Sintered stone & Quartz
Ever wondered which stone to choose between sintered stone and quartz for your space?
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Sintered stone and quartz are both popular surface tops in residential and commercial spaces. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of composition, durability, and appearance. Continue reading to learn more about the characteristics of either stones and decide which is best for you!
Heat resistant:
Durability:
Water resistant:
Low maintenance:
Cost:
Aesthetics:
Sintered Stone
Quartz
Heat resistant
Moderate heat resistant
Highly scratch resistant
Moderate scratch resistant
Non-porous
Low maintenance
Non-porous
Low maintenance (avoid harsh chemicals)
Expensive
Wide variety of colors, patterns & finishes
Affordable
Wide variety of colors, patterns & finishes
Heat resistant:
Compared to quartz, sintered stone is significantly more resistant to heat due to its complex manufacturing process. While quartz is resistant to heat to some extend. This results in quartz being damaged to extreme heat while sintered stone is more efficient to be used in the kitchen as you can place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without damaging it.
Durability:
Sintered stone has a Mohs hardness rating of 7-8 while quartz is 7. This makes sintered stone generally harder than quartz. The higher the hardness of the stone, the more resistant it is to scratches. Higher scratch resistance surface tops are desired due to aesthetics, hygiene and durability. Scratches can diminish the appearance of the stone making it look worn. Besides that, bacteria is more prone to grow in between the scratches making it harder to clean, resulting in a health risk. Hence, a highly scratch resistant surface top is preferred for kitchen use as it is more durable making it last longer.
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However, although quartz is more prone to scratches than sintered stone, this can be easily prevented by avoiding the use of abrasive materials. Such items include: harsh chemicals, scouring pads and heavy items. Use a protective pad to protect your surface from heavy objects and hot pots and pans.
Water resistant:
Sintered stone and quartz are both exceptionally water resistant due to their non porous nature making it difficult for water or other liquids to penetrate the surface leaving stains. However, sintered stone has an even denser composition compared to quartz. This offers an extra layer of protection against stubborn stains which quartz does not have. Therefore, certain harsh liquids may cause stains for quartz surface.
Low maintenance:
Sintered stone and quartz both are low maintenance material that does not require much effort to maintain its condition and appearance. Both stone is easy to clean as it only require the use of a mild soap and water. It is stain and scratch resistant as only heavy work may impact them. In addition, it is also highly durable, making it last for a long time without any deterioration.
Cost:
Quartz is known to be more affordable than sintered stone due to its fair performance. Unlike sintered stone which is typically more expensive due to its complex manufacturing process and superior properties. However, despite it being more expensive, sintered stone is a good investment for the long run as it is durable making its condition last for many years without getting worn out.
Aesthetics:
Both sintered stone and quartz offer a wide range of selections in terms of aesthetics, though they appeal in different ways.
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Sintered stone: Has a more natural look mimicking natural materials like marble, granite and concrete as it has veining and patterns making it look more authentic. It is also highly versatile due to its wide variety of patterns, colors and textures which could be unique and exotic. This makes it suitable for both modern and classic interior design styles.
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Quartz: Compared to sintered stone, quartz has a more uniformed look with colors and patterns that are consistent throughout the slab. Like sintered stone, quartz too have a wide variety of colors and subtle patterns which is often associated with a modern and contemporary aesthetic.
At the end of the day, the best choice depends on your personal preference. Both sintered stone and quartz offer durability, low maintenance and aesthetic appeal. By carefully evaluating these factors including your specific requirements such as budget and personal style, you can select which material suits you best. Be it short term or long term :)
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