If you want to build or redo the worktops in your kitchen or bathroom, you may be wondering what type of surface material to use. People typically choose from materials like quartz, marble, or granite, but there’s one that you shouldn’t overlook and that is sintered stone worktops.
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Sintered stone is an engineered stone material made from all natural materials including minerals derived from granite, glass, clay and natural pigments. As an advanced material, sintered stone has plenty of benefits, like being aesthetically stunning, highly durable, resistant to high temperatures, UV resistant and stain resistant. It’s also made completely out of natural materials, which appeals to people who value eco friendly materials and sustainability
Three of the most trusted and popular brands you may have heard of are Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec, which Paramount are proud to supply to the UK public.
Learning more about where sintered stone comes from and its benefits can help you decide whether this is the right material for you. This article covers those topics and more, helping you make an informed decision.
A unique property of sintered stone is that it contains no binders, like resin. Instead, the minerals are fused together with high amounts of pressure and heat. The process of using high heat and pressure to bond the natural materials together is called sintering.
Manufacturers start by carefully selecting minerals and stone particles that are the right texture, colour, and quality. Then, they mix these materials together and grind them into a powder. Manufacturers place this powder into a hydraulic press and compact it under 27,000 tonnes of pressure.
Finally, the material is baked at a temperature of 1,200ºC to 1,400ºC. This process is similar to what happens to stone, like quartz, in the Earth’s crust but it’s much quicker. After the sintered stone is baked in the kiln and cooled to room temperature, the stone particles and minerals are bonded together permanently.
Sintered stone is made entirely of natural minerals, unlike materials like quartz, which is quartz stone mixed with resins, polymers, and pigments. These natural minerals are typically sourced from waste products, such as crushed granite and marble, making it more sustainable than other materials.
Here’s a quick summary of sintered stone’s main benefits:
Another benefit of sintered stone is that it’s more durable and long-lasting than many natural stones. Natural stone is often prone to scratching and chipping, but sintered stone is strong and has a high level of resistance. It’s also resistant to being burned or stained. This means it rarely needs to be replaced, unlike natural stone.
As mentioned, sintered stone is heat-resistant. This means you can put any hot pot or pan down on the surface without fear. Materials like quartz can become damaged or yellowed by extreme heat, but sintered stone will remain unaffected. You won’t need to run around your kitchen with a hot pot looking for a trivet to put it down on anymore, giving you the freedom to use your worktop however you want.
There is a wide choice of stunning sintered stone colours, designs and brands to choose from. From eye-catching modern designs to subtle classics, there is a choice just right for every renovator. Popular brands like Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec lead the way and have a plethora of choices on offer.
There are even designs that mimic natural stone, like marble, if that suits your aesthetic. This is a more affordable way to enhance spaces, as using natural stone such as marble or granite can often cost a lot more.
You can use sintered stone in almost any home project, not just to enhance your bathroom or kitchen. It’s equally resistant to cold, heat, and UV, so it’s just as functional outdoors as it is inside. Being UV-resistant means it won’t lose integrity or fade from exposure to the sun, unlike some other popular materials.
When manufacturers create sintered stone, they ensure the design or pattern goes all the way through the slab. So, if the slab needs to be cut, you won’t be exposing an unpatterned interior. This creates a cohesive design, ensuring there’s no issue with the seaming and edge detail.
Sintered stone is non-porous, which makes it easy to clean. There is no need to use harsh chemicals or cleaners, you can clean it easily with just soap and water. This will save you time and money and protect you from the fumes that harsh chemicals and cleaners often give off. Not having to expose the environment to these chemicals is another reason sintered stone is more sustainable.
One of the great benefits of sintered stone is that it’s a more environmentally friendly choice since it’s made from natural materials. It can also be reused again after its life, recycled or returned back to the earth.
Sintered stone can be used in place of any natural stone, so it’s typically used for countertops in the kitchen or bathroom. It also works well in places prone to fluctuations of extreme heat, such as around a fireplace. Here are the most common applications for using sintered stone:
Quartz is one of the most popular natural stones, so you may still be deciding between installing sintered stone or quartz. While quartz has many benefits, it’s important to consider the additional benefits of sintered stone. Here are some of the main similarities and differences to help you make the right decision:
Both sintered stone and quartz are durable, hard materials. They’re both a 7 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, while marble is only a 3 and concrete is a 5 to 7.
Another similarity these materials share is they’re both available in a wide variety of stunning colours, so you can truly create the dream look you are looking for.
Quartz and sintered stone are easy to maintain and take care of. Cleaning is easy for both surfaces, as you can simply use a small amount of soap mixed with water to keep them clean.
Finally, both sintered stone and quartz are non-porous. This means foreign liquids, like harsh cleaning chemicals and bacteria won’t absorb into the material. This also prevents stains and discolouration of the surface.
An important difference between sintered stone and quartz is what they’re made of. Sintered stone is made entirely of natural minerals, while quartz is typically only around 90% natural mineral quartz. The other 10% is pigments and resin binders.
Since quartz has resin, it can’t be exposed to extreme heat, while sintered stone can be. If you expose quartz to extreme heat, by placing a hot pot on the surface, for example, you can discolour it. Sintered stone is resistant to very high temperatures, so you don’t need to worry about it as much.
Sintered stone can be used for outdoor kitchen worktops or outdoor furniture without the risk of damage from the sun, whereas quartz is not recommended to be in direct sunlight. If you are planning to install a new outdoor kitchen, sintered stone is highly recommended.
Another difference that may impact your decision is quartz is typically cheaper than sintered stone. However, it may be cheaper to install initially, but it may need to be replaced if it becomes damaged by exposure to high amounts of heat. Since sintered stone is so resistant, it rarely needs to be replaced, so you can save money in the long run.
Sintered stone is also better for the environment, as it’s made from natural materials and does not contain resin. Synthetic resin, which is typically used to create quartz slabs, isn’t biodegradable, so it’s not as eco-friendly as sintered stone.
Here are some frequently asked questions you may have about sintered stone:
Formed under intense pressure and heat, sintered stone is an extremely strong material that is not easily broken, scratched, chipped, damaged or corroded.
Since there are a wide array of colours available from leading brands, you can choose any colour that suits your space and ideal aesthetic. People typically choose neutral colours, like cream, white, or black. You can also choose different designs, like marbling, and textures.
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The standard thickness for sintered stone is 12mm, though you can also purchase thicker 20mm and 30mm slabs. If you want to use the material as flooring, you can choose thinner, 3mm or 6mm slabs.
Sintered stone is actually lightweight, as a thin, 3mm slab is only 7 kg/m2 and a thicker, 12 mm slab is 30 kg/m2.
As we have discussed in this article, there are so many benefits of choosing to use sintered stone. So, if you are ready to have your own installed in your residential home or commercial property, Paramount Stone Specialists are the experts here to help
Our experienced employees can help you decide every detail of your project, like the size, placement, and design of your sintered stone. We’ll be with you through every step, making the process easy and providing a finished result you will love.
If you are wondering how you can improve the overall look of your interior including kitchen and bathroom then you are not alone. A huge number of homeowners wonder how effortlessly one can go to create a luxurious and unique interior. Sintered stone is the best answer to this concern. This is one of the most unique synthetic materials that is perfect for application from bathroom countertops to kitchen countertops.
It has a unique appearance that resembles materials such as marble and granite. However, its best feature is its water and heat resistance. Even though it is a synthetic material, it feels like a real stone because of a hybrid of real stones. In this post, we will discuss every detail about this stone that will help you to make an informed decision.
It is a premium-looking synthetic stone that is created with materials extracted from other natural stones. Sintered Stone is manufactured primarily in Italy, Spain, and China. The recycled natural stones such as quartz, porcelain, and glass, along with raw minerals such as zircon, hematite, and albite are ground to create a fine powder. The process of sintering is done where they are fused to form a dense material. The resulting surface is highly durable and looks like real natural stone. However, it doesn’t have any drawbacks of natural stones that take millions of years to form and are too expensive to install.
It is often available in the large format slab that is widely used as countertops, wall cladding, and flooring. This manmade stone offers the best of both worlds, the beauty of natural stone but is more durable and low-maintenance.
Sintered Stones though look like natural stones and they have added features during their production. The major features of this material are:
These are some of the most unique features that make this stone stand out among other materials.
It is the trend these days. Its popularity among homeowners is on the rise for all the right reasons. For a better idea, here we will discuss why homeowners are choosing it these days:
This is a durable material. Natural stones such as granite, marble, or travertine pavers have some porous surface. This is why they are prone to future damage caused by water seeping. It doesn’t have a porous surface. It doesn’t absorb liquids so they are resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. This also makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, busy kitchens, and outdoor spaces. You won’t have to worry about sealing or maintaining it as much as you would with natural stone.
Another reason that makes them popular is their design versatility. Homeowners can find it in a wide range of colors and design patterns. From minimalist to vein designs that look like natural stone like marble and granite, they can fulfill aesthetic requirements. You can easily find the one that compliments your home’s exterior or interior without compromising the premium nature of the stone.
Natural stones are popular for being a sustainable building material and it doesn’t disappoint as well. Homeowners who prefer eco-friendly materials that don’t impact the environment heavily opt for this material. Though it is manufactured stone the components are all recycled natural stone. So even when it will complete its lifespan, it can still be used to create new stones.
it is low maintenance compared to natural stones such as marble or travertine. It has a nearly non-porous surface, meaning it requires little upkeep and does not need sealing at all. Water cannot penetrate it, and the surface resists scratches, making cleaning simple. It is a great option for both inside and outside projects because of this easy maintenance.
You may heard about different natural stones such as granite, marble, and quartz. But how do you know if it is good compared to all of them? Check out this side-by-side comparison:
Feature Sintered Stone Natural Stone Durability Extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and heatproof Durable, but prone to scratches and heat damage (depends on the type) Maintenance Low-maintenance, no sealing required Requires sealing and regular maintenance Water Resistance Non-porous and waterproof Some types are porous and need sealing Variety Wide range of patterns and colors Natural, unique variations Cost Similar to or less than high-end natural stone Can be expensive depending on the rarityThis table will help you to understand the most common difference between sintered stone and natural stone pavers. You will have a better idea of where it stands out in the competition with natural stone.
You will have got the idea regarding the key difference between this and natural stone. Now let’s talk about the common application for homeowners.
It is one of the most durable stones and they resemble natural stones like quartz countertops, granite slabs, and marble. This is why Sintered Stone Countertops make a perfect choice for the kitchen. They can withstand high temperatures so putting hot pans directly won’t damage the surface. Also, spills like wine, coffee, and tea won’t stain it so you can enjoy its beauty stress-free.
One more excellent method to integrate it into your home’s interior is through bathroom vanities. The beauty of any shower design can be amplified by using countertops on the bathroom vanities, wall claddings, and even shower walls.
Tiles for the floor usually need to be strong and able to resist damage, particularly in places with a lot of foot traffic. If you are looking for resilient flooring both inside and outside your home, these tiles can be an excellent choice. These tiles can withstand scratches, normal wear out and even cracking.
It can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the exterior of your house. You can use it to build pool decks and patio floors. Their added durability can withstand elements like summer heat to harsh winter cycles.
It is widely available in large paver stones. This is why its installation is not a DIY job. Also, it is a heavy and thick stone to work with. Only Skilled natural stone installation experts should be hired to install it. Specialized tools and equipment are a must for its installation. If you want to install it in your home then contact a professional only and hire if you are satisfied with their previous work performance.
While it is a great material for durability and aesthetic factors, it is not perfect. Here are our picks for the most prominent pros and cons of these stones that homeowners should consider.
Pros of Sintered Stone Cons of Sintered Stone Durability: It is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts. This makes it suitable for high-traffic areas Cost: Generally more expensive than other materials like quartz and granite, which may be a concern for budget-conscious homeowners Heat and UV Resistance: Can withstand high temperatures without damage and does not fade in sunlight Installation Challenges: Requires professional installation due to its weight and the need for specialized tools Low Maintenance: Non-porous surface means it doesn’t require sealing, and regular cleaning is straightforward Limited Availability: Still a relatively new material, which can lead to shortages and fewer qualified fabricators Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials and can itself be recyclable, contributing to environmental sustainability Chipping Potential: Edges may chip if struck by heavy or sharp objects Aesthetic Versatility: Available in various designs that mimic natural stones like marble and granite Limited Color Variations: Fewer options in terms of unique colors and patterns compared to natural stone Hygienic: The non-porous nature prevents bacteria growth, making it safe for kitchens and bathrooms Few Manufacturers: The market has a limited number of manufacturers, affecting choices for homeownersKeep in mind sintered stone pros and cons when buying it for your project. Keep in mind that no stone is perfect so consider both of them and make an informed decision.
You may wonder while reading all this if it is a good choice for your project. Here is how you can consider it!
These considerations will help you understand the best of It so you can make an informed decision.
While searching for it, you will come across different statements. Here are some myths popular about this that are not true:
Myth Fact It is a cheap knock-off of natural stone. This stone is a high-quality material. It has the look of natural stone like marble and is equally durable. It is manufactured with recycled premium quality natural stones like quartz and zircon. It’s hard to find contractors who can install sintered stone. While it does require specialized installation, more contractors are trained in working with this, making it easier to find qualified experts. It looks fake. It can be manufactured to resemble natural stones like marble and granite. This results in a beautiful, authentic appearance.These are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about this. This table contains all the information that will help you clarify its value and practicality.
It is a special man-made material that gives good strength and nice looks. It is different from porcelain pavers because it appears and feels very high-quality, similar to natural stones like granite, marble, or quartz. Different from what some might think, it is not a low-cost imitation. Instead, it is a high-grade synthetic stone crafted using top-quality natural stones.
Are you interested in learning more about Cement Sintered Stone? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!