Sintered stone is relatively new material that is gaining popularity among homeowners. Sintered stone is engineered to create a new stone product that is made of fully natural materials
Quartz is an engineered stone that is composed of natural quartz stone and resin. Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in addition with other materials to create a man-made quartz stone.
Natural marble stone is a metamorphic rock that once used to be limestone. The hardness of marble registers as a 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness making it a somewhat soft stone. One of the reasons natural marble stone is so desirable is that it is very shiny if it is polished. Nothing compares to the look of natural stone.
At first glance, sintered stone and quartz look alike. They even share a few common characteristics such as durability and easy maintenance. Both quartz and sintered stone offer versatility in terms of design and application. Despite their similarities, there is one stone that is slightly superior to the other.
Hardness:
Both sintered stone and quartz are durable, but for something extra hardy, sintered stone is your best bet.
Another difference between sintered stone and marble is that marble is much softer and easily scratched. Natural marble is porous and requires maintenance from stains and scratches.
Sintered stone is completely impervious to scratches, unlike quartz, which is more susceptible to scratches and other forms of damages. It scores a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it a harder stone than quartz.
Heat Resistant:
Here is where the similarities end, because sintered stone has one quality that quartz doesn’t – heat resistance. Setting a hot pan or pot on a sintered stone will not cause any damage to the slab.
Marble stones often fall short in the kitchen because they cannot withstand high temperatures and are susceptible to staining and damage
Stain Resistance:
One comparison that could be made between marble and sintered stone is that the stain resistance of sintered stone is higher than that of marble.
Sintered stone has an advantage when it comes to outdoor use. Unlike quartz, sintered stone is highly resistant to UV rays and will not discolour when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. This makes it a perfect choice for outdoor kitchens or dining areas. Low quality quartz may turn yellow over time if exposed to UV rays or high heat
Natural marble is often more expensive and difficult to maintain than sintered stone and needs frequent polishing. Both quartz and sintered stone are water resistant, means it is really, really easy to clean
Overall, sintered stone is a versatile and durable material that can be used in a wide range of applications inside and outside of the home.
Many designers are utilizing sintered stone because of its beautiful and refined finish, but it also offers high performance with minimal maintenance. Sintered stone is a lot more durable, looks beautiful and natural.
Popular sintered stone patterns mimic the appearance of natural stone surfaces such as marble. The technology used helps to make the stone patterns or veins look realistic, natural, and organic.
