Natural Stone vs Engineered Stone: What Works Best in Bathrooms

When it comes to tiling your bathroom, the two most common tile designs are natural stone and engineered stone.

Each type of stone has its unique advantages and applications, which is especially important when choosing the right wall and floor surface for bathrooms – the most frequently used wet zone in the home.

Understanding the differences between the two tile types will help you choose the best stone for your bathroom.

Overview of Natural Stone vs Engineered Stone

Before we go any further, let’s briefly go over some basic details. For starters, what exactly is natural stone vs engineered stone? And what makes the two tile types so unique? Let’s answer those questions now.

Natural Stone

As the name implies, natural stone is made from solid natural stone slabs. It is crafted from quarried stones and formed into unique shapes to suit different residential and commercial applications.

Natural stone is a premium flooring and walling solution. It is characterised by its raw natural beauty, durability, and long lifespan. Since natural stone is formed over hundreds of thousands of years, no two designs are ever alike.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is created by crushing natural stone, such as quartz or marble, and binding the materials together with polymer resin adhesive. The mixture is molded into slabs then cured and heated to define its distinctive shape for different applications.

Renowned for its moisture- and bacteria-resisant properties, engineered stone is affordable and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great economical choice for homeowners and business owners.

Pros and Cons of Engineered vs Natural Stone

Now that you know what natural and engineered stone is, let’s explore the advantages and drawbacks of each tile type.

Pros of Engineered Stone

• Generally more affordable upfront than natural stone and with minimal upkeep costs.
• Easy to replicate on a large-scale, making it easy to establish a consistent and uniform appearance.
• More naturally resistant to bacteria and moisture without the need for sealing.

Cons of Engineered Stone

• Generally fewer design options than natural stone, limiting your ability to create a distinctive looking bathroom.
• More susceptible to heat damage than engineered stone, so keeping devices like hair straighteners – which take a while to cool down after use – away from natural stone surfaces is vital.
• For larger bathroom installations, some engineered stone tiles may feature visible seams, reducing the seamless and natural appearance of the area.

Pros of Natural Stone

• No two natural stone designs are ever alike, giving your bathroom a touch of elegance and exclusivity.
• Natural stone tile designs are formed over hundreds of thousands of years, meaning their timeless beauty transcends short-term trends making them a great long-term investment.
• With regular maintenance and sealing, natural stone can last for a long time.

Cons of Natural Stone

• Natural stone has a higher upfront cost than engineered stone, as well as higher ongoing costs for resealing.
• Natural stone is more porous than engineered stone, making it more prone to staining when not properly sealed.
• Since natural stone is extracted from the pure source, the quality and availability of the material can vary, making it difficult to get the exact type and amount of natural stone that you need for your project.

Which Option Suits Luxury Bathroom Projects

Natural stone and engineered stone are both excellent ideas for luxury bathroom projects. The right tile material for you will depend on your unique preferences.

Natural stone is ideal for luxury bathrooms where you desire not only functionality but also an added touch of class and elegance. Since all natural stone tiles are one of a kind, they deliver a unique charm that engineered stone tiles cannot replicate.

Engineered stone tiles are a great economical choice for luxury bathrooms where durability and low-maintenance are desired. Their non-absorbent properties make them resistant to scratching, moisture, and bacteria, giving you the assurance of ongoing cleanliness

If you’re unsure which tile type is right for you, talk to the experts at AAA Build. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable team will help you choose a tile type that best suits your bathroom.

Design Considerations for Natural vs Engineered Stone

There are many design considerations to keep in mind when choosing between natural and engineered stone. Follow these key pointers to make the most informed decision.

Slip Resistance

Slip-resistant flooring is essential to keeping your bathroom safe and accessible. Ensure your bathroom tiles have a slip resistant rating of R10 or higher, as this will ensure adequate traction and safety.

All natural stone tiles can be treated with anti-slip coatings, adding grip to the surface. Meanwhile, engineered tiles like porcelain and ceramic, mosaic, and hexagon tiles feature an embossed texture, adding grip and stability.

Tile Size and Layout

Larger tiles create a greater sense of space and openness in the bathroom. Whereas smaller tiles like mosaic are ideal for detailed, intricate patterns that fit neatly around tight corners.

Engineered stone is easy to replicate at the same size and style, making it easy to accommodate for complex diagonal layouts. Natural stone, on the other hand, is ideal for larger installations with simple straight layouts.

Colour Choice

The right colour choice can make a big difference to your bathroom’s appearance. Brighter colours like white and light blue will make the space feel lighter and more inviting. Meanwhile darker tones will add a more dramatic and cosy atmosphere. That said, dark tones are not suitable for smaller bathrooms, as they make the space feel even smaller.

AAA Build Examples of Different Tile Types

Now that you have a clear idea of what engineered and natural tone tiles are, and the benefits of each design option, let’s take a look at a few projects we here at AAA Build have completed using both tile types.

DAL

This bathroom renovation was completed to address an issue with ongoing leaks. The result was a complete transformation – integrating marble-style tiles with a striking black colour scheme and brushed bronze tapware.

Aside from adding warmth and glamour to the space, the use of large tiles also helps make the room feel more open.

Bentleigh Timeless Charm

Cleverly mixing two tile designs into the one bathroom renovation, this makeover successfully blends traditional design with contemporary flourishes.

Adorning the walls are grey mosaic tiles, which are laid out in a diagonal fashion, while the flooring features large engineered tiles in a straight formation. The result is a seamless fusion of the old and the new, establishing a timeless beauty that is both practical and stunningly beautiful.

Transform Your Bathroom With the Tile Experts at AAA Build

Choosing the right tile type for your bathroom renovation can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be.

At AAA Build, we understand the difficulties that come with making permanent creative decisions. And helping people like you decide between natural stone vs engineered stone is just one of our many specialties.

If you’re ready to renovate your bathroom, but unsure on how to navigate the design process, contact us for a free in-house consultation. We’ll listen to your ideas, assess your space, and offer expert advice tailored to your needs.