The difference between natural stone and manufactured slabs. Natural stone, such as granite, marble, quartzite, travertine, and soapstone, are all quarried from the earth in blocks, which are then cut into slabs.
Each piece of natural stone is unique, as patterns and colors can vary depending on where the stone was quarried. Slab textures can vary from smooth to rough, and finishes can vary from highly polished to honed, which is just another word for matte.
Only 20% of quarried blocks meet our standards, so we travel the world to hand-select all of our natural stone to ensure the best quality for our customers.
Some natural stones are more durable than others. Granite and quartzite, for example are very dense and hard, while marble and travertine are softer and more easily scratched or stained. These require more care and maintenance and are usually recommended for lower-traffic areas.
Most natural stone will need to be sealed to help protect against wear, dirt, and spills. To tell if your stone is protected, put a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water beads, you’re OK – if it sinks in, it’s time to seal your stone. Be sure to do a water test soon after installation, and periodically thereafter depending on your sealer’s recommendation.
Manufactured stone is man-made and includes products like PentalQuartz and Lapitec. PentalQuartz is made by combining natural quartz, pigment, and polymer resins. The result is a solid surface that’s resistant to scratches, heat, stains, and water, making it very low maintenance. Lapitec is also a manufactured slab, but features the mechanical and physical properties of porcelain. This means it’s insensitive to weather, fire, frost, and UV rays, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Manufactured stone is non-porous and therefore never needs to be sealed. Such slabs are made under tight tolerances in specific colors and sizes, which gives a consistency not found in natural stone.
To browse our selection of Natural Stone, PentalQuartz or Lapitec visit us at www.pentalonline.com
While we only sell to the trade, our showrooms are open to the public and we invite you to visit, look around, and get inspired!