What Is Sintered Stone (Differences vs Granite & Quartz)

Here we discuss what sintered stone is, including its cost and differences vs granite and quartz.

Sintered stone is one of the new hot topics in interior design. They are the best of both worlds – natural and engineered.

Sintered stone uses natural materials that make for beautiful surfaces and an engineered process that adds speed and flexibility. The speed helps save money, and the flexibility allows the choice of color, texture, and size.

All these options are available while still having quality materials at the base of the surface. [toc]

What Is Sintering?

Sintering is a process of combining multiple materials into one solid piece. The process mimics that of the natural process that creates granite.

Basically, the sintering process is the manmade version of the intense heat and pressure that the earth does to materials to create certain surfaces.

The materials must be selected and followed when making these surfaces, mimicking the earth’s natural textures.

To choose which natural materials are put together, it is best to know what colors and textures are desired in the final outcome.

Typically, in interior design, something that has been sintered is made to be used as an expensive kitchen countertop; this material has many other uses, such as fireplace surfaces, wall cladding, and flooring.

What Are Sintered Surfaces?

Sintered surfaces are made from natural materials that go through the engineered process of sintering, miming the natural compression and heat of the environment.

These surfaces give the illusion of natural faults and unique qualities. The resulting surface can appear like natural stone, wood, or a smooth surface.

This type of material can be made in various colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, all while still using natural materials. This stone is a relatively light material, requiring less structural elements on the surface.

Sintered stone is a common choice when it comes to countertops as well as backsplashes and other kitchen finishes. It can also be used for flooring, swimming pools, outdoor flooring, pools, and spas.

These surfaces can be used to cover large areas as it is durable, easily cleaned, and has a good price point. These textured natural-looking surfaces are extremely applicable in outdoor settings as it is water- and weatherproof.

How Much Does Sintered Stone Cost?

Sintered stone is typically measured and priced by square footage. The price per square foot of sintered stone is around $60 to $100 installed.

This can vary based on design, colors, shapes, and sizes. Depending on the area, installer, and installation materials needed, the price can change a little bit as well.

The price will decrease if you can do the installation yourself. Do-it-yourself installation is not the recommended method, though it typically requires a professional.

On average, the total price comes to about $3750 all said and done. For higher-end or larger pieces, you can expect a price of about $5000, and for lower-end or smaller pieces, they can run as low as $1000. Get a quote from your local dealer for and exact price.

Sintered Stone vs Granite

Sintered stone is a manufactured or engineered material, while granite is a natural material.

Granite is a very durable material to avoid cracking and breaking and is heat resistant. Granite is also tough enough to dull knives! Unfortunately, since granite is a natural material, it is quite porous and must be sealed every six months.

This type of material has many great qualities compared to the ever-sought-after granite countertops.

Like the granite mentioned above, sintered stone is resistant to heat ice, and freezing temperatures. It is also resistant to scratches and IV rays that can cause imperfections in the surface.

While granite is a porous material, sintered stone is the opposite, instead being waterproof without needing to be sealed.

Thanks to the resistance to scratching and the waterproof quality, it is way more hygienic than a surface like granite that could harbor bacteria if not taken care of properly.

Additionally, the treatment has a broad selection of colors, pigmentation, and designs available, while granite is typically based on the natural elements creating it.

Granite is an extremely heavy material and can be quite difficult to install yourself. This is generally the same for this type of material, but it is lighter, depending on the size.

Additionally, the sintered stone has a high mechanical resistance, meaning that it has a flexural structure. Flexural structure relates to how much support the surface needs and how thin it can be. These materials can be thinner and require less support than the granite counters would need.

Sintered Stone vs Quartz

Sintered stone and quartz share the quality of being man-made engineered product.

Quartz is a nonporous stone and has resistance to staining and scratching. The biggest difference between sintered materials and quartz stones is that it is made from natural materials, while quartz includes man-made products like resin and binders.

Both of these stones are made by engineered processes so that they can have quicker turnarounds. One downside of quartz is that it can get burnt if exposed to extreme heat, while the alternative can withstand high temperatures.

The processed stones and quartz are extremely hard, even harder than granite, with the former slightly harder than quartz. As mentioned, quartz is nonporous, as is the sintered stone, which is extremely hygienic and antimicrobial.

Additionally, these materials can be selected and made in various colors. This is because the color can change during the manufacturing process.

Sintered stone is particularly useful in long applications and islands. It has a lighter surface compared to other natural materials.

This is important because it can allow the user to have a longer overhang as well. Not only can they have a longer overhang, but they also can have less support as there is a lesser possibility of it breaking.

For more related designs, visit our gallery of Calacatta quartz countertops.