Sintered Stone Countertops: What You Need to Know Before Buying
Sintered stone countertops have become more popular in recent years because of their great durability, amazing look and their incredible heat and stain resistance. They are also very environmentally friendly. Click on the following section to learn more.
If you would like help choosing the right countertops for your home, contact us. We have the largest selection of natural stone countertops in stock, including sintered stone and our expert staff would be happy to answer all of your questions.
Sintered Stone Countertops
1. What Are Sintered Stone Countertops and How Are They Made?
Sintered stone countertops are produced by a highly advanced process called sintering. *Image by Lapitec
Sintered stone is one of the countertop materials that is made up of a combination of the following:
Natural minerals
Silica
It is different from quartz since it does not contain binders or adhesives to hold it together, which makes it 100% natural. It is available in different thicknesses, hence it is a very versatile product and a great candidate for countertops. It is also UV-resistant, which implies that it will not discolour or fade when exposed to sunlight.
In addition, sintered stone, also known as ceramic, is not printed and does not have a pattern but is uniform in colour.
How Sintered Stone is Produced
Sintered stone is produced by a highly advanced process called sintering. The process actually mimics the way that natural stone forms using a combination of pressure and heat. Instead of using any chemical resins or adhesives, the raw materials are compressed together at extremely high temperatures (over 1,200°C or 2,192°F).
That high temperature is what causes the particles to form a bond at the molecular level. This process forms sintered stone to be an extremely dense and hard surface with no pores or weaknesses.
2. Benefits of Sintered Stone Countertops
Sintered stone has the ability to keep its strength even when put through heavy usage and remains a stable choice for commercial structures and families. *Image by Lapitec
Sintered stone countertops offer you many great benefits. Here are just a few.
Great Durability
Sintered stone countertops are built to last, making them the perfect choice for heavy-traffic areas and busy kitchens. Throughout the sintering process, the countertop's surface becomes ultra-dense and super-resistant to cracks, chips, and scratches, and thus your countertop will be immaculate for decades. Compared to natural stone, which is fragile against breaks, sintered stone has the ability to keep its strength even when put through heavy usage and remains a stable choice for commercial structures and families.
Heat and Stain Resistance
One of the most noticeable strengths of sintered stone is its unparalleled heat resistance. Whereas quartz will burn or change colour when subjected to direct heat, sintered stone remains unchanged by high temperatures. This also means resistance to staining, so hot pots and pans can be placed on the surface directly without harm.
Also, sintered stone is totally non-porous, a barrier to stains from food, wine, coffee, and domestic chemicals. Unlike granite or marble, which need to be sealed every so often to avoid staining, sintered stone retains its resistance naturally, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners.
Eco-Friendliness
If sustainability is of importance to you, sintered stone is among the greenest countertop materials on the market. Sintered stone is produced using natural minerals and no synthetic resins or binders, so the product is non-toxic and environmentally sustainable. The process of manufacturing it is energy efficient with low waste and emissions, less than many other engineered surfaces.
Moreover, sintered stone is 100% recyclable, which means it can be reused upon its life cycle completion rather than sent to landfills. Its low carbon emission and sustainable origin make sintered stone a fantastic choice for homeowners who want to make environment-friendly decisions within their home interior design.
3. Disadvantages of Sintered Stone Countertops
Sintered stone is a premium material, and the price tag for it reflects the sophisticated technology and process used in developing it. - *Image by Laptec
Sintered stone countertops are a great option for many people, however, there are some factors that you need to take into consideration before deciding whether or not they are the right option for your home.
Higher Price
Sintered stone is a premium material, and the price tag for it reflects the sophisticated technology and process used in developing it. Sintered stone is pricier than material like laminate or some of the quartz material, so you may feel that it is too much for your budget. As much as longevity and durability may offset the expense eventually, the initial cost may be too high if you are watching your pennies.
Hard To Repair
Despite its great durability, sintered stone is not damage-proof. If a countertop cracks or chips, it can be hard and costly to repair due to the hardness and density of the material. Unlike natural stone, where resin or filler can sometimes revive it, sintered stone must be subjected to special restoration methods. In extreme damage, replacement is the only option, so careful use and professional installation are necessary.
Few Edge Profile Options
As compared to quartz and natural stone, sintered stone provides less scope for edge profile customization. Due to the fact that it is ultra-dense, detailed or elaborate edges are difficult to create, and design choices are limited for homeowners looking for very ornate countertops. Plain and minimalist edge profiles like straight, beveled, or eased edges can be achieved, but homeowners who look for detailed or rounded profiles may find sintered stone less versatile than granite or quartz.
4. Sintered Stone Countertop Uses
Sintered stone's colour and structure remain intact even in harsh weather conditions. - *Image by Lapitec
Ideal for Kitchen Countertops, Islands, and Backsplashes
Sintered stone is one of your best choices for kitchen countertops because it is extremely durable, heat resistant, and non-porous. It is perfect for busy kitchens where spills, heat, and sharp knives are the order of the day. Additionally, its seamless appearance and ability to mimic natural stone make it a trendy option for kitchen islands and backsplashes.
Perfect for Bathroom Vanities and Outdoor Kitchens
Sintered stone countertops are both water and stain resistant, which makes them an ideal material for your bathroom vanities. Unlike porous materials that absorb water and must be sealed over and over again, sintered stone is easy to maintain and hygienic in damp bathroom environments.
Because of its UV resistance, sintered stone is also a great choice for outdoor kitchens. Unlike quartz, which yellows or discolours when used outdoors in direct sun, sintered stone's colour and structure remain intact even in harsh weather conditions. It is therefore ideal for patios, BBQ areas, and outdoor cooking spaces, offering long-lasting beauty and functionality.
Ideal for Commercial Spaces
Sintered stone's hardness, strength, and minimal maintenance make it a high-traffic favorite for commercial spaces. It is used extensively in restaurants, hospitality venues, and retail spaces, where countertops, bar tops, and worktops have to withstand heavy foot traffic. Its scratch and stain resistance ensures it will remain as good as new with minimal maintenance, which makes it an economic option for companies looking for long-term value.
5. Installation Requirements
Expert installation is highly recommended for precise cutting, proper support, and seamless integration. - *Image by Lapitec
Sintered stone is an extremely heavy and hard material, hence it is more difficult to cut and install compared to other countertops like granite or quartz. Due to its brittleness prior to installation, it can crack or shatter when handled. For this reason, expert installation is highly recommended for precise cutting, proper support, and seamless integration. Expert installers have the necessary special equipment and expertise to handle sintered stone safely and effectively.
Slab Size and Thickness Options
Sintered stone countertops come in a variety of thicknesses from 6mm up to 20mm. Slabs at a thinner 6mm or 12mm are typically used for backsplashes, wall cladding, or furniture tops, while thicker slabs at 20mm and more are used for kitchen countertops and heavy-use worktops.
When designing your installation, it's crucial to have seam placement and total weight in mind. Slabs in larger formats minimize seams, giving your installation a sleeker, higher-end look. But structural support is necessary, particularly for heavy or oversized slabs. Installers will visit your site and advise on ideal slab thickness and configuration to promote durability and appearance.
6. Is Sintered Stone Right for You?
Sintered stone is a more sustainable option than quartz or other engineered materials. - *Image by Lapitec
If You Want Durability and Minimal Maintenance
If you're looking for countertops that will withstand heavy, daily wear and tear, sintered stone is perfect. It is scratch resistant, heat resistant, and stain resistant, so it is an excellent choice for high-traffic kitchens and busy households. It doesn't require sealing on a regular basis like natural stone or excessive maintenance, making it a perfect minimal-maintenance material.
If You Are an Eco-Friendly Buyer
Sintered stone is 100% natural, as it is made from natural minerals without resins or synthetic binders. This makes it a more sustainable option than quartz or other engineered materials. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly countertop with a lower carbon footprint, then sintered stone is a great option.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
While sintered stone offers numerous benefits, it’s important to weigh the higher cost and limited edge profile options against your budget and design preferences. Additionally, since repairs can be difficult, you’ll want to hire a professional to install and carefully handle it to ensure that it lasts longer.
For the Best Sintered Stone Countertops, Contact Natural Stone City
If you are searching for the perfect countertops, come to Natural Stone City. We have the largest selection of Granite, Marble, and Quartz in Southern Ontario, with over 1,000 slabs of different colour options.
You can choose from standard colours to super exotic options, shipped directly from Italy, Brazil and around the world. We carefully select each one, keeping the satisfaction of our customers in mind.
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get:
Installations in as little as 1 week
Any colour you want and more
Help from our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists
Contact us today and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Highly recommend. From the minute we entered the showroom and were greeted by Denisa to the installation, Natural Stone City has been top notch. Viewing the indoor showroom was great with samples on site to take with. Denisa provided us with an on the spot quote based on our plans. She was wonderful to work with making sure we got exactly what we wanted. The speed of templating to installation is unheard of - templating on Tuesday and installing on Friday. This significantly fast-tracked our renovation. The care of the people cutting the stone cannot be overlooked. We chose to use the countertop as backsplash and they went to the effort that the veins are continuous from the backsplash to the counter. The installation was perfection as well. Our very large island required a seam and it is virtually unnoticeable due to the care of the installers and the attention of the person laying out our stone for cutting. We are so incredibly pleased with our countertops. Great business, great people, and great product. Highly recommend.”
— Susan Cruickshank
