Engineered Stone Countertops Cost: Prices and Additional Info

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If you are looking for a viable countertop alternative to natural stone or laminate, engineered stone is a great choice.  Engineered stone is a durable and stylish countertop material that offers many benefits in the home. It is no surprise that the material continues to rise in popularity. Many homeowners desire the advantages that engineered stone countertops provide, while shying away from some of the maintenance inconveniences of various natural stone countertops. 

How is Engineered Stone Made? 

Engineered stone, commonly known as quartz, is made by combining roughly 90 percent crushed quartz mineral with about 10 percent polymer resin. These numbers can fluctuate depending on the specific countertop but will generally be in a similar area. Different brands of engineered stone can create their product with different percentages. 

How Much Do Engineered Stone Countertops Cost? 

Engineered stone countertops can vary greatly in price depending on many factors, including customization. In general, you should be prepared to spend anywhere from $70 to $175 per square foot installed for your new engineered stone countertop. 

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How Can Engineered Stone Countertops Be Customized? 

Because they are manufactured, engineered stone countertops can be customized in many different ways. You will have a seemingly endless array of colors and patterns that you can choose from, including many that replicate the look of natural stone like granite or marble. 

What Colors Can You Find in Engineered Stone Countertops? 

Engineered stone countertops can be colored with pigments to create either subdued tones, such as white or beige, or something flashier like red or blue. You will not feel limited in terms of color selection, so you can let your imagination go to work in this category. 

What Are Your Edging Options for Engineered Stone Countertops? 

Beyond color options, there are many different edging options for your engineered stone countertops. Your different edge options include: 

• Bevel 

• Double Bevel 

• Bullnose 

• Bevel Bullnose 

• Half Bullnose 

• Eased 

• Double Radius 

• Ogee 

• Double Ogee 

• Ogee Bullnose 

• Stepped Half Bullnose 

• Triple Pencil 

• Waterfall 

Bevel 

A bevel edge is a single 45 degree cut at the edge of the countertop.  

Double Bevel 

A double bevel edge is 45 degree cuts on both the top and bottom of the countertop edge. 

Bullnose 

A bullnose edge will give the edge of the countertop a rounded and smooth look. 

Bevel Bullnose 

A bevel bullnose edge will incorporate both a smooth edge and a 45 degree cut. 

Half Bullnose 

A half bullnose edge is a half-rounded look at the edge of the countertop. 

Eased 

An eased edge is simply the standard edge available. The benefit in having an eased edge is no additional cost for a customized edge. 

Double Radius 

A double radius edge will give more of a pronounced curve than an eased edge. 

Ogee 

An ogee edge looks like an s-shaped edge. It is among the more expensive options for edges, so be prepared. Despite the expense compared to other edges, if you like the look, it can be worth every penny. 

Double Ogee 

A double ogee edge is practically a combination of a curved bullnose edge and the s-shaped ogee edge. 

Ogee Bullnose 

An ogee bullnose edge is a slightly extended version of the traditional ogee edge. 

Stepped Half Bullnose 

A stepped half bullnose edge is a partial bullnose with a slight ledge at the top. 

Triple Pencil 

A triple pencil edge is three pencil shaped edges incorporated into the edge of the countertop. 

Waterfall 

A waterfall edge is just what you’d imagine it would be. It gives your countertop edge the appearance of a waterfall. Make note that this is also one of the more expensive edges that you will find, although the stylish look may make the cost worth it for you. 

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Maintenance 

Engineered stone countertops are among the easiest countertop materials to maintain. Easy maintenance is a large part of what makes engineered stone countertops so popular. Since the surface is non-porous, it will not require any sealing like many natural stone countertops do. Here is how you can properly maintain your engineered stone countertop. 

How Do You Clean Your Engineered Stone Countertop? 

To clean the countertop, all you will need is soap and water. Stay away from any harsh cleaners, as they can damage the surface. You do not want to risk discoloring the surface or causing it to be compromised in any other way. 

Clean Up Any Spills 

Although engineered stone countertops are non-porous, it is always a good idea to clean up any spills that happen. This is the case with any countertop; even if the surface is non-porous, why leave spills uncleaned? 

Not Heat Resistant 

One very important thing to note is that engineered stone countertops are not heat resistant. Do not remove hot pots or pans from the stove and put them on the countertop. Doing this will leave a burn mark because the resin starts to melt when exposed to extreme heat. Similarly, if you choose engineered stone for your bathroom countertop, do not place any hot hair styling tools on the surface. 

Durability 

Engineered stone, or quartz, countertops are known for being extremely durable. This is yet another benefit that engineered stone will provide. However, while the countertops may be durable, you do not want to be careless and risk the small chances of damage occurring. 

Installation 

Quartz countertops are extremely heavy. You must hire a professional to install the countertop. Never attempt to install on your own, even if you consider yourself a DIY expert. Hiring a professional will significantly decrease the risk of your countertop being damaged during installation, while also ensuring that you do not injure yourself attempting to install it. 

Resale Value

Engineered stone countertops have a high resale value. As noted, the countertops are very attractive to homeowners, and this is also the case for prospective buyers. The high-quality looks and functional benefits of quartz countertops are a huge selling point. 

How Do Engineered Stone Countertops Compare to Other Options? 

Engineered stone countertops are often compared to those that are made of natural stone. Quartz countertops are specifically compared to granite and marble because of the material’s ability to resemble the two natural stones. 

How Does Engineered Stone Compare to Granite? 

Outside of engineered stone, granite is one of the best countertop options available. Granite is a natural stone that forms underground when magma cools and allows for large crystals of minerals to develop. These crystals provide granite with its color. Because granite is natural stone, no two slabs will look exactly alike. This differs from engineered stone, which can have its look customized. Below is more about how the two options compare. 

Appearance 

Granite comes in many different colors and patterns. While engineered stone can act as a replica, granite achieves these looks naturally. 

Cost 

Granite tends to cost between $40 to $100 per square foot, meaning that some types of the stone are cheaper than quartz, while others cost more or are within a similar price range. As with engineered stone, granite prices will depend on what type of granite you choose, custom edges and various other factors. 

Maintenance 

Granite is among the easier natural stone countertop surfaces to maintain. This is part of what makes it so attractive to many homeowners. You can clean a granite countertop using just warm soapy water. You will need to re-seal a granite countertop roughly once a year. 

Durability 

Granite countertops are very durable. However, if you are not careful and drop something heavy on the countertop – especially on the edges, the surface may chip or break. 

Resale Value 

Granite also has a high resale value. This is due to many of the same reasons that engineered stone does. Granite is a very attractive material to those looking to buy a house. 

How Does Engineered Stone Compare to Marble? 

Marble has long been known for being a luxurious natural stone countertop option. Marble forms when limestone has been subject to extreme heat and pressure. This recrystallizes the calcite in the limestone and changes the texture, turning it into marble. Marble gets its color and veining from additional minerals that are present. 

Appearance 

Marble comes in many different colors and veining patterns. It has been recognized for being one of the most beautiful natural stones since the times of ancient civilizations. The material was used to carve some of the most famous statues in the world. 

Cost 

Marble will generally cost around $50 to $100 per square foot. As with granite, this means there are some types of marble that are cheaper than engineered stone, while others fall into a comparable price range. 

Maintenance 

One category in which marble certainly doesn’t have an edge over engineered stone is maintenance. While marble is elegant, you will have to put in work to make sure it stays that way. Marble must be cleaned using only special cleaners that are designed for the stone and can be stained if acidic substances such as juice or coffee spill on the surface. 

Durability 

Marble is prone to both staining and scratching, but if you put in the effort to take proper care of the stone, it will look amazing for years to come. Taking proper care of the stone is necessary with any of the stone countertop options, even if it is a material that is more durable. 

Resale Value

Marble’s high resale value lies not in its durability, but in its appearance. The natural stone makes for a gorgeous countertop surface and always has the reputation of being natural stone in its favor. Although you can replicate the look of marble with engineered stone, some feel that there is no look as good as actual marble. 

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Pros and Cons of Engineered Stone Countertops 

As any other countertop surface will, engineered stone countertops come with both pros and cons. Here is a review of the pros and cons of engineered stone countertops: 

Despite not having the appeal of being natural stone, engineered stone countertops hold immense appeal of their own. Engineered stone countertops are stylish, durable, customizable, easy to maintain and cost in a similar range to higher priced granite and marble (and less than many other natural stones). All of these factors can push you toward deciding on an engineered stone countertop. If that is what you decide, you will notice the benefits right away and be glad that you made the decision.

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

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