Stone Countertops: Quartz vs Natural

Design Trends

Stone countertops are a must in in our modern coastal aesthetic. They are not only functional and beautiful but can be a pivotal element to your design preferences. We love to use clean pieces of stone that give the overall feeling of a light and airy kitchen.

Stone Countertops
Quartz Countertops Designed by Pearce Design Group, Photo by Amie Retz

How are Stone Countertops different?

Stone countertops come in both manmade and natural varieties. Manmade are meticulously formed in a lab, and natural varieties are mined. Because of this, our manmade selection is usually Quartz. Quartz which is ground up particles of quartzite mixed with resin. Our main natural choices are marble or soapstone.

Soapstone sink and countertop. Image Source: Traditional Home

Which Stone Countertops do we recommend?

For looks alone we would always choose a natural stone but for durability, quartz is the way to go. We always asses our client’s needs and make our decision around that. Are there young children or grandchildren in the house ? Do they host a lot of parties? Will they cook a lot? Is there a way to mix in some natural and some manmade?

Stone Countertop
Marble Island with Quartz perimeter Design by Pearce Design Group, Photo by Amie Retz

Pros and Cons of Natural Stone

PROS:
  • Visually interesting
  • Natural variation makes each slab special
  • Unique markings you won’t find elsewhere
  • Sealable
CONS:
  • Softer stone can chip
  • Can stain if not properly cleaned
  • More temperamental than Quartz

Pros and Cons of Manmade Stone

PRO
  • Extremely durable
  • Long lasting
  • Easy to clean
  • Low Maintenance
CON
  • No variation due to manfucaturing process
  • Can look artifical
  • Resistant to heat

Overall Stone Countertops recommendation

In conclusion, we believe the Stone Countertops choice should be made with lifestyle concerns in mind. That being said, as designers – visual appearance is (almost) always our first priority so if we can, we’ll be incorporating natural stone somewhere in your beautiful home.

Marble ledge on custom Dining Room Display design by Pearce Design Group, photo by Amie Retz

Ready to design the home of your dreams?

Reach out to our team today to get a quote for services on interior design!

February 22, 2023

Ready to connect?

click here to contact us

SHARE THIS POst

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *