The Best Countertop Pick: Sintered Surface, Quartz, Granite or Marble?

Where to use them – and where NOT to.

There’s no doubt that stone/engineered stone slabs bring lots of charm and elegance to a modern home, what with their aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Here’s where it gets fuzzy: the best spots for using these surfaces, especially since they have different properties. For instance, did you know that despite its heat-resistant properties, quartz doesn’t fare too well with high heat?

To make things easier, here’s a list of recommended areas to use sintered surface, quartz, granite and marble – four of the most common countertop picks.

Make sure you keep reading to the end to get the estimated costs for these materials.

For kitchen countertops and backsplashes, use:

Quartz

For those of you who’re often whipping up a meal in the kitchen and prioritise hygiene and low-maintenance, this is a great option as it’s non-porous and easy to clean.

Since it comes in a variety of patterns, it’s a versatile choice for modern and minimalist interiors.

It’s good to keep in mind, though, that while quartz can withstand moderate heat, it can get damaged by high heat. A handy way to counter this is to use heat-resistant mats.

Granite

Known for its durability and heat resistance, granite is ideal for areas near stoves and ovens that often get heated up.

As it’s a natural material, no two pieces are the same: In other words, these variations will certainly add a unique and luxurious touch to your kitchen.

On the flip side, you’d need to make sure you reseal it every few years to make sure it maintains its resistance to staining from water, oils and other liquids.

Sintered surface

Highly durable and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, sintered surface is a practical choice for both countertops and backsplashes as it is food-safe and easy to clean.

On top of that, it has a sleek and modern look.

Wondering where to look for all these materials? Singapore brand Melmer Stoneworks, a subsidiary of Hafary Holdings Limited, specialises in fabricating and customising a range of natural and engineered stone in their local workspace.

They offer a range of high-quality sintered surface, quartz, granite and marble – and while they carry their own countertop products, they can also fabricate and install countertops from merchants like Florim Stone, Lapitec, Cosentino and Caesarstone.

For dining tables/islands, use:

Marble and granite

For both marble and granite, their natural patterns make each piece unique and eye-catching – perfect for adding a sophisticated touch to your living/dining area.

Sintered surface

It’s low-maintenance, durable and mimics the beauty of natural stone – perfect for everyday use, especially in family dining areas that see a lot of spills and messes.

Melmer Stoneworks’ Matic series is one example, with a range of white, grey and black surfaces with gorgeous veining.

For bathroom vanities, use:

Quartz

This is a practical choice for bathroom vanities and walls because it’s resistant to moisture and stains.

Since it’s non-porous, you can also rest assured that it’s hygienic and easy to maintain even in spaces like bathrooms that get very humid.

Make sure to clean quartz surfaces with gentle detergents/cleaning agents because alkaline and acidic cleaners can damage them.

Sintered surface

Given that it’s durable and moisture-resistant, a sintered surface is a good option for a seamless and stylish vanity that withstands daily use.

For instance, Melmer Stoneworks’ Matic series (which we mentioned earlier) has selections like Ares Gold and Hera that feature colour body veining.

This refers to the side profile of the material having veins that continue from the top surface – an occurrence that you’d usually only find in natural materials.

In a typical sintered surface, only the top of the surface is fully sintered – but for the Matic series, the body (i.e. the side) is similar to the top and swirls are incorporated to create a continuous veined look.

Granite

Granite will no doubt give your space a sense of timeless luxury, and it feels cool to the touch.

Did we mention that it’s one of the hardest natural stone options, and that it’s less porous than others like marble?

Of course, as a natural material, it also requires more care: wipe it dry after use and take care of spills and/or soap scum quickly.

When used in bathrooms and other wet areas, Melmer Stoneworks recommends sealing granite once every six months.

For feature walls and accent pieces, use:

Marble

Is there any other material that can instantly elevate your space?

Each slab is one-of-a-kind since it’s naturally formed: the unique veining and elegance of marble will make it a focal point in any room, whether as an accent wall, a part of your TV feature wall, or anything in between.

Sintered surface

With a variety of finishes that mimic natural stone, you get a luxurious look with minimal maintenance.

This is good for stunning feature walls or accent pieces in living rooms and bedrooms.

For outdoor/balcony countertops and BBQ areas, use:

Sintered surface

Sintered surface is highly durable and both UV- and weather-resistant: exactly what you’d need for outdoor countertops/islands and BBQ areas that can withstand Singapore’s fickle weather.

Granite

While it requires regular sealing, granite is highly resistant to heat; it’s a great and lasting option for outdoor kitchen surfaces and dining tables.

One thing to keep in mind is that granite may fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight, depending on a number of factors like the stone’s colour and whether they’ve been treated with dyes and resins.

Melmer Stoneworks has one-stop services for all your countertop needs

Melmer Stoneworks provides quality service and craftsmanship right from fabrication to installation.

Here’s a ballpark cost range for their in-house ranges:

Thanks to their locally-based factory and workshop, they also ensure you get your dream countertops as soon as possible.

After measurement, it takes about 3 to 5 working days upon the confirmation of fabrication, and installation can be completed in 1 day.

Find out more here!

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