Table of Content

• What is Varmora’s Integrated Stone?
• What is Natural Stone?
• What is Varmora’s Integrated Stone Technology?
• How does Varmora’s Integrated Stone differ from Natural Stone?
  • Appearance and Aesthetics
  • Durability and Strength (Technical Features)
  • Resistance to External Factors
  • Sustainability
• Key Applications of Varmora’s Integrated Stones
  • Residential Uses
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor and Large-Scale Projects
• Conclusion

When it comes to surfaces, choosing between natural stone or integrated stone can be a bit confusing. Both stones are highly durable and functional and offer aesthetics.

Natural stone may be an ideal choice, as it has been used for centuries, but it comes with certain limitations like porosity, maintenance issues, and design constraints.

The integrated stone from Varmora is relatively new compared to natural stone. This revolutionary stone is created with modern technology and offers an innovative alternative that blends the beauty of natural stone with cutting-edge engineering for superior performance.

In this blog, we will know the differences between integrated stone and natural stone and explore how Varmora’s innovative solution works best in modern architecture and interior design.

What is Varmora’s Integrated Stone?

Varmora’s integrated stone is a groundbreaking material engineered with advanced technology to replicate the elegance of natural stone while enhancing durability, consistency, and versatility. Unlike traditional options, it features:

• Seamless veining for a natural, continuous look
• Exceptional strength with high resistance to wear and tear
• Non-porous structure, making it stain- and moisture-resistant
• Sustainable production methods that minimize environmental impact

Product: Integrated Italian Stone from Varmora

What is Natural Stone?

Natural stone is quarried from the earth and comes in various forms, including marble, granite, limestone, and slate. It offers a timeless aesthetic but has inherent limitations such as:

• Porosity, leading to stains and water absorption
• Inconsistent patterns and textures
• Higher maintenance requirements due to sealing and polishing needs

What is Varmora’s Integrated Stone Technology?

We are Asia’s first-ever tile manufacturer that has introduced integrated stone technology to form extraordinary surfaces with the brilliance of nature and the precision of science.

Varmora’s integrated stone technology isn’t just a breakthrough; it’s a revolution in design. With this, we can create beautiful veins and complex swirls of natural stone with unmatched precision and uniformity.

This advanced technology provides a smooth finish by precisely controlling the flow of raw materials, offering a lasting impression in any space. With integrated stone technology, creativity knows no bounds. Capturing the essence of natural stone allows you to design and build visually striking spaces and exude an authentic, natural charm.

Also, our integrated stone is made from the 5-feeder technology (the first ever in the Asian ceramic industry). This innovative technology enables the production of products that can genuinely replace natural stone marble, stone, and granite.

Also, this 5-feeder technology opens a whole new world by allowing precise control over material composition and consistent flow of veins.

How does Varmora’s Integrated Stone Differ From Natural Stone?

When it comes to choosing a surface for your home or office, you will come across 2 main options: Varmora’s Integrated stone and natural stone.

Although all of these have their own unique advantages, which you can read below.

Appearance and Aesthetics

Integrated Stone

Varmora’s integrated stones are the best of both worlds, combining natural stone’s aesthetic appeal with the precision and reliability of engineered surfaces. Check out Varmora’s collection of integrated stones.

At Varmora, we take pride in offering four distinct types of integrated stone, each designed to meet diverse aesthetic and functional needs. Our integrated stones are crafted with precision, ensuring durability, elegance, and versatility for various applications.

Here are the four types of integrated stone we offer:

• Integrated Italian Stone: The collection that distinguishes itself by its through-body veining and patterns, mimicking natural stone characteristics and offering a modern, versatile alternative. Integrated Italian Stone includes designs like Statuario Elegance, Black Panda, and Lapponia Black.
• Integrated Fragmenta Stone: The Integrated Fragmenta Stone collection includes terrazzo inspired surfaces with large flakes, available in various sizes and finishes. This has a flakes size of up to 15MM. The ‘Granito’ series within this collection features tightly arranged flakes for a cohesive look.
• Integrated Digistone: This collection represents the epitome of form and function, creating a strong and homogeneous material with high-quality, direct body printing of veins and patterns for aesthetic appeal. Integrated Digistone is exemplified by the designs within the Fiocco collection.
• Integrated Decostone: Represented by the Sahara series, this is characterized by its nature-inspired design with integrated flakes and granules, and Integrated Decostone aims to provide visually captivating and unique surfaces.

Natural Stone

Natural stones, like marble, granite, and limestone, were formed naturally over billions of years inside the earth’s crust. While it boasts unique patterns and organic beauty, it comes with inconsistencies in texture, high porosity, and maintenance challenges.

Durability and Strength (Technical Features)

Technical feature/Parameter	Integrated Stone Technology	Marble (Natural Stone)	Granite (Natural Stone)	Quartz (Natural Stone)
Surface Hardness (Mohs Scale)	6-7; Highly resistant to scratches	3-4; Scratches easily	6-7; Scratch-resistant	6-7; Surface protected by resins
Porosity	Non-porous (<0.1% water absorption)	Highly porous; absorb liquids	Low porosity (<0.5%) but may vary	<0.1%; Non-porous due to resin
Thermal Resistance	Withstands temperatures up to 1200°C	Sensitive to heat; thermal shock can cause cracks	Withstands temperatures up to ~650°C	Moderate; thermal resistance limited by resins
UV Stability	Excellent UV resistance; colorfast in outdoor applications	Fades and yellows under UV exposure	UV-resistant	Limited; resins degrade under UV
Flexural Strength (MPa)	High (30-50 MPa); resists bending or warping	Low(7-10 MPa); Prone to cracking	Moderate (15-20 MPa)	High (25-40 MPa)
Chemical Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Good	Excellent
Impact Resistance	High	Low	High	High
Weight (Kg/m’)	18-25	27-35	30-40	25-30
Dimensional Stability (mm/m)	High; minimal thermal expansion or contraction	Low expands and contracts with Temperature	Moderate; better than marble	High; Resins stabilize material
Hygienic Properties	Anti-bacterial and hygienic due to non-porous surface	Absorbs liquids; prone to bacterial growth	Low absorption; less prone to bacteria	Non-porous; hygienic
Density (g/cmª)	2.4-2.6; Highly uniform	2.5-2.7; Variable by source	2.6-2.8	~2.4-2.6
Thermal Expansion (ppm/°C)	6-8; Highly stable under thermal stress	10-20 Significant expansion	8-10; Moderate expansion	30-50; resins reduce stability
Thermal Conductivity (W/m K)	1.5-2; Good thermal stability	~2.2; sensitive to thermal shock	3.0; High-thermal conductivity	~2.0; Resin layers may insulate
Water Absorption (%)	<0.1%; Hydrophobic surface	~0.5-2%; Requires sealing	0.2-5.0%; Low absorption	<0.1%; non-porous due to resin
Surface Energy (mN/m)	~45; High surface energy for cleanability	~35; Moderate, attracts contaminants	~40; Relatively cleanable	~30; Resin coatings lower surface energy
Fire Rating	A1 (Non-combustible)	A2; Slightly combustible	A1; Non-combustible	B; Resins are flammable

Resistance to External Factors

Integrated Stone

Integrated stone is highly resistant to stains and moisture due to its non-porous structure, making it a preferred choice for damp environments and outdoor use. Also, this stone is heat and fire-proof, providing durability without fading or discolouration. Additionally, integrated stones are frost-resistant, meaning they won’t crack or deteriorate in extreme temperatures.

Natural Stone

The resistance of natural stone to external factors depends on its type. For example, granite and slate are highly resistant to stains, moisture, and UV exposure, while marble and limestone are porous, making them prone to weathering. However natural stones can withstand heat and fire but can crack in extreme temperature fluctuations or frost conditions.

However, if you are looking for the finest stone, Varmora’s integrated stone is the clear standout among the three. Its unmatched precision, durability, and design versatility set it apart as the superior choice.

Sustainability

Integrated Stone

Varmora’s integrated stone recreates the beauty of natural stone while preserving the earth’s resources by using sustainable methods that are kinder to the planet. Varmora’s commitment to sustainable methods in the production of its Integrated Stone, aiming for a kinder impact on the planet and a sustainable future.

Natural Stone

Natural stones are naturally sustainable building materials, providing durability, recyclability, and minimal environmental impact. Its long lifespan reduces the need for replacements, while its natural thermal properties enhance energy efficiency.

Key Applications of Varmora’s Integrated Stones

Varmora’s integrated stones are designed for a wide range of applications in both residential and commercial locations. It is presented as a material that goes “beyond boundaries”, suitable for “every corner.”

Residential Uses

The integrated stone offers versatile applications from floors and walls to countertops, furniture, steps, and stairs. Made with Varmora’s expertise in ceramic and bathware, it boosts interior design with nature-inspired elegance and durability.

Its non-porous, stain-resistant surface makes it ideal for kitchens, ensuring food safety and supporting advanced features like invisible induction technology.

Product: Integrated Fragmenta Stone from Varmora

Commercial Use

The integrated stone from Varmora is exceptionally resistant to abrasion and routine wear, and superior abrasion resistance compared to granite makes integrated stone a preferred choice for environments subject to frequent use and commercial applications.

Product: Integrated Deco Stone from Varmora

Outdoor and Large-Scale Projects

Integrating stones are resistant to UV rays, frost, and heat when it comes to outdoor and large-scale projects. The ability to endure harsh weather conditions without damage makes it suitable for balconies, porches, patios, driveways, building exteriors, and ventilated facades.

Product: Integrated Digistone Stone from Varmora

Conclusion

While natural stone offers timeless beauty, Varmora’s Integrated Stone takes it a step ahead with improved durability, low maintenance, and advanced technology. Its flawless design, stain, and moisture resistance, as well as its innovative applications, make it the superior choice for modern spaces. Whether for kitchens, bathrooms, or commercial projects, integrated stone blends elegance with practicality, redefining the future of surface solutions. Contact Varmora Granito for the integrated stone and find a Varmora dealer in your area to explore our products.