Kitchen Countertops Stone Countertops How Are Engineered Stone Countertops Made?

How Are Engineered Stone Countertops Made?

The use of natural stone fragments such as quartz for kitchen countertop construction was patented by an Italian company named Breton. Later on, manufacturers adapted the same procedure to make engineered stone for kitchen countertops. But how exactly are engineered stone countertops made? Read on to find out.

Only the best composites

The process of manufacturing engineered stone for kitchen countertops starts when raw crystals of natural stones, particularly quartz and marble, with sizes that range from coarse grains to rock salt size, are gathered. Once the natural stone crystals are selected and ground, they are mixed and blended with bonding agents and color. Most manufacturing procedures make use of five to 10% resin as a bonding agent to add to the crushed natural stones. The mixture is heated and undergoes a process called vibrocompaction to form a solid and impenetrable surface.

The vibrocompaction process produces many large slabs of engineered stone. Most engineered stone slabs are composed of 93 percent quartz and 7 percent resin pigments and binders. They are free from cracks and fissures. They are also resistant to moisture, water, heat, and bacterial growth.

Ideally, all engineered stone countertops should be made up of 93% quartz to be durable, hard, and impermeable. Meeting this requirement can produce a product that is extremely durable, nonporous, less likely to crack or break during fabrication, and up to four times as strong as a granite product.

Quality control

The manufacturing process of engineered stone countertops is usually a controlled procedure. Quality-control measures are observed to get rid of the stones that do not have the exceptional qualities needed for engineered stone countertops. This critical production process guarantees that all sample stones resemble actual granite countertops in terms of texture and color.

The manufacturing of engineered stone countertops is essentially the same in most kitchen countertop companies. To ensure that their engineered stone countertops are made of high quality, most companies offer an limited warranty, usually up to ten years.

Other applications

Engineered stone is not only used for kitchen countertops – they are also manufactured for other home essentials including tiles, flooring, bathroom tops, cabinets, and other surfaces.

Unlike granite and other porous natural stones, engineered stone is perfect for use in commercial settings like hospitals, daycare centers, and foodservice providers. This is because engineered stone is antibacterial. It is not porous so mildew, molds, and bacteria do not have a place to grow. It does not need sealing as well, so it is low maintenance. Its glossy surface also makes stain resistant.

Some of the the leading brands of engineered stone countertops are CaesarStone, Cambria, Silestone, and Zodiaq. They offer a wide variety engineered stone countertops in different colors and finishes. The installation of engineered stone countertops is done by expert and licensed contractors who offer a satisfactory and guaranteed service.