What is Sintered Stone and What Can It Be Used For?
- circular connection
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Sintered stone is gaining popularity as a durable, low-maintenance surface for both indoor and outdoor use. In this article, we explore its features, benefits, and how it compares with materials like quartz.
Image: HW Homeworks
Sintered stone has emerged as a versatile and durable surface material used in everything from kitchen countertops to feature walls. But how does it measure up against more established surfaces like quartz? In this article, we break down what sintered stone is, how it compares to quartz, and where it works best.
What is Sintered Stone?
Sintered stone is a man-made material composed entirely of natural minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and clay. These are compacted under intense heat and pressure to form large, ultra-dense slabs without the use of any resin binders. The result is a surface that mimics the natural beauty of stone while offering enhanced durability and performance.
Today, sintered stone is commonly used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, flooring, furniture, wall cladding, and even outdoor applications.
Sintered Stone | Image: HW Homeworks
Looks & Properties
Sintered stone mimics the look of natural stone more closely than quartz. Its through-body composition allows for more realistic veining and texture that runs across the entire slab.
Composition: 100% natural minerals, with no synthetic binders.
Quartz Comparison: Most quartz surfaces are made of ~95% crushed stone and 5% resin, which can sometimes give them a slightly artificial finish.
Both materials typically show visible joint lines (~1–2mm), especially for large-format installations.
Quartz Image | Image: HW Homeworks
Durability & Heat Resistance
Both sintered stone and quartz are highly durable, but sintered stone offers added advantages in heat and UV resistance.
Scratch Resistance: Both materials are scratch-resistant, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Heat Resistance: Sintered stone can withstand temperatures up to 200°C, allowing hot pots and pans to be placed directly on the surface without damage.
UV Resistance: Unlike quartz, sintered stone resists fading or discoloration under UV light, making it ideal for outdoor use or sun-exposed interiors.
Kitchen countertop made of sintered stone | Image: HW Homeworks
Porosity & Maintenance
Sintered stone is waterproof and non-porous, just like quartz—meaning easy maintenance and better hygiene.
Resists stains, moisture, and bacteria.
Requires no sealing.
Can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
Both materials are excellent for food-safe, family-friendly environments.
Dining table countertop made of sintered stone | Image: HW Homeworks
Application
Versatile and visually striking, sintered stone works well across a wide range of residential and commercial settings.
Kitchen countertops and islands
Bathroom vanities and wall cladding
Flooring, staircases, and large-format panels
Feature walls and furniture surfaces
Outdoor kitchens and facades (thanks to its UV stability)
In comparison, quartz—while sturdy—is not recommended for outdoor use and may be less flexible when it comes to larger or more exposed installations.
Kitchen countertop made of sintered stone | Image: HW Homeworks
Appearance & Pricing
While sintered stone offers realistic visuals and strong performance, quartz currently leads in range and price accessibility.
Design Options: Quartz has a broader variety of colors, patterns, and finishes due to longer market presence. Sintered stone’s design range is expanding, but still catching up.
Cost: Sintered stone is generally more expensive than quartz. However, its enhanced performance—particularly for outdoor or high-heat environments—can justify the investment depending on your intended use.
Final Thoughts
Both sintered stone and quartz are excellent materials for modern living spaces. They offer durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, sintered stone stands out in terms of heat resistance, UV stability, and overall versatility—especially for heavy-use applications.
If budget is a primary concern, quartz remains a reliable and widely available alternative. If you are after a high-performance surface that pushes the boundaries of design and durability, sintered stone may be worth the upgrade.
First published: 14 Sep 2022
Last edited: 14 Jul 2025
