Printed Engineered Stone is the Future of Kitchen & Bath Design
Welcome back to Kelly’s Corner—my behind-the-scenes look at what’s trending right now in the world of kitchen and bath design. As someone who works directly with homeowners and designers every day here at Superior Stone & Cabinet, I’m constantly seeing what styles people gravitate toward, what materials are performing well, and what’s creating real “wow” moments in kitchens and bathrooms.
One material that’s been blowing up lately? Printed engineered stone. It’s the kind of product that makes you stop and say, “Wait… that’s not real marble?”—and that’s exactly the point. This is one of the most exciting innovations in the countertop world. It combines the durability of quartz with high-resolution printing technology that replicates the look of natural stone so realistically, even pros are fooled.
Whether you’re going for a dramatic bookmatched waterfall island, a sleek slab backsplash, or just want a super low-maintenance countertop that still looks like luxury, printed engineered stone is a game-changer. And don’t worry—I’ll also be sharing the details on Symphony, our best-selling line (and one I absolutely love working with).
Let’s dive into why printed engineered stone is making waves in the showroom and how you can use it to create a gorgeous, custom space.
What is Printed Engineered Stone?
If you’ve ever wished your quartz could look *exactly* like natural marble or quartzite—without the staining, etching, or price tag—then printed engineered stone is your answer. Unlike traditional quartz, which gets its look from mixing pigments and minerals, this material uses digital printing to apply realistic patterns to the surface of a stone base. Then a durable topcoat seals it in.
This process opens up a world of possibilities. Think bold veining, subtle texture, and stunning depth—printed with such precision that it’s almost indistinguishable from natural stone. The slabs are consistent from batch to batch, and you can even get bookmatched prints where the veining flows seamlessly across adjoining pieces. That’s perfect for waterfall edges, feature walls, and backsplashes that tell a visual story.
Another major benefit? Many printed engineered stone lines, like our customer favorite Symphony, are made with very low silica content. As someone who works closely with fabricators, I can’t overstate how important that is. Low-silica slabs are much safer to cut and install, reducing health risks during fabrication—while still delivering incredible durability.
Printed engineered stone really is the best of both worlds. You get the high-end look of stone with the easy care of engineered quartz, all while expanding your design options far beyond what nature can provide. I’ve helped hundreds of clients fall in love with this material—and I think you’ll love it, too.
Why I Recommend Printed Engineered Stone to Clients
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- Gorgeous, Realistic Looks: The printing quality is so good, you’ll swear it’s real marble or quartzite—without the upkeep.
- Custom Pattern Control: Want a statement piece? Go bold. Want subtle movement? Easy. It’s totally up to you.
- Bookmatched Beauty: Designs that mirror perfectly across seams—ideal for islands and full-height backsplashes.
- Low Silica = Safer for Fabricators: As an industry insider, I appreciate materials that keep our fabricators safe and healthy.
- Non-Porous and Easy to Clean: No sealing. No staining. Just wipe it down and you’re good to go.
- Fade-Resistant: Printed surfaces stay vibrant—even in spaces with tons of natural light.
- Durable and Tough: Stands up to everyday life—kids, spills, hot pans, and all.
- Perfect for Statement Walls: I love using this for dramatic fireplace surrounds and bathroom feature walls.
- Consistent Appearance: No surprises. What you see in the showroom is what you get at installation.
- Affordable Luxury: It looks like a million bucks but doesn’t break the bank. Win-win!
Where You’ll See It in Our Showroom
Printed engineered stone is popping up all over our displays here at Superior—and for good reason. It works in so many different areas, and I love helping clients find creative ways to use it in their spaces.
Kitchen Countertops: This is probably where I install printed engineered stone the most. Whether you want something that mimics Calacatta marble or something sleek and modern, it looks amazing—and performs even better. Symphony, in particular, is stunning as a waterfall island with its bookmatched veining.
Bathroom Vanities & Shower Walls: Forget tile grout lines. Printed engineered stone slabs create a sleek, seamless look that’s easy to clean and totally spa-worthy. I’ve used it in powder rooms for dramatic effect and in primary baths for a serene, natural vibe.
Backsplashes: One of my favorite design tricks is using a single slab of printed engineered stone as a backsplash to create visual continuity. It makes the kitchen feel more high-end instantly.
Accent Walls: We’re seeing more clients use printed stone for fireplace surrounds or full wall treatments behind vanities or soaking tubs. It’s bold, elegant, and always makes a statement.
Furniture: Custom tables, bar tops, desks—it’s all possible. This material gives furniture a polished, upscale feel and is a designer’s dream.
Whatever your vision is, I promise we can make it happen. If you’re local, stop by the showroom—I’d love to walk you through the options in person!
How It Stacks Up Against Other Countertop Materials
Clients often ask me how printed engineered stone compares to other materials. Here’s the rundown I give right at the design desk:
Natural Stone: Stunning? Yes. But it can be a pain to maintain and comes with unpredictable color and veining. Printed engineered stone gives you the look—minus the sealing, staining, or surprise cracks. Real marble and granite are porous, so they absorb liquids quickly, which leads to etching, watermarks, or permanent stains. And let’s not forget the maintenance—regular sealing is a must if you want your natural stone to last. From a design perspective, I’ve had clients fall in love with a slab only to find the next one looks completely different. Printed engineered stone removes that uncertainty and keeps the beauty consistent.
Porcelain: It’s another printed option, but thinner and more fragile. I prefer printed engineered stone for thicker, more substantial applications like islands and edge profiles. Porcelain can look fantastic, but it’s often too thin to create those dramatic edges clients love—unless you build them up with extra material, which adds cost. Plus, it’s more prone to cracking during installation if not handled very carefully. Printed engineered stone feels solid, holds up under pressure, and offers more flexibility when cutting and installing.
Laminate: We’re talking apples and oranges here. Laminate may be printed too, but it can’t touch the realism or durability of printed engineered stone. Laminate is usually made of particle board covered with a printed paper layer and a resin coating. While it’s budget-friendly and has come a long way in design, it’s still susceptible to chipping, bubbling from water damage, and visible seams. I’ve seen it peel or swell after just a couple of years in busy kitchens. Printed engineered stone gives you a much more upscale finish, plus the strength and longevity to handle real daily use—without aging quickly.
Solid Surface: Easy to clean, sure, but often looks flat. Printed engineered stone delivers that layered, natural feel that solid surface just can’t replicate. Solid surface materials like Corian are made from a mix of acrylic and natural minerals, which makes them smooth and seamless—but also a bit “plastic” looking, especially when compared to the depth and realism of printed stone. In our showroom, clients often gravitate toward printed engineered stone once they see its striking beauty. They love the movement, the veining, and the ability to achieve a natural look without the upkeep or limitations of other materials.
Bottom line? Printed engineered stone gives you luxury looks, strong performance, and safer fabrication—and it’s a joy to work with from a design standpoint. That’s why I’m such a fan!
Kelly Answers Your Printed Stone FAQs
Is it really that realistic-looking?
Is it safe for my installers?
Can I do a waterfall edge or bookmatched backsplash?
Do I need to seal it?
Is it more expensive than regular quartz?
Can I see samples?
Symphony: Our #1 Seller for a Reason
I can’t talk about printed engineered stone without talking about Symphony by Aurea Stone. It’s hands-down our top seller for the past year and a half—and honestly, I’m not surprised.
These slabs are absolutely gorgeous. They’re bookmatched, incredibly lifelike, and come in a range of colors and veining styles. I love recommending them for clients who want a luxury marble look without the marble headaches.
One of the most important features? Symphony is made with low silica, making it a safer choice for everyone involved in your remodel—from the warehouse to the installation team. That matters, and it’s something I always make a point to share with clients.
Right now, Symphony is on sale through the month, and often beyond. No one in Phoenix beats our pricing on this collection—we’ve worked hard to bring it in at a great value. You can browse real-life projects in our Symphony gallery.
One quick note: Because of the printed veining, Symphony needs a mitered edge for the best visual result. It’s a small investment that makes a big design impact.
Final Thoughts From the Showroom
Printed engineered stone is one of the most exciting materials we’re working with at the moment—and I say that as someone who’s seen thousands of slabs come through our doors. It’s beautiful, smart, and surprisingly affordable for the look you get.
If you want a kitchen island that stops people in their tracks, a bathroom that feels like a spa, or just a countertop that looks amazing and wipes clean with a sponge—this is your material. And if you want a safe, durable option with bookmatched beauty and low silica for peace of mind, Symphony by Aurea Stone is hard to beat.
Have questions? Come see me at the showroom! I love walking clients through the design process and helping them find the perfect fit. You can also browse our online Symphony gallery if you’re looking for inspiration before you visit.
Until next time, thanks for reading—and I’ll see you soon at Superior Stone & Cabinet.