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Natural Stones
As it is apparent by the name, natural stone is formed by the force of nature over thousands of years. They are quarried from the earth from different locations, determining their type, color, and texture. They vary in appearance and natural imperfections, a preferred choice for both interior and exterior areas.
Types of natural stone include marble, granite, quartzite, sandstone, limestone slate, onyx, travertine, and basalt. They are often used to decorate the backsplashes, kitchen countertops, vanity tops, and even for floors and walls.
Man-made Stones
Man-made stones, also known as artificial stone, is manufactured using a chemical process to look like natural stones. Typically, it is prepared from concrete and other materials that undergo certain processes to get the final product.
During the process, it is colored and polished artificially to make it look similar to natural stone. Though from far, it may actually look like natural stone, they are less durable than natural stones.
Comparison Between Natural and Man-made Stone
Appearance & Style
When it comes to natural stone, no two slabs are alike. This gives a unique appearance to your spaces. On the other hand, artificial stones have consistency and repetition in color and style.
Natural stones are available in tones of grey, black, brown, red, and greens with different sorts of veins and grains. However, man-made stones are manufactured in tons of colors, designs, and patterns, complementing the decor of all kinds.
Price
The price of natural stone and man-made stone depends on the quality. A premium quality engineered stone may sometimes be equal in price to the most economical variety of granite or limestone.
However, artificial stone is easier to install than natural stone and does not require sealing.
Durability
When it comes to durability, natural stone remains the clear winner. No matter which natural stone you choose, it will stand the test of time gracefully.
Natural stones are more durable, less porous, resistant to heat, scratches, and cracks, making them ideal for kitchen countertops and long-term use.
Features
Natural stone offers better resistance to heat, moisture, sunlight, and wind than artificial stone. That’s why it is ideal for outdoor applications such as wall cladding and paving.
Additionally, natural stone can almost always be cleaned by removing stains and scratches, whereas damage in artificial stone is often permanent.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly
Natural stone is a sustainable and eco-friendly option as it requires minimal processing and has a lower carbon footprint.
Whether to choose man-made stone or natural stone depends on your needs, budget, style, and area of application. Both have their pros and cons but work efficiently if the quality is superior.