There are multiple countertop materials that can mimic the appearance of granite countertops and one of the options is cultured granite countertops. But should you get cultured granite or natural granite countertops? Here’s a guide.
Differences Between Cultured Granite And Real Granite Countertops
Composition
Firstly, you should know what the material is made of.
Cultured Granite Countertops
Cultured granite is made of crushed stone (granite and marble) mixed with resin and polymer to create a solid, hard surface that looks and feels like granite. So, its name has granite in it, but it’s really a man-made or engineered stone.
Another closely related material to this is cultured marble, which is made with marble and limestone dust combined with resin and fillers to look like marble slabs.
Natural Granite Countertops
This is the granite that is formed under the Earth’s surface and then mined and transported to facilities for fabrication in the form of slabs or tiles. Slabs are the norm, while tiles are not common.
Appearance
Cultured Granite Countertops
Cultured granite is an engineered stone, but it is made specifically to look like granite. The surface has veining and speckles with colors that are like granite.
However, if you want to differentiate between cultured granite and natural granite, then the patterns of cultured granite may be more uniform and repetitive. Plus, the surface of cultured granite countertops is also glossier than their natural counterparts.
Natural Granite Countertops
Natural granite countertops have the real, unique, and random veining and speckles that people know and like. The colors of natural granite countertops are also non-uniform across a single slab, which only makes them look more beautiful.
Variety
Cultured Granite Countertops
They are man-made stones so you can find any color and pattern you like. You can go with common colors like black, white, brown, beige, gray, silver, or dark granite options or choose exotic granite colors like blue, purple, violet, or gold. As they are manufactured, even exotic colors won’t cost a lot.
Natural Granite Countertops
Natural granite is found in many different colors and patterns, but you are limited to the variety offered by nature. But every slab you look at is unique with its veining and patterns. You can ask a granite contractor Rockville to show you the samples for both stones so you can see the difference and make a decision easily.
Heat Resistance
Cultured Granite Countertops
Cultured granite has polymer resin in it, which is like plastic, and if you know anything about plastic, you know that it melts when exposed to high heat. So, if you expose cultured granite countertops to temperatures above 300°F (148°C), the resin will begin melting slightly. This will become more severe if the temperature is more than that. There will be yellow spots for minor heat damage and brown or dark spots due to major damage.
To avoid heat damage to your cultured granite slabs, use trivets and coasters, and ensure that you never put anything on the surface that has a temperature above 190°F (88°C).
Natural Granite Countertops
Natural granite is an ingenious rock so it’s highly resistant to heat. The rock itself can withstand up to 1200°F (648°C), but it has a sealant applied onto the surface and it gets damaged if the temperature of the item you’re placing on it is more than 500°F (260°C).
So, even though natural granite slabs are heat-resistant, you should use trivets and coasters. It will be forgiving if you accidentally put a hot pan or anything else directly on the surface.
Scratch Resistance
Cultured Granite Countertops
They are not as scratch-resistant as natural granite because the slab is not a crystalline rock slab, but instead, made of stone particles and resin. Its score is 2-3 on the Mohs hardness scale. So, you may notice scratches on the surface over time due to knives and dragging pots and pans on the surface. And if it’s a glossy finish, scratches may appear more prominently.
However, as the surface is man-made using resin, you can have the scratches buffed or polished. But if the gel coat of the cultured granite slab is damaged, it may be hard to repair it.
Natural Granite Countertops
They are crystalline rock slabs and score 7 on the Mohs hardness scale so they are very scratch-resistant and won’t be bothered by knives. However, you should still use cutting boards for cutting and chopping food items because removing scratches from natural granite countertops is difficult.
Water Resistance
Cultured Granite Countertops
Cultured granite slabs are manufactured in a way to be no-porous and then they are sprayed with a gel coat that’s just icing on the cake. So, cultured granite slabs are water-resistant surfaces. Any spilled water or liquid will bead on the surface so you can wipe it easily, and it won’t leave stains as well.
Natural Granite Countertops
Natural granite slabs are porous. Water on the surface will seep into the tiny pores of the stone and can lead to stains, bacteria, and damage. As granite is porous, these slabs are always sealed after installation and contractors also suggest that homeowners seal the surface every year or once every few years.
Sealing turns granite into a water-resistant surface, but you should take care of it so the seal doesn’t wear off too soon.
Installation
Cultured Granite Countertops
Cultured granite has an advantage when it comes to installation. The slabs are commonly lighter than natural granite and are easier to install.
After taking measurements, you have the slab fabricated with more customization options than natural granite. It’s because cultured granite can be molded into any shape and size. This means seams are also not present in cultured granite countertops.
You can also have the sink integrated into the surface, making it look more cohesive. With cultured granite, you don’t need to make many adjustments during installation, so the process is faster and easier.
Natural Granite Countertops
Installation of natural granite takes more time than cultured granite. The stone is cut and fabricated that takes its time. And then even during the day of installation, slight adjustments are made to ensure proper installation.
Seams can also be visible if the installer is not careful, so an expert one is required. And after installation, the stone is cleaned and sealed.
Cost
Cultured Granite Countertops
Cultured granite slabs are cheaper than natural granite. According to approximates, cultured granite may be available at half the price of natural granite. Furthermore, as cultured granite is lighter, easier, and faster to install, its installation cost is also less than that of natural granite.
Natural Granite Countertops
Natural granite slabs cost higher and the cost can increase even more if the granite type or color is not available locally or if you’re choosing exotic colors. In addition to that, granite slabs are heavier, take precision to fabricate, and need time for installation, so the installation cost is also higher.
Conclusion
Cultured granite and natural granite sound and look the same, but there are many things that differentiate the two. The former is an engineered stone while the latter is a natural stone. Both have their upsides and downsides, so consult a granite countertop installer Potomac for advice and installation.
