainly didn’t foresee the demands of modern lifestyle when creating its mineral wonders.

If you are a passionate chef or love to enjoy a glass of Frédéric Magnien Bourgogne Pinot Noir in your kitchen, you are probably familiar with the stains that red sauces and wines can leave behind on ordinary granite countertops.

There are times when plain granite just won’t work.

That’s why our engineered stone countertops, a perfect combination of nature and technology, are wonderful alternatives to granite countertops.

Easy to maintain, scratch and stain resistant, our engineered stone, made from a combination of granite, stone and quartz, retains its beauty for years and is almost maintenance-free. Quartz countertops have the added benefit of more consistent colors and patterns.

As you can see, there’s not much to dislike about this stunning man-made material.

Engineered stone is ideal for surfaces in all rooms of the home such as kitchen counters, shower walls, bathroom vanities, floors and fireplaces. Engineered stone countertops have four times the flexural strength and double the impact resistance of granite while impressively outperforming regular granite.

The basics: Engineered stone is a man-made product formed from the world’s finest granite, stone and quartz. Available are upwards of 50 colors from sandy cream to earthy linen.

Pros: Engineered stone is made durable thanks to quartz. Quartz is a mineral that is tough like granite but malleable and impact resistant.

Unlike ordinary granite, engineered stone slabs are nonporous—resistant to stains and scratches. This material has a leg up on natural stone when it comes to installations. It is much easier to install without the demolition and headaches associated with ordinary slab granite.

Maintenance: Our engineered stone overlays require no sealants or waxes (either initially or for ongoing upkeep). Routine cleanup is a breeze with soap and water.

While there is no such thing as a perfect counter material, you need to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each before remodeling your kitchen or bathroom and find the one that will work best for you.

Are you ready to start your kitchen transformation?

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