Many homeowners when revamping their house do not know the difference between a natural stone and manufactured stone. This can create a hassle as the quality of both the stones differ and using any of them can bring about different changes in your home decor. At its core, it is up to you what kind of stone you would like to use in your kitchen. Nature provides us with different qualities of stones, such as Quartzite, Limestone, Granite, Marble, Sandstone, Travertine, Onyx, etc. Most of these stones are renowned for their vibrancy in color, depth, quality, and a myriad of other things. However, all of these stones have different properties and it is advisable to consult a professional before using any of these natural or manufactured stones.
Natural Stone
Today most people invest in natural stone to get a classic and aesthetic style. The best aspect of a natural stone is the high simplicity quotient that comes along with the stone. These natural stones are basically made from real stones that are pulled from the earth. These real stones are found in large pieces which are sliced into thinner parts to get natural stones. Natural stone features imperfections, textures, and tonal variation that has formed over thousands of years. Some examples of natural stones are Marble, granite, limestone, slate, sandstone, basalt, quartz, etc.
Manufactured Stone
Manufactured stone is molded concrete or quartz that is artificially colored with paint to resemble natural stone. Nowadays man-made stone is quickly becoming the top choice for many interior designing projects. It is much lighter in weight and no fasteners or footings are needed for the installation, saving both money and time. These stones are normally made up of concrete materials that have been endowed into molds.
Natural Vs Manufactured Stone
Appearance
External appearance is what people are going to see first and as we know the first impression is the best. Manufactured stones can offer a realistic aesthetic appearance, especially from a distance. There are a wide variety of styles, patterns, and colors to choose from or embrace the man-made appearance.
As Natural stones are quarried their color variations are rich and the texture beckons you to run your hand across the surface. These characteristics make this unique and of an unrivaled appearance.
Cost
Natural stones are costly. Retrieving it from the ground is labor-intensive and quite a difficult process, often increasing the expenses. Its installation process is also daunting as it is quite heavy to work with. Whereas manufactured stones don’t require any fasteners or footers for installation.
Durability
One of the best aspects of selecting a natural is its durability. The essential part is that a natural stone will surely last for a long period of time. Sunlight does not have much effect on the stone. Also, The natural stone does not wear off easily.
Manufactured products do not last as long as natural stone but can last beautifully for 50 years. However, cracking and fading can also occur.
Advantages of Natural Stones
- More durable than manufactured stone because it’s less porous.
- Color does not fade but ages in a natural, attractive manner.
- The exceptional un-matched color vibrancy will look better over time
- The value of the natural stone is more than a monetary measure. It involves longevity, ease of maintenance, permanence, and stability that far exceed the initial investment.
Manufactured Stones
- They are more consistent in color and shape and provide a more uniform look.
- Manufactured stone is also used in wood-frame structures due to its lightweight nature.
- Of less cost compared to natural stone which is almost 3 times the cost.
- Easy installation.