Manufactured Stone
Manufactured stone is made from crushed natural stone and resin binder. This binder is a synthetic polymer that together with the crushed stone forms an extremely durable surface.
Manufactured Stone Countertops
This engineered stone product contains on average over 90% crushed stone mixed with the binding resin. Manufactured stone is made in relatively thin slabs under intense heat and pressure. Pigments, crystals, and other coloring agents are added to give the material a unique look as well as almost unlimited color choices. Manufactured stone countertops are available in a range of finishes. Customers can select everything from shiny, high gloss finish to a soft matte finish.
What is the different between Quartz, Natural Quartz, and Quartzite Countertops?
Quartz countertops is simply a popular term for manufactured stone countertops because most of them are made from ground quartz.
You may find the term “natural quartz” used in advertising and product descriptions from stone manufacturing companies. While this term is technically correct, it can be confusing for our customers. The product is indeed made from natural quartz, but it is not a solid slab of quartz material cut from the earth. It is a manufactured product made up of millions of tiny pieces of natural quartz.
The ground material used in manufactured stone is most commonly quartz — but not always! Manufactured stone can also be made from other components such a ground granite, marble, even bits of semi-precious stones and/or combinations of stones.
Quartzite Countertops are a natural stone mined and cut directly from the earth.
It is available in slabs only. Quartzite is most similar to slabs of granite, marble, or other natural stone. Although easily confused with quartz countertops – quartzite is actually very different.
Selecting Quartz Countertops
When selecting manufactured stone countertops, it is not necessary to shop for slabs as you would if you were selecting granite or marble. A small sample of material is enough to accurately see what it looks like because manufactured stone is quite consistent in color, texture, and look.
Color selection is very different with manufactured stone in comparison to natural stone slabs. Manufactured stone is available in wider array color choices than natural stone. As a matter of fact, when selecting manufactured stone countertops, your color choices are almost limitless. Colors not easily found in nature, such as lime green or fire engine red are easily obtained with manufactured stone surfaces.
Features of Manufactured Stone
- Non-porous, clean and hygienic surface
- Stain resistant
- Scratch resistant
- Does not require sealing
- Durable and long lasting
- Easy to maintain
- Huge selection of colors
- Uniform patterns and textures
Manufactured Stone Brands
At Granite Accents, we carry only the top brands of manufactured stone. These companies offer the best products as well as the widest selection. This allows our customers to choose exactly what that want every time. We invite you to check out each manufacturer’s website for their design ideas, product selections, and inspiration galleries.
Brands of manufactured stone available through Granite Accents
Considering Manufactured Stone Countertops?
Hopefully this page has given you some useful information regarding manufactured stone surfaces. Natural Stone and Manufactured Stone are both considerable investments. We feel it is important that you are given full information so that you can select the material that is right for your needs.
We understand that you will probably have many more questions and concerns that you need answered before you are ready to select your counter top surface material. We would like the opportunity to answer all your questions and show you manufactured stone samples as well as natural stone slabs.
A family business since 1994, Granite Accents employs our own highly experienced crews. We never sub-contract our projects with inexperienced laborers. We specialize in professional fabrication and installation using modern state-of-the-art technology and old-fashion values combined with attention to detail.
Having installed hundreds of countertops, we feel confident that you will be very pleased that you chose Granite Accents as your countertop installation company.
If you are interested in finding our more about manufactured stone, or quartz countertops for your home or commercial installation, we certainly hope you will contact Granite Accents. Not only will we provide you with a free estimate in a timely manner, we consult with you and answer all your questions regarding product materials and selection. We have facilities in both Sioux Falls, SD and Colorado Springs, CO.
Caring for Caesarstone
Read Cleaning your Caesarstone and check out the video below for more information on how to care for your Caesarstone Countertop.
