If you have decided to purchase from Francini's massive inventory, you may be looking at all the options, unsure what you want to pick. No worries, this article will help narrow down your choices a bit by explaining what the difference is between natural and engineered stone, as well as what Francini Inc. offers in either category.
Which Francini Inc. Collections are Natural Stone and Which Are Engineered Stone?
Francini Inc. offers a variety of options in both engineered and natural stone. The collections you can look through under each category are listed below:
Natural Stone
Engineered Stone
Please note that while our Vetrite option is engineered, it is not a stone. It is a large-format glass.
What are the Characteristics of Natural Vs. Engineered Stone?
Natural Stone
With natural stone, you will be getting something that no one else has. Each stone has its own unique characteristics and patterns; no two pieces will be exactly alike.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone allows you to select precisely what you want from either a brochure or sample pieces, with only slight differences in what you receive. Engineered stone is known for its consistency and uniformity.
What Are the Applications for Natural Vs. Engineered Stone?
This is where both types of stones have the most similarities. You could use either natural or engineered stone for your countertops, floors, bathrooms, and much more. With similar costs and applications, it all comes down to your personal preference.
What Are the Benefits of Natural Vs. Engineered Stone?
Natural Stone
Other than its unique beauty, there are a couple more benefits that come with natural stone.
- Natural stone is often pre-treated with sealant before delivery. It is recommended you reapply sealant every 6-12 months.
- Natural stone is heat resistant, which makes it an ideal material selection for a kitchen.
Engineered Stone
Not to be left behind, engineered stone also has some practical benefits.
- Engineered stone is extremely solid and non-porous and is characterized by its resistance to scratching and staining and overall durability.
- There are near unlimited options in color and style due to the constant innovations in engineered stone.
Where Does Natural or Engineered Stone Come From?
Probably the most significant difference between the two types of stones is the process of creating each one.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is made from a combination of man-made and natural materials. Natural stone is ground and combined with resin and pigments to achieve a look similar to natural slabs but without the irregularities and in a pattern intended by the manufacturer.
Natural Stone
Natural stones are made from slabs of rocks cut out of quarries. They are formed through a combination of molten rock and a variety of minerals that give each stone its unique pattern. The color of natural stone often depends on where it was mined.
Who Is Francini Inc.?
Born in the world's capital for white marble, Massa Carrara, Italy, Andrea Francini received a business degree from The London School of Economics. In 1994, he opened Francini Inc. and expanded to eight different locations inside the United States and offices in Italy, India, and Brazil. Francini Inc. is now one of the largest importers and distributors of natural & engineered stone products in the United States. You can find us in the following locations:
Visit one of the Francini Inc. locations today, find the look that's right for you, and make the most out of your experience.