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The Pros and Cons of Stones

by | Dec 13, 2021 | Uncategorized

We are here to make your home renovation easier; that is why we compiled a list of pros and cons for stones. We hope that this helps you choose the perfect stone for your home. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you read: 

  • Stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof. Stain-resistant means that it is harder to stain the stone. If you properly care for it, you will not deal with staining. 
  • Heat resistance does not mean you should constantly place high heat objects on the stones. High heat can remove sealer or polish layers, eventually damaging the stone. Try to use a trivet or hot pad as often as possible. 

GRANITE

Granite is a natural stone. It is formed under the Earth’s surface by magma that slowly cools and crystallizes over time. As a result, each slab is unique and full of different colors and patterns.

Pros of Granite: 

  • One of the hardest substances on Earth, making it very durable
  • Heat resistant
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Can be repaired if broken, unless shattered

Cons of Granite: 

  • Needs to be sealed; otherwise, there can be staining
  • Is porous

 

QUARTZITE

Quartzite is a natural stone formed by crystallizing from molten magma. Many slabs have marble-like colors and veining.

Pros of Quartzite: 

  • Resistant to etching
  • Low maintenance
  • UV resistant
  • Durable
  • Can be repaired if broken, unless shattered
  • Scratch resistant

Cons of Quartzite: 

  • Some varieties need to be sealed
  • Can stain

 

MARBLE

Marble is a natural stone. It’s created by the metamorphosis of a combination of rocks under intense pressure and temperatures.

Pros of Marble: 

  • Are beautiful and timeless stones
  • Can be repaired if broken, unless shattered
  • With proper care, they can last a long time

Cons of Marble: 

  • Porous
  • Can stain or etch. To prevent etching we recommend a honed marble. Honed marble is marble that has not gone through the polish process, which leaves it matte.
  • Delicate and can be damaged easier than other stones

 

PORCELAIN

Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating clay-type materials to high temperatures.

Pros of porcelain:

  • UV Resistant
  • Heat Resistant
  • Essentially scratch resistant (ceramic knives may scratch)
  • Stain-resistant

Cons of porcelain: 

  • Can crack if hit by a hard object (ex: hammer).

 

DEKTON

Dekton goes through a high-tech process that mimics the metamorphic change that natural stone undergoes over thousands of years.

Pros of Dekton:

  • Scratch Resistant
  • Heat Resistant
  • Stain Resistant
  • UV and ice resistant, making it the perfect stone for outdoor use

Cons of Dekton:

  • Difficult to repair if broken

 

 

QUARTZ:

Quartz is an engineered stone made up of natural components.

Pros of Quartz: 

  • Is not porous
  • Does not need to be sealed
  • Stain-resistant
  • Same durability as granite

Cons of Quartz:

  • Not heat resistant
  • Can be damaged and stained by chemicals, ex: nail polish remover or high pH cleaner

 

A Closer Look at Dekton

A Closer Look at Dekton

by | Mar 14, 2019 | Uncategorized

Dekton is one of the many new manufactured stone lines that Italian Marble & Granite is proud to carry.  Dekton is made by the same company that makes Silestone, Cosentino.  Dekton requires special certifications to work with the materials.  Italian Marble & Granite has been trained and certified to work with Dekton.

Dekton is made up of a complicated blend of glass, porcelain, and raw materials.  These materials go though a high tech process that mimics the metamorphic change that natural stone undergoes over thousands of years.  The result is a durable product that can be used in a multitude of applications.

Dekton Trillium vanity

There are a number of advantages to using Dekton:

  • UV resistant – this makes Dekton ideal for indoor and outdoor use
  • Scratch resistant
  • Resistant to stains, including household chemicals such as bleach and drain cleaner
  • Resistant to heat and fire – Dekton can be used for outdoor fireplaces and hot pans can be placed directly on the surface
  • Resistant to ice and thawing – perfect for our cold Western New York winters
  • Comes in multiple sizes, even tiles

There are some disadvantages to working with Dekton.  The material can be harder to work with for the fabricator.  It also can be difficult to repair.  The material itself most often come in 2 cm thickness.  For a thicker look, the material would need to be built up, adding additional cost in both labor and materials.  Cosentino has just started producing slabs of Dekton that are 3 cm thick, but there is a very limited selection available at this time.  Dekton slabs are also not “full bodied.”  What that mean is that the design on the slab is only on the surface.  For example, a slab with veining on it that replicates the look of marble will only have that veining on the surface.  The sides of the slab will just appear white.

Kitchen with waterfall panels featuring Dekton. Spectra was used for the island and Halo was used on the perimeter.

Close up of Halo Dekton.

Though there are a few drawbacks to working with Dekton, we think that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.  We have enjoyed working with this material so far, and are looking forward to many more projects that feature Dekton.