Here at GBS, we use a variety of stone types, both man-made and natural. However, is one better than the other?
We know that choosing the right stone for your project can be a difficult decision with a number of factors to consider, style, quality and price to name a few. We have rounded up some of the pros and cons of both stone types to help you decide which is best for you.
Style
When it comes to the appearance and style of your stone, there is little debate that natural stone is more desirable with its luxurious, elegant feel. Luxurious because no two slabs are the same, so if you are looking for a stone that ensures your project is unequivocally unique then choosing a natural stone would be a suitable option.
However, if you want your worktop to bring a pop of colour to your kitchen renovation, man-made stone provides you with a wider array of colours, in comparison to the palette of greys, browns and yellows of natural stone.
Quality/Durability
When maintained properly, natural stone can last decades, even centuries. Man-made stone does not come close in comparison. However, since it is easily made, man-made stone is also easier to replace, particularly since natural stone is one-of-a-kind – the likelihood of finding a true duplicate of natural stones is near impossible.
Something to note is the porosity of some types of natural stone, primarily granite, limestone and sandstone. High porosity means the stone is more moisture sensitive, thus making it more susceptible to staining, whereas man-made stones, namely quartz or porcelain have few pores, therefore requiring little maintenance.
Affordability
Man-made stone does generally tend to be a cheaper option in comparison to natural stone, therefore making it a more affordable alternative whilst still bringing an ounce of luxury to your home. Nevertheless, the durability of natural stone means it is unlikely that it would need to be replaced, so long term may be the most cost-effective option.
Environmentally friendly
With the world’s current climate, it is important now more than ever to consider the effects of using some materials on the environment. Natural stone is, of course, naturally occurring so from the outset appears to have a lesser carbon footprint than using man-made stone. However, it is quarried all over the world, therefore needs to be shipped long distances with more fuel used because of its weight. Thus, indicating the positives of man-made stone which is often engineered within Europe with less distance to travel.
It is likely that the natural vs. man-made stone debate will continue for some time to come. Just like GBS will continue to provide you with a variety of stone options so you can use the type most suitable for your project.
To find out more about the types of stone we offer, please get in touch below.