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Everything You Need to Know About Sintered Stone: Advantages, Costs, Comparisons With Quartz

Written By
Karen Chua
Date Written:
4/6/2024

Sintered stone has become a popular choice for homeowners in Singapore due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. You’ve probably clicked on this article because you’ve previously come across beautiful home renovations featuring sintered stone and you’re curious to know the magic behind this material. The popularity of sintered stone tabletops have skyrocketed recently, which is not surprising at all, considering its functionality and visuals. We’re here to answer some of your hottest questions today:

  1. What is a sintered stone?
  2. What are the pros and cons of using sintered stone?
  3. Is sintered stone expensive?
  4. Which is better, quartz or sintered stone?
  5. How you can integrate sintered stone into your new home.
  6. Where to obtain expert advice on incorporating sintered stone into your home renovation.

What is a sintered stone?

Classic English 3 Room HDB at Kim Keat with Sintered Stone Countertop
Classic English HDB at Kim Keat by Darwin Interior

You already know that sintered stone is a popular material used in making countertops, floorings and more due to its durability and ability to mimic natural stone. But have you ever wondered why we use sintered stone, instead of the real deal?

Stones take millions of years to form naturally. Of course, since we’ve already had to wait so long for our BTO, we cannot afford to wait even longer. That’s why sintered stone is here to save the day, by offering you a faster alternative to achieving a classy look!

Sintered stone is a solid material synthesised from using pressure and heat on a combination of raw materials. Sintering refers to the three-step process of crushing raw materials, applying pressure and heating it into a strong slab. This process creates a heat-resistant, low-maintenance, scratch-resistant slab of sintered stone.

What are the disadvantages and advantages of using sintered stone?

Advantages and disadvantages of sintered stone

Advantages:

1. Sintered stone is heat resistant

This makes it the perfect material for your kitchen countertop. Cooked up a hot pot of instant noodles and want to enjoy it immediately? You can place the pot directly on sintered stone, no more worrying about accidentally damaging your kitchen countertop.

2. Sintered stone is stain resistant

Most people choose sintered stone as their preferred material due to its stain-resistant property. Sintered stone is usually used in bathrooms and kitchens, which are areas extremely prone to random stains by food, coffee and cleaning agents. If you were to accidentally spill coffee on a sintered stone surface, just grab a damp cloth with household soap! Your countertop can look as good as new even with everyday spills.

3. Sintered stone is UV resistant

Do you have large windows in your house? Your tabletops and kitchen countertops may be at risk of prolonged exposure to Singapore’s harsh sun. Other materials that are not UV resistant may suffer from discolouration and alterations in appearance when exposed to the sun on a daily basis. However, sintered stone is UV resistant, which means its appearance will remain constant even during the harshest summers. This helps to retain the aesthetic appeal of sintered stone.

Living room with lots of sunlight

4. Sintered stone is durable

Sintered stone can last for decades! The stringent manufacturing process contributes to the great density and strength sintered stone possesses. It is resistant to the many problems everyday life may bring, such as unexpected stains and spillages.

5. Sintered stone is low maintenance

We all know how busy life can get in sunny Singapore. It is difficult to dedicate too much time to the process of cleaning and maintaining our homes. That’s why, it is a wiser choice to choose sintered stone. Other materials like natural stone require frequent sealing, while sintered stone does not require any sealing at all, saving you time and effort. Also, you do not require harsh cleaning agents to maintain the condition of sintered stone, due to its various properties such as it being stain-resistant. This minimises the risk of chemical exposure that may alter the appearance of materials.

6. Sintered stone is hygienic

Sintered stone is non-porous, which means that it prevents bacterial and mould growth on the surface. As materials are fused together compactly using heat and pressure during the production process, it eliminates microscopic pores that could have existed in the raw materials, which would have contributed to bacterial growth, making it anti-bacterial.

Disadvantages:

1. Sintered stone can be more expensive than other materials such as quartz

Sintered stone usually costs around $80-$100 per square foot in Singapore. This is slightly more expensive compared to alternatives such as quartz, that cost as low as $50 per square foot. Prices may vary depending on the interior design firm you engage in. The higher price point of sintered stone is usually due to the high production costs involved. However, purchasing sintered stone can be considered as a form of investment, due to the fact that it can withstand wear and tear overtime. This is perfect for areas that usually have high foot traffic, such as living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Sintered stone offers limited edge profiles

The sintering process results in greater difficulty of carving a wide variety of edge profiles as compared to quartz. Hence, you might not be able to find the edge profile you love amongst the limited options. However, the commonly-found edge profiles of sintered stone can most likely satisfy your needs. 

5 Room Japandi HDB at Ang Mo Kio by Original Copy, featuring a sintered stone tabletop
Japandi HDB at Ang Mo Kio by Original Copy

3. Sintered stone is susceptible to chipping

Due to how thin sintered stone is, the edge of sintered stone may chip when heavy objects come in contact with it. Although it is extremely durable, homeowners should avoid impacting the edge of a sintered stone in any way to prevent chipping. 

Is sintered stone expensive?

Yes, it is more expensive than typical materials, costing $80-$100 per square foot in Singapore. However, it is definitely worth it in the long-run due to its various advantages.

Which is better, quartz or sintered stone?

In short, it depends on your budget and needs. Quartz is generally more affordable than sintered stone. Quartz may be a better choice for homeowners who have a tighter budget or prefer not to splurge on sintered stone.

However, sintered stone have properties that you may consider important, such as heat resistance and UV resistance. It is more suitable to use sintered stone for kitchen countertops as it can withstand the strong heat from daily cooking. Also, it is important to consider the placement of quartz and sintered stone. For areas that are directly exposed to sunlight, we advise you to use UV-resistant sintered stone, as compared to using quartz which may suffer from discolouration in the long-run. 

Also, sintered stone is more environmentally friendly as compared to quartz. The production of quartz utilises resin, while the manufacturing process of sintered stone is completely resin-free. How does this impact the environment? This may be a surprise for you, but resin is not biodegradable. This means that tabletops that utilise resin, including quartz, cannot be easily recycled after the end of their lifespan. Moreover, resin is sourced from non-recyclable petroleum, which can be very harmful for the environment in the long-run. On the other hand, sintered stone is much more preferred, though slightly pricier. This is due to its environmental-friendly aspect, where it is usually made from recycled materials.

Hand holding soil with plant

As both quartz and sintered stone are good in their own ways, we have collated a comparison of pros and cons of both quartz and sintered stone for your reference.

Sintered Stone vs Quartz

4 Room HDB, Modern Luxe, Bidadari Park, Ace's Design, Sintered Stone Bathroom
Modern Luxe HDB, featuring a Sintered stone bathroom countertop, at Bidadari Park by Ace’s Design

Using Sintered Stone in Your Home

You can use sintered stone almost everywhere! Fancy a kitchen countertop that can handle your hot baking trays without using heat pads? Sintered stone can do it!

Modern Contemporary Landed, featuring Sintered stone kitchen table-top, at Loyang View by Design4Space
Modern Contemporary Landed, featuring Sintered stone kitchen table-top, at Loyang View by Design4Space

Fancy a bathroom that mimics a luxury hotel getaway? Sintered stone can make a simple toilet trip luxurious!

Scandinavian HDB, featuring Sintered stone in bathroom, at Northshore Drive by Ovon
Scandinavian HDB, featuring Sintered stone in bathroom, at Northshore Drive by Ovon

Fancy something low-maintenance? Sintered stone can help you save time and energy cleaning.

Want to get expert advice on using sintered stone in your home transformation?

EZiD’s free-of-charge matching service can match you to reliable interior designers in Singapore, who have past experience in handling sintered stone. Are you inspired by the different advantages of using sintered stone? Or are you simply mesmerised by how beautiful sintered stone can be? EZiD’s IDs can make your dream home (with sintered stone, of course!) come true. Simply submit your renovation details here and allow us to match you with design-centric interior designers!

Share this article
Articles
/
Guides

Everything You Need to Know About Sintered Stone: Advantages, Costs, Comparisons With Quartz

Written By
Karen Chua
Date Written:
4/6/2024

Sintered stone has become a popular choice for homeowners in Singapore due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. You’ve probably clicked on this article because you’ve previously come across beautiful home renovations featuring sintered stone and you’re curious to know the magic behind this material. The popularity of sintered stone tabletops have skyrocketed recently, which is not surprising at all, considering its functionality and visuals. We’re here to answer some of your hottest questions today:

  1. What is a sintered stone?
  2. What are the pros and cons of using sintered stone?
  3. Is sintered stone expensive?
  4. Which is better, quartz or sintered stone?
  5. How you can integrate sintered stone into your new home.
  6. Where to obtain expert advice on incorporating sintered stone into your home renovation.

What is a sintered stone?

Classic English 3 Room HDB at Kim Keat with Sintered Stone Countertop
Classic English HDB at Kim Keat by Darwin Interior

You already know that sintered stone is a popular material used in making countertops, floorings and more due to its durability and ability to mimic natural stone. But have you ever wondered why we use sintered stone, instead of the real deal?

Stones take millions of years to form naturally. Of course, since we’ve already had to wait so long for our BTO, we cannot afford to wait even longer. That’s why sintered stone is here to save the day, by offering you a faster alternative to achieving a classy look!

Sintered stone is a solid material synthesised from using pressure and heat on a combination of raw materials. Sintering refers to the three-step process of crushing raw materials, applying pressure and heating it into a strong slab. This process creates a heat-resistant, low-maintenance, scratch-resistant slab of sintered stone.

What are the disadvantages and advantages of using sintered stone?

Advantages and disadvantages of sintered stone

Advantages:

1. Sintered stone is heat resistant

This makes it the perfect material for your kitchen countertop. Cooked up a hot pot of instant noodles and want to enjoy it immediately? You can place the pot directly on sintered stone, no more worrying about accidentally damaging your kitchen countertop.

2. Sintered stone is stain resistant

Most people choose sintered stone as their preferred material due to its stain-resistant property. Sintered stone is usually used in bathrooms and kitchens, which are areas extremely prone to random stains by food, coffee and cleaning agents. If you were to accidentally spill coffee on a sintered stone surface, just grab a damp cloth with household soap! Your countertop can look as good as new even with everyday spills.

3. Sintered stone is UV resistant

Do you have large windows in your house? Your tabletops and kitchen countertops may be at risk of prolonged exposure to Singapore’s harsh sun. Other materials that are not UV resistant may suffer from discolouration and alterations in appearance when exposed to the sun on a daily basis. However, sintered stone is UV resistant, which means its appearance will remain constant even during the harshest summers. This helps to retain the aesthetic appeal of sintered stone.

Living room with lots of sunlight

4. Sintered stone is durable

Sintered stone can last for decades! The stringent manufacturing process contributes to the great density and strength sintered stone possesses. It is resistant to the many problems everyday life may bring, such as unexpected stains and spillages.

5. Sintered stone is low maintenance

We all know how busy life can get in sunny Singapore. It is difficult to dedicate too much time to the process of cleaning and maintaining our homes. That’s why, it is a wiser choice to choose sintered stone. Other materials like natural stone require frequent sealing, while sintered stone does not require any sealing at all, saving you time and effort. Also, you do not require harsh cleaning agents to maintain the condition of sintered stone, due to its various properties such as it being stain-resistant. This minimises the risk of chemical exposure that may alter the appearance of materials.

6. Sintered stone is hygienic

Sintered stone is non-porous, which means that it prevents bacterial and mould growth on the surface. As materials are fused together compactly using heat and pressure during the production process, it eliminates microscopic pores that could have existed in the raw materials, which would have contributed to bacterial growth, making it anti-bacterial.

Disadvantages:

1. Sintered stone can be more expensive than other materials such as quartz

Sintered stone usually costs around $80-$100 per square foot in Singapore. This is slightly more expensive compared to alternatives such as quartz, that cost as low as $50 per square foot. Prices may vary depending on the interior design firm you engage in. The higher price point of sintered stone is usually due to the high production costs involved. However, purchasing sintered stone can be considered as a form of investment, due to the fact that it can withstand wear and tear overtime. This is perfect for areas that usually have high foot traffic, such as living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Sintered stone offers limited edge profiles

The sintering process results in greater difficulty of carving a wide variety of edge profiles as compared to quartz. Hence, you might not be able to find the edge profile you love amongst the limited options. However, the commonly-found edge profiles of sintered stone can most likely satisfy your needs. 

5 Room Japandi HDB at Ang Mo Kio by Original Copy, featuring a sintered stone tabletop
Japandi HDB at Ang Mo Kio by Original Copy

3. Sintered stone is susceptible to chipping

Due to how thin sintered stone is, the edge of sintered stone may chip when heavy objects come in contact with it. Although it is extremely durable, homeowners should avoid impacting the edge of a sintered stone in any way to prevent chipping. 

Is sintered stone expensive?

Yes, it is more expensive than typical materials, costing $80-$100 per square foot in Singapore. However, it is definitely worth it in the long-run due to its various advantages.

Which is better, quartz or sintered stone?

In short, it depends on your budget and needs. Quartz is generally more affordable than sintered stone. Quartz may be a better choice for homeowners who have a tighter budget or prefer not to splurge on sintered stone.

However, sintered stone have properties that you may consider important, such as heat resistance and UV resistance. It is more suitable to use sintered stone for kitchen countertops as it can withstand the strong heat from daily cooking. Also, it is important to consider the placement of quartz and sintered stone. For areas that are directly exposed to sunlight, we advise you to use UV-resistant sintered stone, as compared to using quartz which may suffer from discolouration in the long-run. 

Also, sintered stone is more environmentally friendly as compared to quartz. The production of quartz utilises resin, while the manufacturing process of sintered stone is completely resin-free. How does this impact the environment? This may be a surprise for you, but resin is not biodegradable. This means that tabletops that utilise resin, including quartz, cannot be easily recycled after the end of their lifespan. Moreover, resin is sourced from non-recyclable petroleum, which can be very harmful for the environment in the long-run. On the other hand, sintered stone is much more preferred, though slightly pricier. This is due to its environmental-friendly aspect, where it is usually made from recycled materials.

Hand holding soil with plant

As both quartz and sintered stone are good in their own ways, we have collated a comparison of pros and cons of both quartz and sintered stone for your reference.

Sintered Stone vs Quartz

4 Room HDB, Modern Luxe, Bidadari Park, Ace's Design, Sintered Stone Bathroom
Modern Luxe HDB, featuring a Sintered stone bathroom countertop, at Bidadari Park by Ace’s Design

Using Sintered Stone in Your Home

You can use sintered stone almost everywhere! Fancy a kitchen countertop that can handle your hot baking trays without using heat pads? Sintered stone can do it!

Modern Contemporary Landed, featuring Sintered stone kitchen table-top, at Loyang View by Design4Space
Modern Contemporary Landed, featuring Sintered stone kitchen table-top, at Loyang View by Design4Space

Fancy a bathroom that mimics a luxury hotel getaway? Sintered stone can make a simple toilet trip luxurious!

Scandinavian HDB, featuring Sintered stone in bathroom, at Northshore Drive by Ovon
Scandinavian HDB, featuring Sintered stone in bathroom, at Northshore Drive by Ovon

Fancy something low-maintenance? Sintered stone can help you save time and energy cleaning.

Want to get expert advice on using sintered stone in your home transformation?

EZiD’s free-of-charge matching service can match you to reliable interior designers in Singapore, who have past experience in handling sintered stone. Are you inspired by the different advantages of using sintered stone? Or are you simply mesmerised by how beautiful sintered stone can be? EZiD’s IDs can make your dream home (with sintered stone, of course!) come true. Simply submit your renovation details here and allow us to match you with design-centric interior designers!

Share this article