When renovating or remodeling a home outdoor living space in Palo Alto, CA, one of the primary considerations is the materials to use. Natural stone is formed naturally by a mixture of minerals and molten lava rock and is mined from the ground. The most common include granite, sandstone, limestone, marble, soapstone, slate, onyx, and travertine.
On the other hand, engineered stone is made in factories using natural elements like natural ground stone and artificial ingredients like polymer resins and pigments. Quartz, Cambria, concetto, Caesarstone, engineered marble, icestone, and Silestone are the most common types.
Natural Stone Pros
Uniqueness
Since it is made through many natural processes, minerals, and rocks, natural stone acquires patterns, colors, and veins that are different in every home.
Eco-friendliness
Since no chemicals or fuels are required to make natural stone, they don’t contribute to the carbon footprint or waste in landfills.
Cons
Prone to damage
While natural stone can withstand a lot of pressure, it is porous, making it prone to etching, scratching, and overall wear and tear. It is also vulnerable to things like pigmented liquids or acids, requiring sealing.
Engineered Stone Pros
Uniformity
Since the patterns are artificial, you can get pieces with uniform patterns and colors, making it a good choice if you want consistency in large spaces.
Durability
Engineered stone undergoes rigorous testing to make them more durable and damage-resistant. They are also not porous, meaning you don’t have to seal them.
Affordability
This is an essential factor when choosing marble tile in Santa Cruz, CA. Natural stone is usually more expensive because they take a long to form. The mining process is also dangerous, expensive, and time-consuming.
Cons
Eco-consciousness
The manufacturing process releases a lot of gases and involves many harmful chemicals.
Carmel Stone Imports is a West Coast Importer of natural and engineered stone for your home outdoor living space in Palo Alto, CA. Visit them today to order your marble tile from Santa Cruz, CA.
