Engineered stone materials are manufactured surfaces made from a combination of natural stone particles, resins, and pigments. They offer the look of natural stone with enhanced durability, consistency, and low maintenance. Below are the main types of engineered stone materials for countertops:

Quartz (Engineered Quartz)

Composition: About 90–95% natural quartz crystals mixed with resin binders and pigments.
Examples: Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, MSI Q Quartz.
Key Features:
- o Non-porous and resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria.
- o Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including those mimicking marble and granite.
Uses: Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, backsplashes, and bar tops.
Advantages:
- o Extremely durable and low maintenance.
- o Does not require sealing like natural stone.
- o Resistant to heat, although trivets are recommended.
Disadvantages:
- o Seams are visible in large installations.
- o Not suitable for outdoor use as UV rays can cause discoloration.

Porcelain (Sintered Stone)

Composition: Made from natural minerals like clay, feldspar, and silica, compacted under high pressure and heat.
Examples: Dekton, Neolith, Lapitec.
Key Features:
- o Ultra-durable, non-porous, and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
- o Can mimic natural stone, wood, or concrete finishes.
Uses: Indoor and outdoor countertops, wall cladding, and furniture.
Advantages:
- o UV-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- o Available in large, thin slabs, reducing visible seams.
- o Highly heat- and scratch-resistant.
Disadvantages:
- o Can be more brittle than quartz, requiring careful installation.
- o Limited edge profiles due to thinness.

Marble-Based Engineered Stone

Composition: Crushed marble particles mixed with resins and pigments.
Examples: MarmoTech, Bretonstone Marble.
Key Features:
- o Mimics the look of natural marble with better stain resistance.
- o Softer than quartz, making it more suitable for decorative applications.
Uses: Bathroom vanities, low-traffic countertops, and decorative surfaces.
Advantages:
- o Offers a luxurious appearance at a lower cost than natural marble.
- o Easier to maintain than natural marble.
Disadvantages:
- o Less durable and scratch-resistant compared to quartz or porcelain.
- o Not ideal for high-traffic or high-heat areas.

Recycled Glass Surfaces

Composition: Made from recycled glass shards bound with resin or cement.
Examples: Vetrazzo, IceStone, GEOS Recycled Glass.
Key Features:
- o Unique and vibrant appearance with visible glass pieces.
- o Eco-friendly and sustainable.
Uses: Eco-conscious projects, kitchen countertops, and decorative surfaces.
Advantages:
- o Durable and scratch-resistant.
- o Adds a distinct, colorful aesthetic to spaces.
Disadvantages:
- o May chip at edges over time.
- o Requires sealing in some products.

Concrete-Based Engineered Stone

Composition: A blend of concrete, resins, and pigments.
Examples: Cheng Concrete Countertops, Buddy Rhodes Artisan Concrete.
Key Features:
- o Industrial and modern appearance.
- o Can be customized with pigments, aggregates, and decorative features.
Uses: Modern kitchens, industrial-themed spaces, and outdoor countertops.
Advantages:
- o Highly customizable in terms of color, shape, and texture.
- o Durable when properly sealed.
Disadvantages:
- o Requires sealing to prevent stains and moisture absorption.
- o Heavier than other materials, requiring reinforced cabinetry.

Resin-Based Engineered Stone

Composition: Made from natural stone aggregates (e.g., granite or quartz) mixed with high-performance resins.
Examples: Bretonstone, Technistone.
Key Features:
- o Combines the natural beauty of stone with enhanced durability and consistency.
- o Available in a variety of colors and finishes.
Uses: Kitchen and bathroom countertops, flooring, and wall cladding.
Advantages:
- o Seamless appearance with consistent patterns.
- o Non-porous and resistant to stains and bacteria.
Disadvantages:
- o Susceptible to discoloration in direct sunlight.
- o May chip or crack under heavy impact.

Ultra-Compact Surfaces

Composition: Made from a blend of natural minerals fused under extreme heat and pressure.
Examples: Dekton, Lapitec, Neolith.
Key Features:
- o Extremely hard, durable, and resistant to heat, scratches, and UV rays.
- o Thin and lightweight slabs.
Uses: Countertops, wall cladding, flooring, and outdoor applications.
Advantages:
- o Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- o Virtually maintenance-free.
Disadvantages:
- o Difficult to repair if chipped or cracked.
- o Higher price point compared to quartz.

Comparison Table

Material Type	Durability	Heat Resistance	Scratch Resistance	Eco-Friendly	Customization
Quartz	Very High	High	High	Moderate	Moderate
Porcelain	Very High	Very High	Very High	High	Limited
Marble-Based	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Moderate
Recycled Glass	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	High
Concrete-Based	High	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Very High
Resin-Based	High	Moderate	High	Low	High
Ultra-Compact Surfaces	Very High	Very High	Very High	High	Limited

Engineered stone materials are versatile and cater to various design styles and needs. Choosing the right type depends on factors such as budget, durability, maintenance, and aesthetic preferences.

Natural stone is a beautiful, characterful material that provides endless possibili.es and versatility to transform any space whether internal or external. Whether you’re looking for warming tones and a traditional look for a country house, an elegant, opulent impact for a grand Entrance Hall, sleek, contemporary vibes in a Master Bathroom or the reassurance of suitability for your external terrace or pool surround. We will work with you throughout the process to identify the best materials, whether that’s limestone, marble, sandstone, quartzite, granite, slate, or basalt in line with your project requirements.

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What Makes SD Stone Unique

Customer Focused

Working with our clients is at the heart of everything we do, we believe bespoke surfaces require a bespoke service.

Experienced Team

Our highly skilled team has over 40 years experience fabricating and installing stone surfaces with a dedication to quality and craftsmanship which truly sets us apart.

Production Technology

We have invested in the latest stone fabricating technology to put SD Stone at the forefront of stone fabrication.

Large Showroom

We believe choosing the right work surface is key, our showroom allows clients to choose from the latest materials and finishes and learn everything about stone.

Range of materials

We are the only fabricator in Taiwan to supply and install all stone surfaces such as porcelain, quartz, solid surface, marble, granite, terrazzo, and engineered stone

Cut to Size

We are the only factory in Taiwan who provides consultative cut to size service and have experience supplying to Australia and America for commercial projects