If you\u2019re looking for a new kitchen countertop, you may have come across the term sintered stone. But what is sintered stone? Why choose sintered stone? And is sintered stone any good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve pulled together this helpful buying guide to tell you everything you need to know about sintered stone countertops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sintered stone is an engineered (or man-made) stone material. Unlike natural stone, which is dug up out of the ground in one piece, it\u2019s manufactured using natural stone minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sintered stone is used for several indoor and outdoor applications, such as flooring, tiling, wall cladding, building facades\u2026 as well as countertops. The fact that sintered stone can be walked on and survive outside gives a good indication of just how hardwearing the surface is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sintered stone countertops are made entirely from natural minerals. Different manufacturers and brands have different mineral mixes. But generally, the materials used tend to be porcelain, glass, quartz, and other crushed stones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only other material you’ll find in sintered stone is colour pigment. The way they are made (see the next section) means there’s no need for any resin to hold the minerals together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sintered stone is made through a manufacturing process called sintering. This process mimics how natural stones, like marble, form deep in the earth\u2019s crust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The natural minerals are mixed and treated with extreme heat and pressure, so they melt and stick together without the need for a bonding agent. The resulting product is a very dense, solid surface that\u2019s non-porous and hardwearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re considering installing sintered stone countertops, you\u2019re probably wondering, is sintered stone good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s look at the pros and con<\/p>\n\n\n\n