Natural Countertops vs. Man-made Countertops
When you decide to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, you will face many different decisions throughout the process. Partnering with a designer, like L&M Design-Build-Furnish, can help make this decision process smoother and easier to understand. Deciding on countertops might be one of the first things that cross your mind. You probably have an idea of what you want your countertops to look like, but there is a decision you have to make before you go one step further: You have to decide between natural materials versus man-made materials. Each material has different characteristics to consider when making the decision that is best for your home and your lifestyle.
Man-made Countertops
Synthetic, or man-made stone, is made in a facility and contains around 90 percent natural stone and 5 percent resin. These two materials are blended together through heat to make one solid form. Man-made materials can mimic the look of natural counters without the price tag.
Due to the way that synthetic or man-made counters are made the entire form will be uniform and generally without flaws. If consistency in your countertops is important to you then synthetic countertops might be the way to go. In addition to the consistency, the material is much heavier than natural materials. The heaviness helps make your countertops chip-resistant.
A benefit to synthetic materials is the ease of cleaning. Synthetic materials are non-porous so it is more difficult to stain your countertops, though not impossible. Cleaning and maintaining these counters is simple.
It is important to note that just because these counters are scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistance. This doesn’t mean your counters are completely protected from these events. Some man-made counters discourage cutting directly on the counters and applying heat without protection. Stains that can’t be removed with bleach are most likely permanent. In order to keep manmade counters looking their best, they require regular care.
Natural Countertops
Natural stone is an extremely popular choice for kitchen counters. These are stones like granite or marble and they are formed naturally in the earth’s crust. They are extremely durable and boast beautiful pits, fissures, divots and variations in color that contribute to its beauty.
Unlike the man-made counters, natural materials will not be uniform. Flaws and inconsistencies are inevitable, because these materials are entirely made in the earth, which is the main reason why they are so breathtaking in your home. These inconsistencies could be considered a drawback, but most people consider this part of what makes natural stone appealing. In fact, natural stone countertops can lead to increased valued in your home.
Natural stone is extremely strong and durable. This is where granite has the upperhand on quartz. Though man-made countertops are often famed to be damage-free, this isn’t always the case. Chips on man-made counters are more noticeable whereas natural stone is easily repaired.
Another difference in natural stone is that it is naturally porous. This lends to the beautiful divots and fissures in the material. Even though the material is naturally porous, which can make your counters prone to staining, all you need to do is regularly seal your natural stone counters. The seal will protect them from potential stains. This is a simple procedure that only has to be completed once a year.
Between man-made and natural countertops, you can find the right choice for your kitchen, your home, and your family. Whether maintenance, strength, durability, or uniformity is most important to you, you have a lot to consider when making your countertop decision. It is helpful to consult a design company, like L&M Design-Build-Furnish, to help determine what is best for you and your home. Whether you choose natural materials or man-made materials, you will have the ability to transform your kitchen into a beautiful, functional space.
