Sintered Stone vs. Quartz Stone: What's the Difference?

Sintered Stone and Quartz Stone are both popular high-end materials used in modern interior design, especially for kitchen countertops, walls, and furniture surfaces. However, they differ significantly in composition, manufacturing process, durability, and applications. Here’s a detailed comparison:

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1. Material & Manufacturing Process

Feature	Sintered Stone	Quartz Stone
Main Composition	Natural minerals (quartz, feldspar, oxides, etc.)	90%-95% natural quartz + 5%-10% resin
Manufacturing Process	High-pressure compression + sintering at 1200-1400°C	Artificially engineered stone bonded with resin
Density & Hardness	High density, Mohs hardness 7-8 (similar to granite)	Slightly lower, Mohs hardness 6-7 (harder than marble, but softer than sintered stone)
Water Absorption	<0.1% (almost waterproof)	0.02%-0.1% (also water-resistant)

 

✅ Conclusion: Sintered stone is produced using advanced sintering technology, making it harder, more heat-resistant, and denser. Quartz stone is engineered with resin and quartz powder, making it slightly softer but still very durable.

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2. Appearance & Design

Feature	Sintered Stone	Quartz Stone
Color & Patterns	Mimics natural stone (marble, granite, etc.)	Wide range of colors, more uniform but looks more "artificial"
Size	Can be made in large slabs (up to 3200×1600mm)	Typically smaller (up to 3000×1400mm)
Thickness	12mm	15mm, 20mm

 

✅ Conclusion: Sintered stone is better for large seamless applications, while quartz stone offers more variety in color but may appear less natural.

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3. Durability & Maintenance

Feature	Sintered Stone	Quartz Stone
Scratch Resistance	✅ Mohs hardness 7-8, highly scratch-resistant	✅ Mohs hardness 6-7, still scratch-resistant but slightly softer
Stain Resistance	✅ Extremely stain-resistant, non-porous surface	✅ Stain-resistant, but resin components may absorb stains over time
Heat Resistance	✅ Can withstand high temperatures up to 1200°C	❌ Not heat-resistant; exposure to temperatures over 150°C can cause burns or discoloration
UV Resistance	✅ UV-resistant, suitable for outdoor use	❌ Not UV-resistant; prolonged sun exposure can cause yellowing

✅ Conclusion: Sintered stone is more resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and UV exposure, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Quartz stone, while durable, can discolor or get damaged by extreme heat.

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4. Applications

Usage Scenario	Sintered Stone	Quartz Stone
Kitchen Countertops	✅ Ideal, highly heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant	✅ Suitable, but cannot withstand direct heat from hot pots
Bathroom Countertops	✅ Great choice, waterproof and moisture-resistant	✅ Suitable, but avoid exposure to harsh chemicals
Floors & Walls	✅ Suitable, can be used in large slabs with fewer joints	❌ Not commonly used for flooring (can be slippery)
Furniture Surfaces	✅ Ideal for tables, cabinets, and vanities	✅ Suitable, but thickness is usually limited
Outdoor Use	✅ Excellent, UV-resistant and weatherproof	❌ Not recommended, may turn yellow over time with sun exposure

 

✅ Conclusion: Sintered stone is ideal for countertops, walls, furniture surfaces, and even outdoor use, whereas quartz stone is mainly used for indoor countertops and bathroom vanities.

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5. Price

• Sintered Stone: More expensive, high-end material, and requires professional cutting and installation.
• Quartz Stone: More affordable, easier to install, and offers good value for money.

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Final Verdict: Which One to Choose?

• If you want the most durable, heat-resistant, and scratch-proof material for both indoor and outdoor use → Choose Sintered Stone.
• If you’re on a budget and need a durable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain countertop for indoor use → Choose Quartz Stone.

Are you considering these materials for a kitchen countertop, furniture surface, or another application? I can help you make a more specific recommendation! 😊