Comparing Sintered Stone vs Quartz: The Differences, and the Verdict

Putting this debate to rest, once and for all.

It’s no secret that quartz is a hot favourite for kitchen countertops. And judging from your responses on our Telegram poll, it seems like you agree, too.

But if you’ve been following the interior design scene, you would’ve heard about sintered stone – a.k.a. the relatively new kid on the block that claims to be the bigger, better version of quartz. But what exactly sets them apart, and is it really better than quartz? We take a closer look.

1. Price

Price is a pretty big consideration for homeowners, so it’s no surprise that many of them go for quartz. With prices that start from $100 per foot run, it’s a much more wallet-friendly option than sintered stone, which starts from $250 per foot run.

Verdict: Quartz

2. Durability

You may have heard of the mohs hardness scale, which measures the scratch resistance of minerals on a scale of 1-10. And on this scale, both sintered stone and quartz rank pretty highly, with the former edging out the latter with an average score of 7-8 (compared to quartz’s 6-7).

However, this shouldn’t really be your main consideration between the two materials, as they’re both hard materials that can withstand chips, scratches, and corrosion with ease.

Verdict: Both sintered stone and quartz are durable, but for something extra hardy, sintered stone’s your best bet.

3. Design

To most people, quartz and sintered stone may bear a resemblance – but in reality, their individual compositions actually contribute to a difference in design.

Engineered quartz is, of course, made with natural quartz, combined with pigments and resin binders that bring everything together. Because of the sheer number of permutations available, you’ll have a larger variety of slab designs with a modern appearance.

Conversely, sintered stone looks just like the real thing, as it’s made purely with natural minerals. Like the actual process within the Earth’s crust, these minerals are subjected to extreme heat and pressure – but thanks to technology, the results will come about much faster (a matter of hours instead of, well, thousands of years).

By mimicking this organic process, you’ll get slabs that look almost exactly like natural stone.

Verdict: It depends. Choose quartz if you like having a variety of design options, or sintered stone if you prefer a natural, organic look.

4. Versatility

You’d normally associate quartz and sintered stone with kitchens, but fun fact: they can be used in the bathroom, too! As they’re both resistant to moisture, they make perfect choices for bathroom fixtures like sinks, vanities, and shower pans.

But compared to quartz, sintered stone is more versatile. It's much more resistant to fading than quartz, meaning that it can also be used for flooring, wall cladding, or feature walls. Its sturdy nature also makes it a great choice for vanities, cabinets, and even tables!

Verdict: Sintered stone

5. Maintenance

Both quartz and sintered stone are water resistant, which essentially means that the individual grains are so tightly packed that it bars water from seeping through. That means it’s really, really easy to clean – all you need is a wipe down with a damp cloth, and voila! Your surfaces are clean once again.

Plus, this also means that they’re naturally antimicrobial, which prevents bacteria and viruses from festering.

Verdict: A tie

6. Resistance to external elements like scratches, stains, and heat

Another benefit of these two materials is its resistance to stains. That means anything from turmeric to chilli powder can be wiped off the surface without leaving any pesky stains behind.

But here’s where the similarities end, because sintered stone has one quality that quartz doesn’t – heat resistance.

Remember the way sintered stone was made? All that heat it was exposed to create a level of resistance that helps it hold its own against temperatures of up to 300°C – unlike quartz, which can only withstand up to 100°C. So, that means you can place your scalding hot pot directly onto a sintered stone surface – no heat pads required!

Also, sintered stone is completely impervious to scratches, unlike quartz, which is more susceptible to scratches and other forms of damages.

Verdict: Sintered stone

Sintered stone vs quartz, which one’s the winner?

While sintered stone and quartz are neck to neck in most of these points, it’s clear that the former is far superior in terms of versatility and resistance to external elements.

Sure, it’s a tad more expensive, but what you’re getting in return is well worth the premium price. So, whether you’re renovating your home for the first time or upgrading your current countertops or surfaces, trust us – it’s well worth the investment!

Gardenia Slabs: your top choice for sintered stone

If you’ve decided to go with sintered stone, you need to check out the Gardenia Slabs. Boasting over 60 designs that range from sophisticated marble styles to rugged cement looks, it comes in large format sizes (a whopping 1600mm x 3200mm!) that creates a seamless look with minimal joint lines.

Each slab also comes in 3 different thickness levels that can be used in a variety of ways:

1. 6.5mm: a lightweight, yet sturdy slab which is ideal for cabinet doors and wall cladding,
2. 12mm: slim, yet durable enough to withstand activity such as meal prep and cooking,
3. 20mm: the thickest of the lot, this slab is perfect for surfaces that support heavy items – like dinner tables, cabinets, and shelves.

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Gardenia Slabs Full Collection

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