We’ve spent most the past few weeks talking about using the right natural stone in the best ways for your renovation or remodeling project, but this week we want to tell you a bit about some man-made alternatives that are still high-end additions to your home. When it comes to return on investment, these materials really add to your home’s curb appeal when they are used properly. At Stone and Tile from Portugal, we can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to the right materials to use for the right type of remodeling project.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a man-made material. You’re probably familiar with porcelain tiles that are customarily used as backsplashes and tub surrounds, but porcelain also can be made into a slab for use as countertops. Porcelain slabs mimic the look and feel of stone. It’s made of compressed porcelain clay that has been fired at extremely high temperatures.
Porcelain is versatile. It can be engineered to look like granite, marble, wood, or just about any other natural material you can conceive. Essentially, the look of material you want to mimic is printed on top of the porcelain’s surface. Porcelain is very stain-resistant, and also is resistant to both UV light and heat, making it a great choice to be used in outside kitchens. Those properties also make it good for creative applications. At Stone and Tile of Portugal, we fabricate our own porcelain, because it is fragile, and our techs really understand how to work with it. That fragility means you want a skilled contractor for the installation process, and we’ve got you covered there. With porcelain, you want to be sure to use a cutting board at all times because knives may scratch the surface.
Porcelain’s best uses include: Countertops; Flooring; Bathroom tile and backsplashes; Kitchen backsplashes; Outdoor applications, like kitchens and patios
Quartz
Engineered quartz is a man-made material. It is subjected to a very rigorous fabrication process so the finished product has very specific properties. It can be easy to spot since it’s got a uniform, consistent look.
Quartz products are composed of a mixture of quartz crystals and silica. These are blended with an epoxy resin, cast into a block and cut into slabs. Since it’s an engineered product, quartz is manufactured in a variety of colors. It’s tough and holds up well under heavy daily use and foot traffic. Plus, it’s easy to clean and sanitize since you can use chemical agents on it.
Quartz is extremely hard and non-porous so it won’t stain, and is resistant to chemicals. Consistent in coloration, quartz is also available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Quartz is not recommended for outside use since UV light can damage its appearance, and because it can’t tolerate exposure to high heat. Although it is hard, the edges and corners of a quartz piece can chip, so you do want to be careful about not dropping anything heavy on it.
Best uses for quartz include: Kitchen and bath countertops; Flooring; Backsplashes; Showers and baths
Contact Stone and Tile from Portugal today to start your next renovation project.
