Engineered Stone is the latest must-have for sleek modern functional countertops. Combining the durability of natural stone with a variety of man-made uniform colours and patterns, this surface is becoming increasingly popular for high-end applications. Engineered stone gives your countertops a luxurious, elegant, modern look and feel. Unfortunately engineered stone does not have as high a heat resistance, and hot pots should not be placed directly on the surface.
Engineered Stone Gallery Our detailed online Engineered Stone colour gallery has examples of many of the different stone colours. Each stone colour includes a close up, a full slab photo, and examples in applications. |
How is Engineered Stone made
Engineered Stone is a man-made product consisting of a mixture of approximately 93% crushed quartz and held together by a polyester resin.
The mixture is compacted by a special vacuum/vibration process at a pressure of 100 tons and heated to form a solid and impenetrable surface. The end result is a hard surface that has the strength durability characteristics of natural stone with highly uniform custom colours and patterns.
While the majority of engineered stone is quartz-based, there are other forms that use different natural stone materials. However, quartz based engineered stones are the hardest and most scratch resistant.
Since the introduction of engineered stone numerous manufacturers have entered the market with their own unique brands of engineered stone. All use a similar process to manufacture the material and therefore the quartz-based engineered stones share the same durability qualities. What does differentiate between the various brands are the available patterns and colour options.
Popular Brands Imported into South Africa |
Caesarstone
Caesarstone, also known as Caesar Stone, is composed of quartz. Caesarstone countertops are imported into South Africa from Italy and available in a range of colours and textures.
To view available Caesarstone colours and textures, please see: Engineered Stone Gallery.
Quarella
Quarella is available in two ranges and composed of either quartz or marble. Quarella countertops are imported into South Africa from Italy and available in a range of colours and textures.
To view available Quarella colours and textures, please see: Engineered Stone Gallery.
HanStone
HanStone, also known as Han Stone, is composed of quartz. HanStone countertops are imported into South Africa from Italy and available in a range of colours and textures.
To view available HanStone colours and textures, please see: Engineered Stone Gallery.
TrafficStone
TrafficStone, also known as Traffic Stone, is available in two ranges and composed of either quartz or marble. TrafficStone countertops are imported into South Africa from Italy and available in a range of colours and textures.
To view available HanStone colours and textures, please see: Engineered Stone Gallery.
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Scratch Resistance |
Heat Resistance | Stain Resistance | Chemical Resistance | Hygiene Rating |
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Although engineered stone is rated 5 stars for most resistances, this does not mean that it is impervious to damage. We recommend that you take care of your countertops. For more information, see our care and maintenance tips.
To prevent heat damage, don’t place hot pots directly on the surface
To prevent scratching, use cutting boards and avoid scraping heavy object across the top. To prevent staining, clean up spills as soon as possible.
If you intend using chemicals on the surface, we recommend that you confirm with your stone fabricator that the surface type is resistant to the chemicals.
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Engineered Stone Scratch Resistance |  |
Engineered stone consists of approximately 93% crushed quartz. Quartz is the 4th hardest natural mineral on earth, only diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topaz are harder. This hardness gives engineered stone one of the highest scratch resistances of all manmade countertop materials and puts it on par with granite. It resists scratches from objects such as knives, pots, plates, and mugs.
The use of cutting boards is recommended because cutting on such a hard surface will in fact dull the knives.
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Engineered Stone Heat Resistance | |
Due to the resin content in engineered stone, countertops can be damaged and discoloured by intense heat. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid placing hot cookware directly on the surface, and instead, use heat pads.
The surface is resistant to the heat of hot plates up to the temperature of 150°C.
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Engineered Stone Stain Resistance | |
Engineered stone countertops have a very high resistance to staining because the surface is non-porous. However, it is always recommended that an spills be wiped up immediately.
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Engineered Stone's Resistance to Weathering | |
Due to the resin content in Engineered Stone, countertops can be discoloured from continuous long term exposure to direct sunlight.
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Engineered Stone Cleanliness & Hygiene | |
Engineered stone is a non-porous material and resists growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. This makes it perfectly suited for kitchen areas where food is prepared.
Engineered stone surfaces are industry approved for installation in hotels, restaurants, and hospitals and endorsed by the Public Health and Safety Company (NSF) in accordance with international NSF 51 sanitary standards.
A study was conducted in 2006 by Dr. Snyder (president of The Hospitality Institute of Technology), where four widely used countertop materials were compared – two granites, one marble and one quartz surface (engineered stone). The study showed that all are easily cleaned to meet FDA sanitizer criteria of 5-log reduction pathogens on the surface. “Overall, there was no statistical difference in reduction after wash and rinse for any of the four stone surfaces,” said Dr. O. Peter Snyder.
This was a follow up study to from one completed in 1999, also conducted by Dr. Snyder, which proved granite to be one of the most cleanable hygienic countertop materials available after wash and rinse... over 1000 times more cleanable than a plastic laminate.
Look & Feel |
Appearance
The appearance of an engineered stone surface depends on the mixture of quartz granules used in manufacturing the material. Small quartz crystals give the surface a more consistent uniform appearance, while larger crystals provide a more speckled look.
Colours & Patterns
Engineered stone is available in a variety of modern-looking colours and surface patterns.
Each manufacturer has their own range of available colours.
An aesthetic characteristic which is prominent in engineered stone is the controlled consistency throughout the colour and surface pattern. This gives the surface a "man-made" appearance.
Below are 3 examples of full granite slabs (+- 2.8m x 1.6m), from one of the most consistent surface patterns to one of the more “wavy” patterns”.
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Less Consistent |
Choosing a brand and colour
As mentioned, numerous manufacturers have entered the market, each with their own range of colours and patterns. Since the durability qualities between the various brands are roughly equal, choosing the right brand comes down to which brand provides the colour and pattern you are looking for.
Our online colour gallery showcases a combination of all brands and colours available in South Africa.
After you have made a list of your favourite colours the next step will be to visit the stone show rooms to see the stone slabs in person. This will help narrow down your list of options.
Seeing the stone slabs in person is a very important, exciting, step in the process and will ensure that you make the right colour choice for your project before getting quotes from the stone fabricators.
Engineered Stone's Surface & Touch
Engineered stone has a solid, smooth, cool, elegant, polished stone feel
Like granite, engineered stone countertops also can have a high gloss surface shine. The shine is accomplished by polishing the surface to a mirror-finish using diamond polishing tools. It's not caused by something coating the surface. Therefore, polished engineered stone will keep its beautiful high glossy shine for decades!
Engineered Stone Pricing |
Engineered stone is currently one of the most expensive countertop options available, other than a few exotic natural stone materials. This cost is attributed to the extensive research and process in which the material is manufactured. However, the value-for-money and durability of engineered stone makes it a more cost effective option than other cheaper man-made alternatives. Like natural stone, engineered stone will retain its beauty for decades, improve the long term home experience, and increase the value of your property. This makes engineered stone a sensible, economical solution and investment for your countertops and other surfaces.
The cost of engineered stone countertops varies. Expect to pay between R2800 and R4250 per m2, depending on the manufacturer (brand), colour and complexity of the installation.
Engineered Stone in Application |
Engineered Stone kitchen countertops
Engineered Stone gives a kitchen a clean modern look.
Like granite, engineered stone kitchen countertops are durable enough to withstand the everyday life of a modern kitchen and will look as good as it does today years from now.
Normal kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware can all be used on engineered stone kitchen countertops without the worry of scratching the surface.
It's non-porous surface makes engineered stone highly stain resistant and very easy to clean. It's also ultra hygienic, rated one of the top surfaces for hygiene and cleanability (see above).
Unfortunately, engineered stone is not as heat resistant as granite and you will need to avoid placing hot cookware directly on the surface.
The following limitations need to be considered:
To read more about the different kitchen countertops, go to Kitchen Countertops page.
Engineered Stone in the bathroom
Engineered stone gives a bathroom a clean harmonious appeal.
It's non-porous surface makes impervious to water and the ideal choice for all bathroom surfaces.
Aside from using engineered stone for bathroom vanity units, it can also be used for the floors of the bathroom as well. Like any other smooth surface floor, the polished surface of a engineered stone can be slippery if it gets wet and a honed surface is recommended, especially for shower floors.
Other Applications
Engineered stone can also be used for bar tops, table tops, reception countertops, floor tiles and more...
We do not recommend engineered stone for fireplace surrounds or exterior applications due to its vulnerability to heat and sun.
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Step 2: Choosing a Stone Colour
Don’t miss out on available stock - make a list of your favourite stone colours before scheduling appointments to view the slabs at the showrooms.
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