The Pros and Cons Of Engineered Stone Countertops

Many individuals are choosing to use engineered stone countertops as the perfect countertop for the kitchen in their home.  While engineered stone countertops may be the perfect solution for some people, there are also some drawbacks to using a stone countertop in the home.  When choosing a countertop for the home, it is important to consider all of the pros and cons of a specific type of countertop to ensure that you are making the best choice for your needs.

One of the best features of engineered stone countertops is the amount of strength that the countertop possesses.  Countertops made out of stone are some of the strongest countertops on the market and engineered stone is even stronger because of the addition of resins to the stone during the manufacturing process.  These types of countertops are resistant to scratches, staining, heat, chipping, chemicals, and biological or fungal growth.

Another benefit to engineered stone countertops is that the countertops require very little regular maintenance to keep the countertop looking brand new.  A countertop made of engineered stone can be cleaning easily using a sponge and some soapy water.  Because the engineered stone is non-porous, most spills and messes wipe up quickly with a minimum of effort.

Many people like to add engineered stone countertops to their home because the countertop will remain in great condition and look like new for a long period of time compared with countertops made out of other materials.  An engineered stone countertop will not chip or crack, like countertops made out of natural stone is known to do, will never require sealing, and it retains its original luster without having to be repolished on a regular basis.  Because the countertop will rarely need repaired or require specific maintenance, homeowners are more confident about their ability to care for the countertop and are easier about placing this type of countertop in their home.

The biggest drawback to purchasing an engineered stone countertop for the home is the price of the countertop.  Creating an engineered stone countertop that can withstand the ravages of time is a long and labor intensive project, so those costs are reflected in the price of the countertop.  Although people that purchase an engineered stone countertop will not have to worry about their countertop for years to come, the initial cost of the countertop is often high enough to discourage some people from purchasing them.

Because the engineered stone countertops are created and installed in solid slabs, there will be visible seams along the front edges and the deck of the countertop.  This provides a place for water and contaminates to collect if the homeowner is not careful and diligent about removing these items from the seams of the countertop.  After time, the water and contaminates collected in the seams of the countertop will begin to smell, which may require professional cleaning to get rid of.