Choosing the Right Stone for Your Home

A Simple Guide to Natural and Engineered Stone

Stone surfaces are a popular choice in interior design because they feel solid, look timeless, and add value to a home. In Southeast Asia, stones are commonly sourced locally or imported from China, India, and Italy, which can affect appearance, quality, and cost.

This guide explains the most common stone materials used in homes—granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, and solid surface—in simple terms, helping you understand what works best for each area of your home.

Material	Natural / Engineered	Easy to Maintain	Water Resistance	Best Areas in the Home
Granite	Natural	Medium	Medium	Kitchens, floors, stairs
Marble	Natural	Low	Low	Feature walls, décor areas
Quartzite	Natural	Medium	Medium	Premium kitchens, vanities
Quartz	Engineered	High	Very high	Kitchens, bathrooms
Solid Surface	Engineered	High	Very high	Bathrooms, counters
Terrazzo	Engineered	Medium–High	Medium–High	Floors, walls, feature areas

Granite: Strong and Practical

Granite is one of the most durable natural stones. It handles heat and daily wear well, making it a popular choice for kitchens and high-traffic areas.

Best for: Kitchen countertops, floors, stairs

Keep in mind: Needs sealing to prevent stains; patterns vary naturally.

Marble: Elegant but Delicate

Marble is loved for its soft veining and luxurious feel. However, it is more delicate than most people expect.

Best for: Feature walls, decorative surfaces

Keep in mind: Absorbs water easily and requires careful maintenance.

Quartzite: Natural Beauty with Strength

Quartzite looks similar to marble but is much stronger. It is often chosen for homes that want elegance with better durability.

Best for: Kitchen countertops, vanities

Keep in mind: Higher cost and requires sealing.

Quartz: Modern and Low Maintenance

Quartz is an engineered stone made in factories with controlled quality. It is one of the most popular choices for modern homes.

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms

Keep in mind: Not fully heat-proof; use heat protection.

Solid Surface: Seamless and Flexible

Solid surface materials are fully man-made and known for their seamless joints and smooth appearance.

Best for: Bathroom vanities, counters, custom furniture

Keep in mind: Less heat-resistant than stone.

Terrazzo: Playful, Durable, and Versatile

Terrazzo is a composite material made from stone chips mixed with cement or resin. Once seen mainly in commercial spaces, terrazzo is now widely used in modern homes for its durability and design flexibility.

Why people choose it

• Very durable and long-lasting

• Endless color and pattern options

• Suitable for large, seamless surfaces

Things to know

• Cement-based terrazzo can absorb water if not sealed

• Repairs can be visible if not planned carefully

Best for: Flooring, feature walls, countertops, bathrooms, statement areas

Why Engineered Stone Is Becoming More Popular

With natural stone, it is often hard to know exactly where the stone comes from. Stones may pass through multiple suppliers, which can affect pricing and quality consistency.

Engineered materials such as quartz, solid surface, and terrazzo are increasingly popular because:

• Their source and manufacturing process are clear

• Quality is consistent and predictable

• Many have low water absorption

• They often perform better than marble in daily use

Today, many engineered stones look just as refined as natural stone, while offering better practicality for modern living.

A Simple Tip Before You Decide

Different parts of the home need different materials. A stone that looks beautiful in the showroom may not perform well in real life.

Before choosing:

• Research how the material handles water, heat, and stains

• Think about long-term maintenance

• Ask interior designers or stone experts for advice

The right choice will help your home stay beautiful and functional for years to come.