Sintered Stone or Granite:
Which One Is the Best for Your Home?
Selecting the appropriate countertop for your home can be a really daunting experience. With all the different materials out there, understanding what’s best for you is critical. One of the popular materials increasing in favor seems to be sintered stone. However, how does this material stand compared to others, like granite? So, here is a guide that explains the details regarding sintered stone and contrasts them with granite.
What is Sintered stone?
Sintered stone results from a process called the sintering process, whereby the natural minerals are exposed to very high pressure and temperature. Thus, the process gives out slabs similar in appearance to natural stone but with added strength and versatility.
Sintered stone is a blend of natural materials, mainly minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and silica. These materials are bonded by pressure and heat to result in something very, very hard and resistant to all types of wear and tear. This delivers a surface with the beauty of natural stone but with added advantages.
What is Granite?
Granite has been used in construction and design for a long time. The stone, formed from the solidification of hot magma, typically contains quartz, feldspar, and mica; thus, with their diverse appearance, granites exhibit great strength and beauty, respectively.
The stone is usually quarried in big blocks and later sawn into specific sizes in order to give them utility as slabs. This latter feature, whereby each granite stone slab has a unique set of patterns and colours, allows homeowners to have a distinctive look when designing their home spaces.
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Sintered Stone vs. Granite Comparison
Durability
While looking for materials to be used in places with a high rate of traffic within the home, one of the things that comes to mind is durability. Both the sintered stone and granite are very hard, though they have qualities that give them different characteristics over time.
The sintered stone slabs are extremely hard, and their composition makes them very resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. In that respect, the sintered stone would easily be a very good option for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The major advantage of this stone lies in its non-porous nature, which does not allow the growth of bacteria.
Granite is also very strong. Its high resistance makes it useful for kitchen countertops where heat pans and pots are found in huge numbers. It, however, is a porous material, and thus liquids are easily absorbed into it; therefore, good care should be taken lest it get stained.
Maintenance
Granite demands more maintenance. It does need to be sealed regularly to maintain its resistance to stains and water. Additionally, it should be protected from the use of too many acidic substances that can etch the surface. If maintained properly, granite can prove to be a durable option for homes.
Aesthetics
The aesthetic designs are essential in deciding between sintered stone and granite. The styles and tastes each of them portray are different, and therefore they are used for enhancing spaces differently.
Sintered stone is aesthetically versatile. Available in an incredibly broad colour and pattern range, sintered stones fully replicate the natural stone appearance to achieve any look that the homeowner desires. Flexibility in the design means that sintered stone countertops blend into modernity and tradition with ease of application, providing a clean, uniform finish.
Each slab of granite is amazingly unique. It is due to its characteristic veining through a slab of granite that every piece makes its very own statement in any home. This makes the natural beauty of granite stone slabs an important factor for those who would like to express their own individuality and experience the timeless elegance that only granite can provide.
Costs
Cost is one of the most important factors in choosing between sintered stone and granite. Both materials come at various price points, influenced by factors such as quality, colour, and availability.
The price of sintered stone slabs is high because it is a sophisticated material produced with advanced technology. Though it can be expensive at the time of installation, it may also be worth the investment since it does not require much maintenance and is very durable.
On the other hand, granite stone slabs provide cost options ranging from basic to ultra-high-end, so consumers can choose what best suits their budget. There is also the overall cost, which highly varies based on the complexity of the installation process and the regular maintenance required to keep the stone in prime condition.
Installation
Installation is always critical to enhancing the look and ensuring the optimal performance of a countertop. While both sintered stone and granite demand professional ways of fitting and finishing, differences exist in installing them.
Sintered stone slabs are lighter compared to granite, hence easy to install. Being lighter in weight can simplify installation tasks and minimize the risk of damage during handling.
On the other hand, granite stone slabs are heavier and need more care during installation. Being heavy in weight poses an issue with granite, specifically regarding installation
Resale value
This may be one of the things on which many property owners base a decision regarding which material to use to make a countertop, considering the impact it may have on resale value. Although both sintered stone and granite are materials that have improved the value of the property.
Granite countertops are typically related to luxury materials. Their timeless elegance and natural, one-of-a-kind beauty could appeal to prospective buyers who might be searching for high-end finishes and classic sophistication. Granite has a certain beauty because of its unique patterns and colours.
Sintered stone countertops, on the other hand, have a modern and sophisticated feel to them, which is desired by most modern home buyers. With growing acceptance in the home design arena, sintered stone is increasingly recognized as a quality, durable component of homes that can enhance their marketability.
Environmental Impact
Finally, knowing the environmental impact that sintered stone has compared to granite stone will help you choose the more environmentally friendly option out of the two.
Sintered stone is generally more environment-friendly due to its controlled and sustainable production. Businesses can source recycled materials and optimize every process to reduce waste and energy, thereby also reducing the carbon footprint.
The extraction of granite includes heavy machinery that is used during the process, which may disrupt local ecosystems and landscapes. Moreover, there can be a high distance between quarries, processing facilities, and end consumers; all these mean adding a huge amount of carbon footprint to granite transport.
Conclusion
The final decision between sintered stone and granite for your home will have to be based on durability, cleanliness, aesthetic value, cost, environmental impact, and resale value. Both materials have their own unique advantages; the best choice depends on the needs and taste of the owner. Ultimately, whether you choose sintered or granite stone slabs, either of these materials can provide a really great and highly resistant surface that will be in a position to raise both the grace and functionality of a house. In the end, you will make a decision that clearly suits your lifestyle and taste by weighing the pros and cons of each option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main differences between sintered stone and granite?
Sintered stone is of artificial origin. It is created by bonding natural minerals by baking at high temperatures and under high pressure. Whereas, granite is a natural stone originating from the cooling of magma and having its own designs.
Which one of these materials is stronger: sintered stone or granite?
Generally, sintered stone is a lot stronger than granite because it uses advanced manufacturing to make it more resistant to scratches, heat, and staining, making it the best option for high-traffic areas.
Which is the better material for modern kitchen design?
Sintered stone finds great preference in modern kitchen designs because of the vast range of colours and patterns In contrast, granite, with its purely natural and varied patterns, has more suitable applications in traditional and high-end designs.
How do sintered stone and granite impact the environment?
Sintered stone is more environmentally friendly because of the controlled process of its creation and the possible application of recycled material content. Granite is more harmful to the environment in terms of extraction and transportation due to the heavy machinery applied and the long distances of transportation.
Are sintered stone countertops more expensive than granite?
Although the cost may vary, sintered stone countertops are always at a higher rate compared to granite because of the advanced technological method of manufacturing. Its cost can be termed cost-effective for the long run because of low maintenance requirements and durability
Natural Stone Slab Supplier
Avant Stone brings together 20 years of stone industry experience to provide you with a range of globally sourced stone slabs including Marble slabs, Granite slabs and Quartzite Slabs.
We aim provide you quality service and distinctive stone products for your home or your commercial space. Avant Stone is the premier Stone Supplier of Granite, Quartzite and Marble slabs in Sydney.
Our showroom is located centrally in Greenacre, a mere 20 minutes from Sydney & Parramatta CBD.
Give us a call: 0298170037
Email us at: info@avantstone.com.au
