Natural Stone Vs Engineered Countertops: Pros and Cons

When it comes to natural vs engineered countertops…which are better? Find out with this ultimate guide to the pros and cons!

In today’s world, there are real things and engineered things—for everything from food to diamonds, countertops, and beyond. When deciding between the two, for instance, natural vs. engineered countertops, it’s important to know all of the facts. 

That’s why we put together the ultimate guide to natural stone vs engineered countertops. Here, we’ll cover all the pros and cons for each, discuss how to decide for your unique lifestyle, and help you source the most premium material no matter what. 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about engineered and natural stone countertops for your next renovation project. 

Natural Stone Countertops: Pros & Cons 

Natural stone countertops have long been the crown jewel of luxury kitchen design, offering an unmatched combination of beauty and durability that can transform any space. These geological masterpieces, whether granite, marble, or quartzite, bring the raw elegance of nature indoors with their unique patterns and rich color variations that simply can't be replicated by manufactured materials. 

However, before you commit to this investment, it's crucial to understand both sides of the coin. Next, we’ll cover the top pros and cons of natural stone countertops to consider before making the final decision.  

Pros 

  1. Aesthetics: The biggest pro about natural stone countertops is that each piece is uniquely beautiful with natural patterns. This offers homeowners countless colors and patterns while creating a high-end, sophisticated look that immediately adds luxury and elegance to any space. 
  2. Durability: Natural stone countertops' durability, is the second biggest pro, as they can last for decades with proper care. Most materials are highly heat-resistant, generally scratch-resistant, and typically won't melt or scorch. 
  3. Value: We’ve all watched plenty of House Hunters to know that homeowners are seeking natural stone countertops. These countertops increase your home’s resale value, offering a timeless appeal that doesn't go out of style.
  4. Functionality: Natural stone also offers flexibility and versatility as a naturally cool surface that’s excellent for baking and cooking. More than function, it’s versatile, with the ability to fabricate differing edge styles and compatibility with under-mount sinks.

Cons

  1. Maintenance Requirements: Natural stone needs regular sealing, typically annually. This requires more of a time commitment and specific cleaning products than engineered options. You’ll also need to be mindful of cleaning spills immediately to prevent staining. 
  2. Vulnerability: Stone's vulnerability can lead to chips or cracks if heavy objects are dropped. Again, the porous surface can absorb stains, and some stones (like marble) are sensitive to acidic substances. Lastly, etching may occur with everyday or uncareful use.
  3. Cost: Natural stone often requires a higher initial investment and requires professional installation due to the need for specialized tools. The cost of specialty care products can also add up over time. 
  4. Installation Considerations: Natural stone is very heavy and sometimes requires cabinet reinforcement. In addition, seams may be visible in larger installations.

Engineered Countertops: Pros & Cons 

Engineered countertops, such as quartz and porcelain, offer homeowners a modern kitchen design that is also practical. These manufactured surfaces combine the aesthetic appeal of natural stone while addressing many of its drawbacks through advanced technology and engineering. 

They’re referenced as “engineered,” created from a blend of natural minerals and high-quality resins. In doing so, they still deliver consistent patterns and colors that can mimic everything from natural stone to industrial materials, making them incredibly versatile for any design scheme. 

Of course, engineered countertops come with their own pros and cons. We’ll review those, next. 

Pros 

  1. Durability: As for durability, engineered countertops are the way to go with a non-porous surface that resists staining. Not only that but most materials are highly scratch-resistant and impact-resistant and don't crack as easily as natural stone.
  2. Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, engineered materials don’t require sealing and are easier to clean with standard household products. Even better? They’re resistant to mold and mildew.
  3. Consistency: Engineered stone offers uniform patterns and colors, allowing for a more predictable appearance for matching slabs. It mimics the look of natural materials and also offers a wide range of designs. 
  4. Customization: Have the perfect look in mind? Create it with an engineered slab that can come in countless colors and patterns. They also offer various edge profiles for unique preferences or purposes. 

Cons 

  1. Heat Sensitivity: Be cautious of using engineered countertops in kitchens (or have plenty of hot pads ready!), as hot pots and pans can damage engineered stone. Excessive heat can also cause discoloration, which is often not covered by warranties. 
  2. Cost: You’ll pay a price for the benefits of engineered countertops, as they come with premium pricing similar to natural stone. They, too, require professional installation and aren’t easy to repair if damaged. 
  3. Appearance: Many say engineered countertops lack the unique character of natural stone or that patterns can look repetitive, lack variation, and may appear artificial to some.
  4. UV Sensitivity: UV rays may fade in direct sunlight, making outdoor kitchens unsuitable. They can also discolor over time, and some colors are more susceptible than others.

The Most Popular Engineered & Natural Stone Countertop Types 

Now that you know more about the pros and cons of each, you might be wondering…what’s most popular among homeowners, designers, or business owners? Next, we’ll review the most popular types of engineered and natural stone countertops to get an idea of what you're looking for aesthetically and practically. 

Granite

The reigning champion of natural stone countertops, granite is formed from cooled magma deep within the earth's crust. Known for its distinctive speckled appearance and incredible durability, granite resists scratches, heat, and with proper sealing, stains as well. Available in hundreds of colors and patterns, from subtle whites to dramatic blacks with swirls of minerals, each slab is uniquely different. While it requires annual sealing, its hardness (7 on the Mohs scale) makes it ideal for busy kitchens.

Marble

Prized for centuries by sculptors and architects, marble offers unmatched elegance with its distinctive veining patterns. Formed from metamorphosed limestone, marble's classic white-and-gray Carrara or cream-colored Calacatta varieties remain highly sought after.

 However, marble is more porous and softer than granite, making it susceptible to etching from acidic substances and requiring more frequent sealing. It's particularly popular for pastry preparation as its naturally cool surface is ideal for working with dough.

Quartzite

Often confused with quartz (an engineered stone), quartzite is a natural stone formed when sandstone is subjected to intense heat and pressure. It offers similar durability to granite while featuring marble-like aesthetics, making it an excellent compromise between the two. 

Quartzite typically displays white or light-gray backgrounds with stunning crystalline streaks. Its hardness surpasses both granite and marble, making it exceptionally resistant to scratching and etching, though it still requires periodic sealing.

Soapstone

Another natural stone favorite is soapstone, which is distinguished by its soft, matte appearance and typically dark gray coloring with subtle veining. Soapstone offers a unique alternative to shinier stones. While softer than granite or quartzite, it's nonporous and highly resistant to heat and acids, requiring no sealing. 

Over time, soapstone develops a natural patina that many homeowners find appealing. Minor scratches can be buffed out with mineral oil or fine sandpaper, making it a surprisingly practical choice despite its softer nature.

Quartz

The most popular engineered stone, quartz countertops, comprises roughly 90-95% ground natural quartz combined with polymer resins and pigments. Brands like Caesarstone and Silestone have revolutionized the market with incredibly durable, non-porous surfaces that never require sealing. 

Available in an extensive range of colors and patterns, from solid whites to marble-mimicking designs, quartz offers consistent coloring throughout each slab. Its high durability, scratch resistance, and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for residential and commercial applications.

Porcelain

A relatively newer entrant to the market, porcelain slabs (like Dekton) are created through sintering, where various minerals are compressed under extreme heat and pressure. The result is an incredibly dense, durable surface virtually impervious to scratches, heat, and UV rays.

Available in a wide array of designs, from concrete-look to marble-mimicking patterns, porcelain can be manufactured in large formats with minimal thickness. Due to its weather resistance, it's particularly well-suited for outdoor applications.

Natural vs. Engineered Countertops: How to Choose 

As you can tell, there is a lot of information to digest when deciding between natural stone countertops and engineered ones. So, to complete our ultimate guide, we’ll finish with the most important factors to consider. 

Durability and Maintenance

While beautiful natural stone countertops like granite and marble require regular sealing to prevent staining and etching from acidic substances, engineered options like quartz offer superior durability and are virtually maintenance-free. They require no sealing and more effectively resist scratches and stains.

Cost Considerations

Natural stone prices vary significantly based on rarity and origin, with exotic granites and marbles commanding premium prices of $100-300 per square foot installed. Engineered materials typically fall into a more predictable mid-range price point ($60-150 per square foot installed) and often provide more consistent pricing across styles.

Appeal and Flexibility

While natural stone offers one-of-a-kind patterns and organic beauty that many homeowners prize, engineered surfaces provide more consistent coloring and patterns, which can be advantageous for large projects requiring multiple slabs. Modern manufacturing techniques allow engineered materials to closely mimic natural stone while offering a broader range of colors and styles.

Environmental Impact

Natural stone requires quarrying and significant transportation resources, though it's a naturally occurring material. Engineered countertops, while partially composed of natural materials, involve manufacturing processes and resins. However, they often incorporate recycled content and may be produced more locally, potentially reducing transportation emissions.

Installation and Longevity

Both materials generally require professional installation, but natural stone's inherent variations can make seam-matching more challenging. While both options can last decades with proper care, engineered surfaces typically offer more extended warranties and more predictable performance over time, making them particularly suitable for high-traffic commercial applications.

The Final Word: Natural vs. Engineered Countertops

With this guide, you now know all of the pros and cons of natural vs. engineered countertops, as well as the most popular types and the factors to consider when making your decision. The last thing to figure out is where to source premium engineered and natural countertops. 

Luckily, you’re in the right place. AP Marble has been a leading supplier of premier stone for over 20 years, with over 40,000 feet of stone in our Michigan warehouse. This includes beautiful selections of natural and engineered materials like granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, and porcelain like you’ve learned about today. 

Begin browsing these stone types or more, and plan to visit our showroom to see the beauty yourself. Be sure to follow AP Marble on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all the latest stones, tips, and more. 

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