What Is Sintered Stone? Pros, Cons, Comparisons and Where to Buy in Australia

You may have heard about sintered stone dining tables or countertops and wondered what separates this material from traditional choices. Is it as durable as granite? Does it have the elegance of marble? Or is it as versatile as ceramic?

This post will explore everything you need to know about sintered stone and how it compares to other popular materials like porcelain, quartz, and granite. Whether you’re considering updating your kitchen or bathroom or creating an outdoor space, we’ll help you decide if sintered stone is the right choice.

What is Sintered Stone?

Sintered stone is a man-made material created by compressing natural minerals like quartz, feldspar, and silica under extreme heat and pressure. The process replicates how natural stone forms over thousands of years, but it’s completed in hours using advanced technology. The result is a highly durable, non-porous surface that mimics the look of natural stone with superior performance.

Is Sintered Stone Natural or Artificial?

Sintered stone is artificial and manufactured. Its surface looks natural and has strength and durability far beyond what nature alone can provide.

How Is Sintered Stone Made?

The creation of sintered stone involves:

• Grinding and compressing natural minerals under high pressure.
• Fusing them at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C.
• This process, known as sintering, creates a material that is incredibly dense, strong, and resistant to wear.

The outcome is a more rigid and durable slab than many natural stones, without the imperfections that often come with organic materials.

How Thick is Sintered Stone?

Sintered stone comes in various thicknesses:

• Standard thickness: 12mm.
• Available options: 6mm, 3mm for cladding or flooring, and thicker 20mm slabs for worktops.

For those wanting a thicker appearance, the edges can be built up for a more substantial look, adding an element of luxury to kitchen countertops or dining tables.

How Durable is Sintered Stone?

Sintered stone is renowned for its strength and resilience. It resists:

• Scratches and chips.
• Heat and cold, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Stains, due to its non-porous surface.
• Moisture makes it an excellent option for kitchens and bathrooms.

What are the Benefits of Sintered Stone?

Choosing sintered stone comes with a range of benefits, making it a standout material for both residential and commercial applications:

• Highly durable: Resistant to scratches, chips, and general wear and tear.
• Weatherproof: Perfect for outdoor use.
• Heat resistant: Can withstand high temperatures without warping or discolouration.
• Stain resistant: Ideal for kitchens, where spills are every day.
• Non-porous: Hygienic and easy to clean, making it safe for food preparation.
• Low maintenance: Does not require sealing or special treatments to maintain its appearance.
• Uniformity: Consistency in colour and pattern, even for large-scale projects.

What are the Disadvantages of Sintered Stone?

While sintered stone offers many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Difficult to repair: If damaged, sintered stone can be difficult to fix. Unlike natural stone, it can’t be polished or refinished to remove scratches.
• Cost: Sintered stone is more expensive than materials like laminate, but due to its longevity, it can be seen as an investment.
• Heavy: The density of sintered stone adds weight, which may require additional support structures during installation.

What is Sintered Stone Used for?

Sintered stone is an incredibly versatile material, and its applications are as broad as its benefits:

• Kitchen countertops and islands.
• Dining tables.
• Bathroom vanities and countertops.
• Wall cladding and facades.
• Flooring for interiors and exteriors.
• Fireplace surrounds.
• Swimming pools, spas, and wet rooms.

How Much Does Sintered Stone Cost?

The price of sintered stone typically ranges between $60 and $100 per square foot, depending on the installation’s quality, design, and difficulty. While this may seem costly, its durability and low maintenance requirements make it a long-term investment.

Which Is Better, Quartz or Sintered Stone?

Quartz is also durable, though more heat-resistant than sintered stone. Hot pans or appliances may cause burn marks or damage the surface if placed directly on quartz. While it’s resistant to scratches and general wear, it’s not recommended for outdoor use as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause discolouration.

Like sintered stone, quartz is also non-porous and easy to maintain. It doesn’t need sealing and resists staining and moisture. However, quartz can be more sensitive to chemicals and extreme heat, so care must be taken when cleaning or using it in areas exposed to high temperatures.

Quartz is also available in a wide range of colours and patterns, but its appearance tends to be more uniform than that of sintered stone. Quartz can be designed to mimic natural stone, but it may lack the depth and variations found in sintered stone surfaces.

One critical advantage of sintered stone is its suitability for outdoor applications. It’s UV-resistant and won’t fade or discolour under sunlight, making it an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens, patios, or façades.

Quartz isn’t recommended for outdoor use because it is sensitive to UV rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the colour of quartz surfaces to fade or yellow over time.

Is Porcelain the Same as Sintered Stone?

Both sintered stone and porcelain are made from natural raw materials, but their compositions differ. Sintered stone uses a broader range of minerals, while porcelain is mainly made from clay. Porcelain is a ceramic type fired at higher temperatures, enhancing strength and density.

Porcelain is commonly used for tiles, countertops, wall cladding, and facades. Due to its water resistance, it is particularly popular for bathrooms, kitchens, and flooring. However, its thinner structure can limit its use in high-impact areas, like heavy-duty countertops.

Are Sintered Stone and Ceramics the Same?

Both sintered stone and ceramic are highly durable and resistant to heat, scratches, and moisture, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. They’re also easy to clean and require minimal maintenance to maintain their appearance over time.

However, ceramics is different from sintered stone in many ways:

• Ceramics is primarily made from clay and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This process hardens the material, making it durable and suitable for various applications. Still, it doesn’t achieve the same density or strength as sintered stone.
• While ceramics is durable, it isn’t as strong as sintered stone. It can chip more quickly and may need to be more suitable for high-impact or heavy-use areas.
• Ceramic tiles come in various designs and colours but tend to have a more uniform, manufactured look. They are often used in tiling for walls, floors, and backsplashes but don’t offer the same high-end natural appearance as sintered stone.

Which Is Better, Sintered Stone or Marble?

Though luxurious and timeless, marble is a softer natural stone, which makes it more prone to scratches, chips, and cracks. It’s also porous, which can absorb liquids, leading to stains if not properly sealed and maintained.

Meanwhile, sintered stones require little to no maintenance. Their non-porous surface means they don’t need to be sealed, polished, or treated over time. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is all that’s required to keep them looking fresh. Sintered stones are more durable and better suited for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. 

Marble can be expensive, with significantly rarer varieties with more intricate veining. Maintenance costs continue, as regular sealing is required and can be costly to repair if stained or damaged.

Marble is more susceptible to heat damage and may show burn marks if exposed to hot items directly. It’s also prone to staining from substances like wine, coffee, or oil, especially if it isn’t sealed correctly.

Which Is Better, Granite or Sintered Stone?

Granite is also a durable natural stone, but its porosity can be an issue if not properly sealed. It can absorb liquids, which may lead to staining or discolouration over time. While granite is heat-resistant, it’s more prone to chips and cracks, especially around edges or areas exposed to high impact.

Granite requires regular sealing maintenance to protect it from stains and moisture. With proper care, granite can develop stains and retain its polished look. Depending on the usage and type of granite, the sealing process needs to be repeated every 1 to 3 years.

Granite is the better option if you prefer natural, one-of-a-kind stone patterns. However, sintered stone offers more flexibility if you want a controlled, consistent design. Granite can be more affordable upfront, but sintered stone offers better value over time due to its minimal maintenance costs and longer lifespan.

Sintered Stone Dining Tables: A Perfect Choice for Modern Homes

A sintered stone dining table combines style and function, offering a beautiful and highly durable surface. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice:

• Heat-resistant: No worries about hot dishes damaging the surface.
• Scratch-resistant: Perfect for everyday use.
• Easy to clean: Stains and spills can be wiped away with ease.
• Elegant appearance: Offers a sleek, modern look that suits various interior styles.

How Do You Care for a Sintered Stone Dining Table?

Caring for sintered stone furniture is simple:

• Clean with warm water and a mild detergent.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals.
• While it’s tough, placing mats under hot pans and trays can ensure long-term beauty.

Will Sintered Stone Crack?

Sintered stone is incredibly durable but not entirely indestructible like any material. While it’s highly resistant to cracks, excessive impact or improper installation could cause damage. However, under normal conditions — whether in the kitchen or an outdoor setting — sintered stone holds up exceptionally well against wear and tear.

Can Sintered Stone Be Polished?

Yes, sintered stone can be polished to a smooth, shiny finish. Depending on your look, you can also choose a matte or textured surface. The versatility of sintered stone makes it an excellent option for various design aesthetics, from modern glossy finishes to more understated, natural textures.

Can Sintered Stone Be Glossy?

Absolutely! Sintered stone can achieve a high-gloss finish if that’s what you want. Many homeowners love the sleek, modern feel of a glossy sintered stone countertop or dining table, which reflects light beautifully and adds a luxurious touch to any space.

Will Sintered Stones Turn Yellow?

No, sintered stones will not turn yellow over time. This is one of its key advantages over materials like marble, which can discolour if not correctly maintained.

Will Sintered Stone Stain?

Thanks to its non-porous nature, sintered stone is highly resistant to stains. Spills from coffee, wine, or other common household substances won’t penetrate the surface. This makes sintered stone an ideal choice for kitchens and dining tables where spills happen frequently — just a quick wipe, and it’s as good as new.

Where to Buy Sintered Stones in Australia?

Check out our collection of well-designed, durable, sintered stone furniture. Made from high-quality sintered stone, our pieces offer both beauty and practicality. Whether after a sleek, contemporary dining table or a more natural stone look for your kitchen, you can find various styles, colours, and finishes to suit your taste and home décor.