What is Sintered Stone? Uses, Cost, and Considerations

Sintered stone is a mixture of minerals fashioned right into a slab by way of sintering – a strategy of compacting and heating. Not like Quartz, sintered stone accommodates no binders or resins.

Sintered stone is taken into account an artificial materials, however its components are pure and should embody granite minerals, clay, pure oxides, and glass minerals.

Sintered Stone Makes use of

You may be seeing sintered stone pop up in additional kitchens, however sintering dates again over 25,000 years in the past, when individuals used this methodology to create bricks, ceramics, and different objects.

At this time, sintered stone is among the finest supplies for counter tops, flooring, and eating tables. It’s heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, UV-resistant, and eco-friendly. It has an look just like that of Quartz or porcelain and is available in many colours and varieties that mimic pure stone.

Sintered Stone Cleansing and Upkeep

Not like different stone counter tops, sintered stone doesn’t require a sealer. Clear it with a rag, soapy water, or your favourite Ph-neutral multipurpose cleaner. Sintered stone is unlikely to stain because of its low porosity, however it’s best to nonetheless wipe away spills as quickly as doable.

The Disadvantages of Sintered Stone

Earlier than buying your first sintered stone counter or flooring, there are a few disadvantages to contemplate:

Many forms of sintered stone have veining that doesn’t run all over, so in case you chip the counter’s edge, the sample gained’t match up.Sintered stone isn’t indestructible – in case you hit the sting or center of the counter with a pointy, heavy object, it could possibly crack or chip.Few sintered stone producers imply issue discovering the product or a sample you want.

Sintered Stone Value

Sintered stone prices $60 – $120 per sq. foot, together with materials and set up. Sintered stone just isn’t a DIY-friendly materials. Should you attempt to set up it your self, you’ll threat cracks or a damaged slab.

The place to Purchase Sintered Stone

You could find sintered stone slabs at most countertop and pure stone resellers. Some huge field shops, like Lowes, even carry sintered stone toilet counters. Dekton, Neolith, Lapitec, and Laminam are the most well-liked sintered stone manufacturers.

Sintered Stone vs. Quartz

Sintered stone and Quartz are engineered stones with related look and prices. Neither requires sealers, and each are water resistant. A big distinction between the 2 is within the manufacturing course of. To make quartz counter tops, producers use binders and poisonous resins. Sintered stone requires warmth and stress solely, making it a extra eco-friendly product.

Sintered stone fares higher with warmth, whereas Quartz could harm if uncovered to a pan at 150°F or extra. However, Quartz is much less prone to crack or chip because it accommodates resins.

Examples of Sintered Stone Counter tops

Right here’s a have a look at kitchens with sintered stone counter tops.

A Neolith Sintered Stone Kitchen Counter

The Neolith countertop on this kitchen island is white with mild grey veining. It appears just like marble or Quartz with a excessive sheen.

Dekton Countertop and Waterfall Island

Dekton sintered stone covers this modern kitchen’s island, backsplash, and countertop. The stone has a pure, low-luster look and matches most design types.

Sintered Stone Counter and Backsplash

The designers selected white Neolith counters for this vivid and ethereal kitchen. The sunshine grey veining is thick, making an announcement in opposition to the all-white cupboards and counters.