Sintered stone probably grabbed your interest and sent off a chain reaction of questions after you saw it somewhere. We're also curious about sintered stone uses and this material's pros and cons. Good thing we have unearthed these answers!
A sintered stone is a special type because it is nearly impossible to damage. It can provide a lifetime of beauty without staining or sustaining heat or water damage. And although it is a manufactured stone, its feel is rough, like a natural stone.
Additionally, it is gaining popularity because it is:
- waterproof
- hygienic
- weatherproof
- durable
- stain-resistant
- comes in different patterns and colors
According to our research, this stone is actually becoming popular these days. Although it's not perfect, it can offer you and your home numerous uses, making it a great addition to your interior and exterior. We highly suggest you keep reading to know more about this stone, where you can use it, and how to make the most out of it.
What Is A Sintered Stone?
This rock slab has a look and feels like iron and stone combined; cool yet rough. When knocked, it resonates with a sound similar to that of ceramic or glass.
A sintered stone or dense stone can last up to many years. The main advantage of this stone is that it is invulnerable to damage caused by exposure to water, heat, stains, and more.
Sintered stone is an innovative material created through further processing at temperatures greater than 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit (or 1,200 degrees Celsius).
If you are unfamiliar with sintered stone, it may be difficult to tell it apart from natural stone. The key to identifying one is that a sintered stone has a distinct shade and pattern compared to a natural stone.
How Manufacturers Make Sintered Stone?
In layman's words, the manufacturers of sintered stones use modern technical innovations to simulate the process of natural stone formation.
Marble and granite, for example, take thousands of years to produce, but with modern technology, we can now speed up the procedure to just a few hours.
Keep in mind that the production process subjects these materials to pressure and temperature that mimics those deep in the earth's crust, where you can find granite.
Raw materials are heated to 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit (above 1,200 degrees Celsius) while being compressed by more than 400 tons of pressure. After material production is complete, it is time to join the components without the use of glues, resins, or any other type of chemical bonding mechanism.
What Are The Materials Used For Sintered Stone?
Natural components from three categories go into making sintered stone, and those are:
- Quartz and glass derive minerals that can deliver solidity or stability.
- Granite derives minerals, like feldspar and quartz, that can provide a solid foundation.
- Natural oxides create unique shades.
What Are The Pros Of Using Sintered Stone?
Using sintered stones can give you numerous advantages, and below are a complete list of them:
Waterproof
We can say that sintered stones are waterproof because any liquid cannot permeate them. That said, it is a popular choice for pool decking. Additionally, some manufacturers got the idea of creating long-lasting sinks using sintered stone. So, it can make a great indoor or outdoor fixture.
Hygienic
A hygienic surface is an obvious requirement for any material used with food, and the fact that sintered stone does not retain particles and is easy to clean supports this assumption.
You don't have to stress yourself anymore when preparing food, thinking if the surface is clean or not. The non-porous surface means bacteria cannot infiltrate the surface.
Weatherproof
Sintered stone is not only impervious to water but also to other types of severe weather, such as snow or hail. It can even tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures. In the kitchen, a sintered stone countertop is a sure bet because its durability makes everyday use stress-free. Additionally, you could use it for an outdoor kitchen without worrying about the elements.
Exceptional Durability
If you're looking for a firm, long-lasting countertop option, a sintered stone is an excellent substitute for granite and other natural stones. The fact that it can't obtain damage in the kitchen is a significant plus for those who want to use it there.
Stain-resistant
Since a sintered stone is waterproof, it can also resist stains from occurring on the surface. Liquids won't be able to seep through the impervious surface of this stone. If you accidentally pour any liquid into it, all you need to do is wipe it using a wet cloth.
Easy to Coordinate Colors & Patterns
If you need something specific to match the decor in your home, you can choose whatever color or pattern you like.
What Are The Cons Of Using Sintered Stone?
Like other things, sintered stone also has its drawbacks. And there are two of them:
Needs Professional Installation [Not a DIY Project Material]
The installation process of sintered stone is not something you should perform by yourself. It is a bit challenging, especially since the material is huge and too heavy for you to handle. In addition, there are special tools used for cutting the stone that you might not have.
Costly Repairs
Although a sintered stone can hardly obtain damage, the cost of its repair can be costly when it does. The main reason for its expensive repairs is that experts use special tools, as previously mentioned. Plus, the cutting resquired should be as accurate as possible.
What Are The Uses Of Sintered Stone?
This amazing material can be used for many applications, it all just depends on how the sintered stone manufacturer fashioned the stone slabs. Big or small, a sintered stone can handle either indoor or outdoor uses and make your home look great!
Indoor Area
- Use sintered stone in strategic places in the living room, like walls, floor, and furniture.
- You can utilize it as a countertop or a tabletop.
- Long-lasting shelf material.
- Great material for your kitchen sink.
- Use as vanity tops or countertops.
- Incorporate into your bedroom wall to create a minimalistic ambiance.
Click here to check out this sintered stone coffee table set on Amazon.
Outdoor Area
- A superior pool decking or patio material.
- Walkways, patios, or deck flooring.
- An excellent wall cladding material.
- Outdoor kitchens for counters, sinks, or tabletops.
- Update the look of your balcony by using sintered stone for the exterior walls.
How Much Does Sintered Stone Cost?
One common question for most people who want to use sintered stone is its cost. The installed price of sintered stone countertops can be up to $95 per square foot. But that will depend on its quality.
The modern technical innovation required to produce a sintered stone is a significant factor in its high price. To create it, engineers simulate the heat and pressure used to shape stone naturally deep within the earth. If you want to buy this, you will have to prepare a lot of money.
Wrapping It All Up
All the details mentioned in the entire post conclude that a sintered stone is an excellent material to incorporate into the different areas of your home. It is true since it has numerous advantages and a few drawbacks. We can say that installing one is all worth it, even if the cost is expensive.
We hope this post answers all of your questions. But if you still have additional concerns that you wish to be answered, please feel free to reach out in the comments, and we'll get back to you! And if you want to continue reading, you can check these other posts out!
What Types Of Countertops Are Cheaper Than Granite?
Can You Use Floor Tile For Kitchen Countertops Or Backsplash?