House lovers might know this. As for the kitchen, it’s an integral part, especially for homeowners who enjoy cooking themselves and pay special attention to it. Whether it’s the countertop, an essential space for placing appliances and cooking food, or the dining table, the epitome of family happiness, these elements hold significance. Therefore, this article aims to enlighten you about the differences between marble, engineered marble, and synthetic stone. When used as countertop or dining table material , what are the differences between each type? To help you choose what suits your needs best, let’s delve into it.
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Marble, Engineered Marble, Synthetic Stone: What are the differences between each type?
The most popular materials for tables and countertops are marble, engineered marble, and synthetic stone. But have you ever wondered what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll elaborate on this aspect.
1) Natural Marble
When it comes to tabletop and countertop materials, ‘natural marble‘ refers to marble produced from natural marble. It boasts extraordinary natural beauty, dimensions, uniqueness, strength, and durability. Its longevity makes it suitable for versatile tabletop and countertop use. However, it has its drawbacks; this type of material is relatively heavier compared to others. Moreover, you need to handle it with great care as it’s prone to scratching and is not resistant to acids. Even a small amount of acid-containing liquid, like vinegar, can cause stains. If the marble is white, it may turn yellow.
Who is natural marble suitable for?
It’s suitable for those who understand how to care for marble. If you’re looking to make a long-term investment, despite its high price, it’s worth it, especially if you intend to use it in various forms.
2) Engineered Marble
‘Engineered marble,’ on the other hand, is a tabletop and surface material similar to natural marble but cheaper and lighter. It contains 75% – 90% marble chips and 10% – 24% resin, polymer, and synthetic pigments. It’s often more popular nowadays compared to other marble types. Even after prolonged use, its color remains beautiful, and it’s easy to clean due to its non-porous nature, preventing water penetration. You don’t need to worry about dirt and germs buildup. Its durability depends on the type of engineered stone, which is indicated by the Moscale rating.
Who is engineered marble suitable for?
It’s suitable for those who want to use countertop and tabletop materials as beautiful as natural marble but at a more economical price. Both the material and installation costs are light, and its usefulness in the kitchen surpasses other materials.
3) Synthetic Marble
‘Synthetic marble,’ meanwhile, is one of the materials confused by many between engineered stone and synthetic marble. However, synthetic stone is made from real stone crushed into sheets with resin, unlike synthetic marble, which includes various additives to enhance specific properties compared to regular marble, such as inhibiting germs, UV resistance, etc. In terms of aesthetics, it’s similar to the two types of marble mentioned above, but it’s more expensive due to its more complex production process.
Who is synthetic marble suitable for?
It’s suitable for those who want to use it in various ways, resistant to heat, acids, and bases, and are looking for an investment. Although more expensive than other marble types, it stands out with its special features that can be chosen according to requirements.
4 Techniques for Choosing Countertop and Table Material
For anyone planning to decorate a new kitchen and choosing countertop and table material, which will meet aesthetic and specific usage needs, can be easily selected based on the following 4 techniques:
Assess Usage Needs
Before selecting any material for countertops and tables, gather information first. What kind of usage do you want? In what context or situation, such as for home use, personal use, or commercial use like restaurants, hotels, should there be specific features? How often will you use it? This will help determine what type of table material and tabletop to choose, including size, shape, etc., especially for restaurant use where genuine marble may not be suitable due to its susceptibility to scratches and acidity.
Consider Countertop Design
Choosing a good countertop involves not only considering the countertop and tabletop materials but also paying attention to its design to suit the kitchen layout and usage. This includes looking at the countertop types, such as L-shaped, U-shaped, central island, I-shaped, etc.
Set an Appropriate Budget
There’s no need to use an excessively high budget because sometimes you might have to pay additional costs such as installation, maintenance, labor costs, etc., which can worsen the situation. Therefore, it’s advisable to learn how to set the right budget for selecting countertop and tabletop materials.
Choose Suitable Materials
Since every investment should be made for long-term use, it’s essential to select materials suitable for use, reducing maintenance burden and ensuring they don’t wear out easily with each use.
Why is Marble Table So Popular?
When asked why marble, the answer is simple – ‘marble’ is a natural stone originating from the sea. Through the combination of various minerals from seawater to natural changes, a beautiful, smooth stone with unique patterns emerges. As often seen, its floor is white with patterns resembling gray water stains. When polished, it becomes shiny, smooth, and beautiful. It’s classified as premium stone with a relatively high price. (Currently, there are options to slightly save on the price.)
However, the stone is fragile. Therefore, it’s recommended not to use it on kitchen tables that require heavy usage. However, it can be used as decoration to add beauty and modernity to kitchen sets. Or it’s more appropriate to look for dining tables with marble tops.
There are three types of marble used to make countertops and dining tables: natural marble, engineered marble, and synthetic marble. Each has different advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to choose which one suits your desires best. For example, if you want strength, durability, and beauty like natural stone, choose natural marble. But if you want marble with special characteristics and have an additional budget, you can opt for synthetic marble. Or if you want marble that’s lightweight and cost-effective, the beauty doesn’t fade for anyone. You should choose engineered marble, etc. For anyone interested in choosing dining tables with engineered marble tops, including various furniture, don’t forget to consider Teak Furniture Manufacturer, the best in quality teak furniture with engineered marble on top!
