Quartz kitchen worktops, Silestone, Caesarstone, Technistone
Saturday, March 24th, 2012Engineered stone worktops are man-made composites often made of 93% crushed quartz and between 3% and 7% binders and resins. Since these worktops are made from real quartz, they are very durable. Their ease of maintenance make them a favorite of families.
The disadvantages of engineered stone include the fact that it can be very expensive. Due to the fact that the material is man-made, as opposed to natural, the color is very uniform - missing out on the variations which occur in nature. Also, there may be visible seams.
Advantages of engineered stone far outweigh any disadvantages. Due to the materials used to create the product, such as quartz or even marble, these countertops are very durable and strong. Easy to install, virtually maintenance-free, it is easy to clean these worktops. Engineered Stone is usually 1/4 inches thick which makes it very easy to install over current worktops.
As these countertops are so durable, they are both scratch resistant and heat resistant. To be safe, however, avoid putting hot items directly on the countertop. These tops are stain-resistant, making them very family-friendly. Since they are non-porous, bacteria is unable to find a place to grow. Also, there is no need to reseal the product, thereby reducing maintenance involved.
Selecting colors can be difficult because there are so many to select from. You will find a wide variety of selections, many fashioned after currently available non-engineered products - such as Cambrian Black and Earth Brown.
Some of the colors available include: white, beige, peach, red, maroon, purple, sky blue, navy blue, green, yellow, orange, black, gray, and brown. New hues and colors are constantly being introduced. Some of the newer shades include Lavender, Mulberry, and Magenta. With so many selections, the design possibilities are endless.
Although engineered stone is usually associated with kitchen countertops, there are, in fact, many different uses for this great and durable material. For bathrooms, the product is perfect for vanities. The stain-resistance means that you do not need to worry about water seeping in and staining the product. The stone is also durable enough to be used as a flooring.
Although engineered stone has only been around for about 30 years, it has already become an incredibly popular product. In fact, many people refer to the brand instead of the product. If you are considering engineered stone worktops, the selection of colors as well as the versatility of the product make it perfect for any home.
Andy is a renowned natural stone specialist who has written numerous articles on various interior design ideas related to natural stone and quartz composite dimensional stone. His articles focus on marble worktops as well as quartz work surfaces and various uses for granite and marble.
For more information and advice about granite worktops and quality quartz work surfaces, please visit: granite supplier London Granite ltd specializes in solid black granite worktops and quality granite countertops within Greater London Area, United Kingdom.