Sintered Stone Pros and Cons

Sintered stone combines beauty and functionality in ways that traditional materials can’t match. However, just like any other material, they also have some limitations that cannot be overlooked.

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or tackling a commercial project — let us help you understand if they are the right choice for you by weighing Sintered Stone pros and cons. 

With that, let’s get into the details below. 

What is a Sintered Stone? 

Sintered stone is a modern composite material that blends natural minerals with innovative manufacturing techniques.

They are manufactured through a process of compressing and heating raw materials at exceptionally high temperatures to create an ultra-dense, non-porous surface. 

This unique process makes sintered stones exceptionally durable, while also rendering them resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. 

You can learn more about sintered stone in our detailed guide. 

Sintered Stone Advantages and Disadvantages 

Here is a quick glimpse of the pros and cons of using a sintered stone: 

Advantages of Sintered Stone Worktops

Sintered stone worktops come with various pros. Let’s take a look at them below:

1. They Require Minimum Maintenance

Sintered stone stands out for its low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural stones that often need regular sealing and special cleaning products, a sintered stone is easy to care for.

All you need is a damp cloth and mild soap to keep it looking brand new. 

2. They Are Highly Durable

A very impressive characteristic of sintered stone is its durability. This material stands out in several aspects:

• Heat-resistant: Sintered stone can withstand high temperatures without damage. There is no visible change with temperatures up to 300°C (572°F).
• Scratch-proof: Since it is highly dense, it is also highly scratch and abrasion-resistant. You can use knives right on its surface without leaving marks (It’s still advisable to use a cutting board).
• Stain resistant: The non-porous nature of sintered stone makes it highly resistant to stains. Even difficult substances like red wine or coffee are unlikely to leave a mark.
• Frost resistant: Sintered stones are perfect for outdoor applications. They don’t absorb water, so there is no risk of internal freezing and subsequent cracking.

3. They Come in Unique Designs 

The most popular sintered stone brands are Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec which have modern and unique design options available. They can easily mimic the look and feel of natural stones like marble and granite with much better accuracy, compared to other materials like laminate. 

This allows you to get the look of natural stone without the associated maintenance issues.

4. They Are Hygienic and Safe 

Sintered stone offers a lot of health and safety advantages, including:

• Being Non-Toxic: Sintered stones don’t use crystalline silica during the manufacturing process. This makes them safer for both the fabricators and end-users. 
• Being Hygienic: Sintered stone countertops have a smooth surface that doesn’t get penetrated by bacteria and mould. Using it helps to keep your kitchen or bathroom safe from these. 

5. They Are Eco-friendly

At the end of its useful life, a sintered stone can be crushed and recycled into new products, creating less waste.

Furthermore, the production process relies mainly on natural materials and heat, with relatively few chemicals involved. This creates lower emissions and a smaller environmental footprint than a couple of other engineered stones.

Disadvantages of Sintered Stone Worktops

1. Can be Expensive

Sintered stone comes at a cost higher than most of its alternatives in countertops. Advanced production, unique installation, and limited manufacturers account for a good share of this cost. 

Generally, Sintered stone countertops can run as high as £500 or £600 per square foot, making it much higher than granite or laminate.

Take a look at the comparison table below: 

Note: Prices for Sintered stones are calculated as “per square metre.” Moreover, the prices mentioned above are average costs. Exact prices may vary. 

You can also read our detailed Sintered stone vs Quartz comparison to learn more. 

2. Difficult to Repair

Sintered stones are so hard and dense that it’s almost impossible to just DIY their repairs. It’s advisable to get a professional involved to avoid chipping or cracking its surface. 

The countertop may also sometimes require complete replacement when the damage is large. This can also be time-consuming and expensive.

3. Limited Colour and Patterns

While sintered stone worktops offer various design options, its range of colours is more narrow compared to natural materials like granite or marble.

Some homeowners may think that certain patterns of sintered stone are too simple, without much depth and variation, or find them not as authentic as natural stone. It really depends on your preferences and the colour scheme of the project where the stone will be used. 

4. Limited Availability

Sintered stone has fewer manufacturers and suppliers compared to more popular materials, thereby affecting its pricing and delivery times. 

Furthermore, not all stone fabricators have experience with sintered stone, which may limit options for installation and customization.

Conclusion 

Sintered stone worktops, also known as next-gen engineered stones, are ideal for people who need durable, convenient, environment-friendly, and aesthetic options.

However, while making your choice, make sure to carefully take into consideration its expensive pricing and other disadvantages.

If you’re still confused about whether Sintered stones are the right option for you, feel free to reach out to us. At Paramount Stone Specialists, we can help you choose the right countertop for your needs. We also carry a great range of sintered stones, which you’re likely not to find everywhere else. 

For a quote, contact us at info@paramountstone.co.uk or call 01482 585600.