The Hard Truth about Manufactured Stone Products
Make sure you understand the differences between manufactured and natural stone before your countertop project gets underway. Photo: DC Tile and Stone ©2023
Originally written by Jack Benning of Golden State Granite
When choosing new kitchen counters, many consumers want to know what’s better: a natural product such as granite or marble, or a manufactured product like Caesarstone or Cambria. While there are pros and cons to either option, a common misconception is that manufactured products are impervious to surface damage, which isn’t the case.
Since natural stone products are porous, they need to be sealed and periodically resealed. A marble or granite product’s seal protects it from surface stains and scratches, as well as etching from acidic elements like vinegar, limes and tomatoes. Due to the necessity for recurrent resealing, some consumers prefer the low-maintenance character of manufactured products.
Even though manufactured products don’t need to be sealed, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to stains or scratches. In fact, when such damage does occur, it’s often permanent. While surface damage to a natural product can often be repaired, these processes don’t work on man-made products because they’re made from plastic, from which it’s nearly impossible to remove stains and scratches.
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