Kitchen countertops and washing basins in the bathroom are where composite stone is most frequently used. We all know what composite stone is often made into, but what exactly is this material? Let’s find out!
What is composite/ engineered stone?
Composite stone’s main components are crushed natural stone like granite, calcite, crushed glass, and resin. After these components are mixed, an adhesive is added.
The resulting mixture goes through industrial processes like solidification and pressurisation to become building materials hard enough to make countertops and other supporting surfaces.
Common composite stone includes artificial quartz and artificial granite.What’s good about composite stone?
Beauty
The surface of composite stone is smooth and not likely to discolour. It has the texture of natural stone, which is very decorative in appearance.
Moreover, composite stoneware can be made to look seamless. It is not water absorbent and not prone to staining. Cleaning composite stone is relatively simply and hassle-free.
Resistant to heat and wear
Composite stone is quite resistant to wear and has a relatively high durability. It is also resistant to heat.
Wide variety of colour and style
Since composite stone is artificial, it can be moulded into different shapes according to your needs. Composite stone also comes in a wide range of colours, which imitates the appearances of granite, marble and other natural stones.
Environmentally friendly
Since the raw materials used to manufacture composite stone are natural substances like crushed stone and resin, free of harmful chemicals, composite stone is a relatively green renovation material.
Affordable
Compared to natural stone, composite stone is cheaper. Prices vary according to the manufacturing quality of each brand.
What are the potential problems?
Softer than natural stone
Composite stone is more prone to scratching compared to natural stone. When using composite stone products, avoid colliding the surface with sharp objects so that the material will not crack under the impact.
Prone to cracking
When the temperature fluctuates dramatically, composite stone materials, due to a low malleability, are proe to cracking.
Loss of lustre under high temperature
When using a composite stone countertop, do not place extremely hot objects on its surface. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat will cause the material to lose its appealing lustre.
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