Natural materials vs. Imitation materials

Health

Natural materials, such as wood, stone and marble, are known to be healthier for your home's interior environment. They are biodegradable and generally do not emit harmful chemicals into indoor air. Imitation materials, on the other hand, are often made of plastics and PVC, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the indoor air of the space.

There are no studies that can certify the damage caused by imitation materials, but living surrounded by plastics is not the same as living surrounded by wood.

Aesthetics and realism

The beauty and authenticity of natural materials are undeniable. The texture, colors and veins to replicate. As for imitation materials, although advances in technology have improved their appearance, they can rarely match the authenticity of natural materials.

When comparing a material in isolation it can lead to confusion as to which one is the real one, but when several imitation materials are used in the same space, it is clear that they are not genuine materials. Natural materials bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to any space.

Maintenance and durability

It's the only point where imitation materials are better than natural materials. Natural materials may require more careful maintenance. For example, marble can be stained and wood can be scratched, but with proper care, its beauty can last for generations. Imitation materials are often easier to maintain and clean. They are resistant to stains and scratches compared to their natural counterparts.

However, even if it seems contradictory, the long-term durability of natural materials may be greater. This is because natural materials absorb the passage of time aesthetically and become living spaces. Over time, the imitation materials peel off or their color is erased, leaving a lower quality space.

Typical comparisons between natural and imitation materials

Some common decisions when choosing materials include:

• Natural parquet vs. Laminated parquet: this is a very important decision since the floor is a very predominant surface in any home. It is also a material that we constantly touch since on many occasions we barefoot ourselves. The only advantage of laminated parquet is if it is going to undergo activities that require high resistance.

• Natural stone countertop vs. Imitation countertop: natural marble is aesthetically stunning but requires more care, while imitation porcelain is stronger but less authentic. If you cook a lot and don't like to be aware that the material absorbs any stains, porcelain tile is recommended. In this Article about natural stone countertops you can read more details.

• Wooden windows vs Aluminum or PVC windows: wooden windows are sculptural elements of a house but when in contact with the outside they can suffer greater wear than normal and this can impair the hermetic seal. Depending on the location of the house, we like to use aluminum carpentry that improves thermal and acoustic efficiency. Under no circumstances do we use PVC joinery that is thicker and aesthetically uglier.

Ultimately, the choice between natural and imitation materials will depend on your personal priorities and the specific needs of your project. It can be beneficial to combine both types of materials in a design to take advantage of their respective strengths. But the most important thing is that the final aesthetic of the space is perceived with natural materials, which will give greater quality and feeling to the house.

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