Sintered Stone vs Quartz: Which Countertop is Best?

Sintered Stone vs. Quartz: Which Countertop is Best?

Sintered Stone vs Quartz

A Detailed Comparison

Both sintered stone and quartz are popular choices for countertops and other surfaces, but they differ significantly in their composition, manufacturing, performance, and aesthetics. Here's a breakdown to help you understand their nuances:

Features	Sintered Stone	Quartz
Composition	100% natural minerals, sintered	Ground quartz + resin, pressed
Durability	High, very scratch & stain resistant	High, scratch & stain resistant
Heat Resistance	Excellent, very high temperatures	Moderate, can be damaged by high heat
UV Resistance	Excellent, suitable for outdoor use	Low, can fade or yellow with sun exposure
Aesthetics	Mimics natural stone, large slabs, varied finishes	Wide range of colors and patterns, consistent look
Maintenance	Very low, non-porous, no sealing needed	Low, non-porous, no sealing needed

Features	Sintered Stone	Quartz
Composition and Manufacturing	Made from 100% natural minerals like quartz, feldspar, porcelain, and glass. These raw materials are subjected to extreme heat and pressure, mimicking the natural processes that form stone, without the use of resins or polymers. This process is called sintering.	An engineered stone composed of about 90-95% ground natural quartz combined with 5-10% polymer resins, along with pigments for color. This mixture is pressed and cured to form solid slabs.
Durability	Exceptionally durable. It’s highly resistant to scratches, stains, heat (can withstand very high temperatures), UV rays, and impact. It often ranks higher on the Mohs hardness scale (around 7-8) than quartz.	Also very durable and resistant to scratches and stains due to the quartz content. However, it is less heat-resistant than sintered stone (resins can be damaged by high heat) and is not UV-resistant, so it can fade or yellow over time with prolonged sun exposure. It typically has a Mohs hardness of around 7.
Aesthetics	Can mimic the look of natural stone (marble, granite), concrete, wood, and more. It’s available in large format slabs, allowing for seamless installations with fewer visible joints. Finishes can range from polished to textured.	Offers a wide variety of colors and patterns, often with a more consistent appearance than natural stone. While some quartz designs mimic natural stone, they can sometimes have a more manufactured look.
Maintenance	Very low maintenance. Its non-porous surface is highly resistant to stains and bacteria and doesn’t require sealing. Cleaning usually involves just soap and water.	Also low maintenance due to its non-porous nature, eliminating the need for sealing. It’s easy to clean with mild soap and water. However, it’s advisable to avoid harsh chemicals.
Heat Resistance	Excellent heat resistance. You can typically place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without damage.	Less heat resistant. High temperatures can cause the resins to burn or discolor, so using trivets is recommended.
UV Resistance	Highly UV resistant, making it suitable for outdoor applications without fading.	Not UV resistant. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to fading or yellowing.
Environmental Impact	Often considered more eco-friendly as it’s made from natural minerals without resins and can sometimes include recycled content.	Contains natural quartz but uses synthetic resins, which can have a higher environmental impact.

Why Choose Sintered Stone Over Quartz?

Choose Beauty, Performance, and a Step Towards Safer Practices

Why Choose Sintered Stone?

Lower Silica Content: Generally contains significantly less crystalline silica compared to engineered quartz, making its manufacturing a safer process for workers.
Exceptional Durability: Highly resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and UV rays, often surpassing quartz in certain aspects.
Versatile Applications: Ideal for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and even outdoor use.
Stylish Aesthetics: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes to complement any design.

Learn more about Sintered Stone

Discover the Features and Benefits that make Sintered Stone the IDEAL countertop for your home.

Make a Conscious Choice for Health and Beauty

When choosing your next countertop, consider the broader impact of your decision. By opting for sintered stone, you're not only selecting a high-performance and beautiful material for your space but also supporting a potentially safer manufacturing environment for industry workers.

Explore Our Collection of Stunning Sintered Stone Surfaces: