Stone, be it natural or engineered, is a great element to have at home. Why? Because it lends a sense of luxury or elegance to the space. However, natural stones such as marble and granite can be relatively difficult to maintain compared to engineered stone. Luckily, there are two great contenders that mimic the look of natural stones, without the extra maintenance! They’re none other than sintered stone and quartz.

But before you pick one of the two options, it helps to know the differences between sintered stone vs quartz. With this guide, you’ll get to know what each material is about, their costs, advantages, differences, and where to use them.

1. What Is Sintered Stone? 

  • white-sintered-stone-kitchen-countertop
  • grey-sintered-stone-bathroom-tiles
You can use sintered stone in bathrooms and kitchens owing to its water-resistant properties

Sintered stone is made from a mix of minerals that are placed under high pressure and heated to extreme temperatures. What’s more, this material does not use adhesives or bonding agents to create the final product.

This manufacturing process is known as sintering, which is how the material derives its name. The end result mimics the look of natural stone despite being a man-made material.

What Is the Cost of Sintered Stone?

Sintered stone is priced between S$150 to S$300 per foot run

Please note that this price range is inclusive of installation charges, but exclusive of GST, which is levied at 8%.

2. What Are the Pros and Cons of Sintered Stone?

ProsCons
Sintered stone is durable owing to
its water-resistant, stain-resistant,
and scratch-resistant qualities		The colour and pattern does
not run through the thickness
of the slab, leaving edges
without a homogeneous finish
It can withstand heat and cold
while also being easy to maintain 		It can be relatively difficult to
repair in case of damage
The material is non-porous
and does not require sealing 		Can be relatively more expensive
due to its many qualities

Also Read: What Is Marble Flooring? The Ultimate Guide to Everything You Need to Know

3. What Is Quartz? 

  • white-quartz-kitchen-countertop
  • quartz-waterfall-countertop-in-white
Quartz is water- and stain-resistant, making it the ideal choice for kitchen countertops

Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in addition with other materials to create a man-made quartz stone. It’s a manufactured material composed of crushed quartz crystals, polymer resins, and pigments to create a non-porous slab. Moreover, quartz is available in a variety of colours, patterns, and textures.

You can also combine it with glass and other reflective materials to get a sparkling finish. So, if durability is on your mind, quartz can be a strong choice for your home.

What Is the Cost of Quartz?

Quartz is priced between S$80 to S$150 per feet for a classic design

Please note that this price range is inclusive of installation charges, but exclusive of GST, which is levied at 8%

4. What Are the Pros and Cons of Quartz? 

ProsCons
Quartz is durable and available in
a variety of colours and designs		It may be prone to heat
damage from high temperatures 
It is water-resistant, stain-resistant,
and scratch-resistant		Lower quality quartz may discolour
upon prolonged exposure to UV
lights 
Quartz is easy to maintain Not as heat-resistant compared
to natural stones, so it’s best
to avoid placing hot items directly
on the slab 

5. What Are the Differences Between Sintered Stone vs Quartz?

Now that you know what sintered stone and quartz have to offer, let’s take a look at how they fare against each other.

CriteriaSintered StoneQuartz
CompositionClay, feldspar, kaolin, and
quartz		Natural quartz, polymer resins,
and pigments
Cost*S$150 to S$300 per foot runS$80 to S$150 per feet
(for a classic design)
DurabilityIt’s a hardy material and highly
durable compared to
other alternatives		Quartz is a highly durable
material that can withstand
wear and tear
Design and
Versatility		Available in a variety of
designs and patterns
that can mimic the look of
natural materials		Available in a variety of
colours, patterns, and styles
MaintenanceEasy to maintainEasy to maintain
Resistant to
External Elements		Water-, scratch-, stain-,
bacteria-, and heat-resistant		Water-, heat-, stain-, bacteria-
and scratch-resistant
Yellowing upon
UV Exposure		Sintered stone does not
turn yellow with UV exposure		Low quality quartz may turn
yellow over time if exposed to
UV rays or high heat
AppearanceBrushed, matte, honed, or
glossy finish		Polished finish

From the table above, it’s clear to see that there is overlap between the two materials when it comes to a number of qualities. So you can choose either quartz or sintered stone for your interiors based on your personal preferences.

*Please note that the estimated price ranges mentioned are what will be bourne by the homeowner (inclusive of installation charges) but may be subject to change. Additionally, the prices are not inclusive of GST, which is levied at 8%.

Also Read: Need a Brand New Kitchen Flooring? Here Are 9 Elegant Options to Pick From

6. Where Can You Use Sintered Stone and Quartz at Home?

Both quartz and sintered stone offer similar properties when it comes to resisting various elements. Here are some of the places you can use these materials for the best results:

  • Sintered Stone: Vanity and kitchen countertops, shelving, wall cladding, flooring, or in furniture. Sintered stone can also be used externally due to its resistance to yellowing from UV rays
  • Quartz: Kitchen worktops, backsplashes, bathroom counterops, and flooring

So, if you’ve been stuck between deciding which material to use between sintered stone vs quartz, you now know that either can be a strong choice for your interiors.

How Can Livspace Help You? 

We hope you found this guide on the differences between sintered stone vs quartz useful! At Livspace, we work with quality suppliers to get you the best materials for your home. Book an online consultation with Livspace today to know more about what we can do to realise your dream home.

Have some comments or suggestions you’d like to share with us? We’re all ears! Feel free to write to us at editor.sg@livspace.com.

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, and finishes can vary with reference to current rates. Additionally, the designs showcased within the story are subject to availability and will vary based on the year the homes were designed in. Consult our designers for more details on the latest designs, pricing, and availability.

FAQs

1. Is Sintered Stone Better Than Quartz?

In terms of durability, sintered stone can outperform quartz and can also be used for both interiors and exteriors.

2. Is Quartz the Same as Sintered Stone?

Quartz and sintered stone vary in terms of their composition, as quartz is made up of natural mineral quartz, whereas sintered stone is made of a mix of natural materials.

3. Will Sintered Stone Turn Yellow?

No, sintered stone can resist yellowing upon exposure to UV rays or high heat.

4. Can You Put a Hot Pan on a Quartz Counter?

No, avoid placing extremely hot items directly on your quartz countertop.