In the field of modern architecture and interior decoration, engineered stone and quartz stone have become popular materials due to their beautiful and durable characteristics. However, with the changes in market demand and the advancement of material technology, the prices of these two materials are also fluctuating.
Many consumers and designers are concerned about one question: Is the price of engineered stone more expensive than quartz stone? This article will explore this issue in depth and provide readers with detailed reference by analyzing market trends, material properties and application scenarios.
What is engineered stone?
Engineered stone, also known as composite stone, is a synthetic stone made by mixing natural stone powder with materials such as resin. According to different ingredients, engineered stone can be divided into artificial marble, artificial granite, etc.
● Engineered stone features include:
1. Diverse ingredient combinations: a variety of natural stone powders such as marble powder, granite powder, and quartz powder can be used.
2. High strength and durability: Through artificial blending and synthesis, engineered stone has high strength and wear resistance.
3. Flexible design: Colors, textures and shapes can be customized to meet diverse design needs.
What is quartz stone?
Quartz stone is a material synthesized from natural quartz crystals and resin. Its main component is quartz crystals, and the content is usually above 90%.
● The characteristics of quartz stone include:
1. High-purity quartz crystals: giving it extremely high hardness and wear resistance.
2. Excellent stain resistance and antibacterial properties: the surface is dense, stains are not easily penetrated, and it is suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Beautiful and diverse appearance: the color and texture can be customized by adding pigments and fragments.
Price factor analysis of engineered stone and quartz stone
The prices of engineered stone and quartz stone are affected by many factors, including material cost, manufacturing process, market demand and brand effect.
1. Material cost:
The composition of engineered stone is diverse, and the cost varies depending on the type and proportion of natural stone powder used. High-quality marble powder and granite powder are more expensive, while ordinary stone powder is relatively cheap. In contrast, quartz stone is mainly made of high-purity quartz crystals, and the extraction and processing costs of quartz crystals are high, so the raw material cost of quartz stone is usually higher.
2. Manufacturing process:
The manufacturing process of engineered stone is relatively complicated, requiring stone powder and resin of different components to be evenly mixed, molded, and then cured and polished. The manufacturing process of quartz stone is also quite complicated, requiring quartz crystals to be crushed, mixed with resin, and then cured and finely polished at high temperature and high pressure. In general, the manufacturing costs of the two are not much different, depending on the technology and equipment used.
3. Market demand:
Market demand is an important factor affecting prices. With the increase in consumer demand for high-quality decorative materials, the market demand for quartz stone and engineered stone is rising. Generally speaking, quartz stone has a high market demand and relatively high prices due to its excellent performance and beautiful appearance. However, engineered stone also has high demand and prices in specific markets due to its diverse application scenarios and flexible design options.
4. Brand effect:
The brand effect has a significant impact on prices. Well-known brands of engineered stone and quartz stone are usually priced higher due to their quality assurance and after-sales service. When choosing, consumers are more willing to pay extra for brand premiums.
Comparison of market prices of engineered stone and quartz stone
In the actual market, there are certain differences in the prices of engineered stone and quartz stone, but they are not absolute.
● Price of engineered stone:
The price range of engineered stone is wide, mainly depending on the raw materials used and the manufacturing process. The price of ordinary engineered stone is relatively low, generally between $68 and $200 per square meter. High-end engineered stone, such as products using high-quality marble powder or granite powder, may cost more than $275 per square meter.
● Price of quartz stone:
The price of quartz stone is relatively stable and high, mainly due to the cost of its high-purity quartz crystals and complex manufacturing process. Generally speaking, the price of ordinary quartz stone is between $140 and $350 per square meter, while the price of high-end brand quartz stone may reach more than $410 per square meter.
Analysis of application scenarios of engineered stone and quartz stone
1. Kitchen and bathroom countertops:
In the selection of kitchen and bathroom countertops, quartz stone has become the preferred material due to its excellent stain resistance and antibacterial properties. Despite the high price, its superior performance and long service life make quartz stone highly cost-effective in these application scenarios.
2. Commercial buildings and public facilities:
In commercial buildings and public facilities, engineered stone is widely used in floor, wall and countertop decoration due to its high strength and durability. Its flexible design options and relatively low cost make it an ideal choice for these places.
3. Personalized design and high-end decoration:
For projects that require highly personalized design and high-end decoration, both engineered stone and quartz stone can provide a wealth of options. The diverse composition and customization capabilities of engineered stone make it equally competitive in the high-end market. Quartz stone is also the only choice for high-end decoration due to its beauty and durability.
In summary, there is no absolute difference in price between engineered stone and quartz stone, which depends on a variety of factors such as material composition, manufacturing process, market demand and brand effect.
When choosing, consumers and designers should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the two according to specific needs and application scenarios and make the most suitable decision.