Sintered Stone vs Other types of Stone

Ultimate Guide to Sintered Stone Products

Some may not have heard of "sintered" stone. The composition of the sintered stone is made of natural materials composed of granite minerals, glass minerals, and natural oxides provides an additional high-quality option in the design market. This material is available in different finishes, textures, and colors and is designed to resemble natural stone; however, it can be produced quickly. People use it for their countertops, floor tiles, wet rooms, exterior cladding, decking, and waterproofing, making it useful in bathrooms and kitchens.

Sintered stone and quartz are starting to dominate the market for countertop materials. Granite and quartz have been on the market for longer; however, sales in slabs of sintered stone are on the rise. Skilled fabricators are being called on more often to install a sintered stone countertop vs quartz. While Quartz stone does come in more varieties and options vs sintered stone, the composition of sintered stone, its durability, and the lower environmental impact of the material are driving sales. Products like quartz, which includes man-made products like resins, and sintered stone, stands out.

Sintered stone is durable and can resist scratches and chipping, and it is hygienic as it is nonporous. You do not need sealers; they can come in many different shapes and sizes. This versatile material is beneficial because it offers an alternative to natural stone products and works well in a modern kitchen.

• Harder than most stone and quartz

• Comes in a sintered stone slab of varying thickness, sizes, and textures

• Virtually weatherproof

• Performs under heat and pressure - heat resistant

• Reported to be harder than Granite

• Great for kitchen countertops and worktops

• Used in multiple areas of interior design

• Free from bonding agents and toxic elements - products like resin and binders

• Resistant to UV light

• Used in/near swimming pools

• Low-Maintenance

• Scratch resistant

Sintered Stone manufacturers

Neolith

Neolith sintered stone is a type of stone that is made by compacting powdered stone using high pressure and heat. This process creates a strong and durable material often used in construction and other applications. The stone is relatively light, and sintered stone is extremely durable and harder than quartz.

Dekton

Dekton is a type of sintered stone made from a mixture of raw materials, including quartz, glass, and porcelain. The ingredients are combined and then placed under high heat and pressure to create a solid, non-porous surface. Dekton is available in various colors and patterns and can be used for countertops, floors, and other surfaces in residential and commercial settings. The material is far less porous than other materials.

Lapitec is another well-respected, quality brand of manufactured stone.

How Is Sintered Stone Processed?

Sintered stone is produced with sintering technology. The materials used include granite minerals, glass minerals, and natural oxides, and they go under high pressure through a pressing machine. A tremendous amount of weight is applied. The newly formed slab is placed in a kiln exposed to temperatures greater than 1200 degrees Celsius. This process of ultra-compaction creates these surfaces with unique features resembling natural stone.

Benefits of Sintered Stone

Sintered stone is a contemporary material used in bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and even building facades. It has many benefits because it is designed to last. Take a look at the following:

It Is Incredibly Durable

The materials in sintered stone are made by sintering specifically to form a solid mass. The result is a surface that cannot be scratched, stained, or burned. It will last for years and years in your kitchen or bathroom and hold its original look because it is practically indestructible.

It Can Handle High Heat

Another great benefit of sintered stone is that it can handle incredibly high temperatures without suffering damage. You can place a hot pot on a sintered stone worktop without leaving a mark. If you have radiant heating, sintered stone flooring can handle it. Not only is this material heat resistant, but it is also frost resistant. Besides all its indoor uses, you can use it outdoors on a patio or in a kitchen in cold climates without any concerns about frost damage. When granite (which must be sealed) and quartz are exposed to extreme heat, it can fundamentally damage the materials. Sintered stone surfaces are created using extremely high temperatures and perform well in those conditions since that is how the material is made.

Contemporary Marble Design 

Sintered stone is contemporary and can be made in a faux marble pattern. The trend is quite popular, as evidenced in many accessories made with this pattern. When you choose sintered stone, you can get a product with unique, contemporary designs that don't look dated or similar to imitations.

Great Durability Outdoors

You can use sintered stone outdoors, which will hold up no matter the climate. It is UV resistant so that it will hold up under the harsh rays of the sun. It can withstand cold temperatures or extreme heat and pressure without being compromised. This product can be used outdoors as flooring, outdoor kitchen sintered stone countertops, and more. The material stands up great against ice and freezing.

Healthier Option

You may not consider a surface choice a health choice, but it is. Sintered stones do not have resins such as petroleum, nor do they contain plastic. It has a low silica content, so it doesn't force those who create these surfaces to breathe in excessive toxic fumes. There is no need to seal this product, and no harmful substances or chemicals are needed to preserve it for longevity like natural stone, such as granite, marble, and quartz, may require sealing.

Waterproof and Stainproof

This material works well in kitchens and bathrooms because it is waterproof and utterly resistant to humidity damage. Besides, you will never have to worry about stains because this material is so strong. Heat and cold will never leave a stain or discolor, and it is easy to clean this material. It won't scratch or chip and doesn't require sealing because it is compact and solid.

Food Safe

Using this surface is hygienic in the kitchen because it is easy to clean and it is nonporous. You never have to worry about it holding in bacteria or food particles because you can wipe the counters clean. It isn't made with resins or other materials, so it is all-natural, clean, and free of chemicals or toxins.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

First of all, you do not need to seal this stone to create a smooth, nonporous surface because it is so compact that there is no possibility of bacteria, chemicals, or anything else getting trapped inside. Wipe the counters clean, and never worry about sealing them.

Food Preparation

Sintered stone is safe for food, but you should be cautious in preparing food on it. As strong as this material is, if you cut food on it, you can damage it. It is incredibly resistant to scratches and chips, but as with anything, you can damage it if you use a strong knife or tool directly on the surface.

Observations

Sintered stone is an incredibly versatile material that works well in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, patios, etc. It is made by compacting and sintering materials until they are durable and robust. The product can have texture and patterns, and it is incredibly stylish. It is challenging and easy to clean and maintain.

There are many benefits to using this material in your home, and you have many options. You can use it for flooring products, countertops, and even as exterior walls. It is attractive and versatile, and it is quickly becoming incredibly popular. These benefits show that sintered stone will be a durable and attractive option as a kitchen countertop, a bathroom floor tile, or an outdoor patio for anyone who chooses this product.

Ultra Compact Porcelain

Special Note: According to the International Surface Fabricators Association, we should not confuse Ultra Compact Porcelain options with Sintered Stone as these two materials are created differently and do not perform identically.