There’s a new countertop contender in town, but is it necessarily better than quartz?
Mention countertops and quartz would likely be the first choice that springs to mind, thanks to its versatility and durability that make it a highly sought-after material for kitchen countertops. But it seems like there’s a new player in the scene to give quartz a run for its money – and it’s sintered surfaces.
Despite being a relatively new option in the market compared to mainstream suspects like quartz and marble, there’s a lot to uncover about this unconventional material. Ahead, we break down four reasons that make sintered surfaces the ideal solution for all your surface needs.
1. You get the authentic appeal of natural stone
While most people think that quartz is a natural stone, it’s actually a completely man-made material that’s engineered from a mix of crushed natural quartz and polymer resin. Because of that, quartz has a more contemporary appearance that somehow lacks the truly unique look of natural stone.
On the other hand, sintered surfaces (also known as Gardenia Slabs) employ a unique blend of quartz, porcelain and glass using advanced technology that mimics the process of forming natural stone, which would normally take place over thousands of years. These components are then bonded together under extreme heat and pressure, no polymer or resin required. The result is an all-natural combination that brings out the distinctive beauty of natural stone – be it marble, stone or cement – without any of its fragile properties and drawbacks, and comes with a considerably modest price tag as well.
It also comes in beautiful shades in the appearance of onyx, cement and more.
Available in an ever-expanding selection of colours and designs, Gardenia Slabs make for a more versatile choice that allows you to recreate a variety of looks. Whether you prefer the timeless aesthetic of marble like Calacatta Gold or fancy something a little more exotic like Agate Blue, there’s a slab for you. The best part? You can hardly even distinguish it from the real thing!
2. Able to withstand high temperature and rugged outdoor elements
Quartz is quite the hardy material – it’s non-porous, tough as a rock, and fairly resistant to stains, chips and knocks. However, it’s not completely indestructible.
One major downside to quartz is that it can be easily damaged under extreme heat (anything above 100°C is a kitchen disaster waiting to happen), which is why it’s important to avoid direct contact with scorching pans or use a heat pad at all times. With sintered surfaces, you don’t have to worry about hot objects marring your surfaces thanks to its heat-resistant properties, which can go up to 300°C!
It’s unfazed by scratches too, so rest assured it can definitely hold up to your everyday wear and tear.
Also, unlike quartz which may be susceptible to discolouration if placed under sunlight for prolonged periods, sintered surfaces are fade-proof and perfectly capable of withstanding the elements. This means it’s safe to install it at outdoor areas such as the balcony and poolside – impressive!
3. Can also be used on walls and floors due to its slim, large-format design
While quartz is more commonly used for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, what really sets sintered surfaces apart is that it’s applicable for most of your surfaces. The Gardenia Slabs boast an incredibly sleek size of 160 x 320cm, with varying levels of thickness suited to your functional and aesthetic needs. The thinnest ones come in at 6.5mm, which provides a slim and lightweight profile that would look great on cabinet doors and backsplashes; while the thicker 12mm option is suitable for worktops, feature walls and furniture.
But here’s the big deal about it. For those who are planning for a larger revamp, these slabs are also available in a large-format design of 1600 x 3200mm – which allows you to cover wider areas of your home such as the living room, bathroom and even outdoor applications. We also like that it creates a sense of continuity, which will make the space look and feel more spacious. Plus, it makes for a real head-turning feature too!
4. A fuss-free, low-maintenance option that lasts a lifetime
Quartz requires little effort when it comes to maintenance. But if you’re on the lookout for a more durable and long-lasting option, sintered surfaces are certainly worth investing in.
Not only is it extremely resistant to wear and stains, it’s also a breeze to care for – an occasional wipedown with a damp cloth is all you need to ensure that your surfaces look fabulous for years to come. Large format slabs like the Gardenia Slabs also feature lesser grout lines, which makes cleaning a lot easier. Well, consider us sold!
Uncover endless design possibilities with Gardenia Slabs!
The Gardenia Slabs are touted as the next generation of surfaces—and for good reason. Overall, it combines all that you love about quartz into an innovative range of modern-day slabs that would please any design-savvy homeowner. With style, performance and durability all in one slab, sintered surfaces might just become the new staple in Singaporean homes and beyond.
Check out the full collection of Gardenia Slabs Sintered Surfaces at www.bellus.com.sg/gardenia-slabs.
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