Natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee remain the most preferred types of countertops in homesteads. To know why homeowners choose either of these, you must understand the origin and composition of each individually.
Natural countertops are 100% virgin products. They are mined from unadulterated stone which is cut into slabs then polished. Engineered countertops are human made. They are manufactured through mixing different types of natural minerals such as granite, glass, and marble and a small percentage of quartz.
natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee
In this post, we are going to look at the distinctive differences between natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee based on the following features.
–Â Â Â Â Â Appearance
–Â Â Â Â Â Durability
–Â Â Â Â Â Cost
–Â Â Â Â Â Eco-Friendliness
Appearance
Looking at the first comparison between natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee, you will find that both come in beautiful selections of pigmentation and patterns. Natural countertops display slight, naturally occurring non-uniformity in their hues. To some, this is considered an advantage while to others it’s a drawback. Their unique colors vary from roses, earth tones, blues, and greens.
Engineered countertops, however, are more predictable in their coloration and come in a wide array of colors to choose from due to their pigments added during their manufacture. From monotone to chromatic textures, engineered countertops have a lot more to offer than natural stone countertops when it comes to appearance.
That said, engineered countertops can’t compare to the natural beauty of natural stone countertops. Some customers don’t put much emphasis on the coloring of their countertops while others are very keen to maintain as much purity as possible. This remains a personal preference since beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. You can’t go wrong whether you decide to choose either natural or engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee.
Durability
The second comparison between natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee is that natural countertops have to be sealed when installed and resealed every one to two years. They are considerably durable but not indestructible.
The enduring nature of natural stone makes it suitable for outdoor use. If poorly maintained, natural countertops are prone to cracking and chipping. They also stain easily compared to engineered materials.
Engineered countertops do not require as much maintenance as natural countertops. The resins used in their manufacture gives these countertops an added advantage of being extremely stain resistant and flexible enough to avoid chipping or cracking. Engineered stone countertops have also been observed to discolor when exposed to intense UV rays.
Both natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee have an approximated lifespan of 25-50 years, depending on how they are used and the amount of care adhered to
Cost
Cost is another factor that differentiates natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee. The decision to invest in either depends mostly on the expense. Engineered countertops are less bruising to the pocket than natural stone counters. In most stores, natural stones are prized at 40-200$ per square foot.
On the other hand, engineered stones cost 70-175$ per square foot, depending on the material. To have a 20 square foot kitchen countertop installed with either one, it would cost you around 500$.Â
When it comes to either product, you’re going to end up paying a lot for fabrication and installation. You may end up paying slightly more to have a natural countertop, but the difference is insignificant unless your kitchen is huge. The advisable thing to do in this case is to establish a budget with your installer and try to stay within it.
natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee
Eco-friendliness
This is another major difference in natural and engineered stone countertops in Milwaukee. Customers are currently looking for a more sustainable option when it comes to countertops.
Some may argue that engineered stone is the more eco-friendly choice since it is manufactured using recycled materials, and since the water used in its production is afterward reused. However, both use a large amount of energy in their mining and shipping. Engineered stone goes beyond that and uses more energy to be crushed and mixed then bound together with polymers.
Natural stone produces fewer carbon emissions in its manufacture.
Both produce insignificant quantities of radon and volatile organic compounds. Although natural stone is seen to have a slight edge as an environmentally friendly countertop material, the truth is that both choices are okay for kitchen use and sustainable since if used and maintained well, they last a lifetime.
 If after doing your research on Milwaukee countertops you decide that you prefer authentic stone, granite countertops Milwaukee is your best option.
Have our professional installer seal it for you regularly and keep a dishcloth handy to avoid staining and they will serve you long and well.
If on the other hand you favor engineered stone over natural stone and you would like one that offers a broader range of color and less upkeep, quartz countertops Milwaukee will work well for you. Either way, you can’t go wrong with whatever choice you make between the two.
