Designers and architects alike realize the value of selecting the proper hard surfaces for a given project. There are a number of materials from which to choose when it comes to countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. In this article we will make a comparison between the natural stone called marble and product that is commonly referred to as sintered stone. Along the way we will look at the characteristics of each and explore how these materials are similar and different.
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Marble is a material that is desirable for very specific uses. The elegant look of this natural stone has made it a much sought after stone for many projects. One of the most common places marble can be found is sculptures. Another use for marble is ornamental decorative elements. Why is marble so desirable for decor? Consider a couple of reasons.
One of the reasons marble is so desirable is that it is very shiny if it is polished. Another appealing visual trait is is marble's veining (although the purest marble is virtually all white). These visual characteristics make marble a one of the 'elite' stones used in architecture.
Natural marble is a metamorphic rock that once used to be limestone. As such, it like limestone is composed of calcite (or calcium carbonate). The hardness of marble registers as a 3 on the mohs scale of hardness; making it a somewhat 'soft' stone. As mentioned above the 'purest' marble is white but marble can come in a variety of colors.
Since marble is a rather soft stone, it can be misleading when it comes to choosing proper marble diamond bridge saw blades to cut it. Even though the stone is not among the hardest it can still be problematic if the blade used is not constructed with the proper design. Blades can get 'clogged' if they aren't designed to cut soft materials like marble.
Sintered stone and its close relative, Ultracompact surface have properties that are somewhat different from those of marble. For example, sintered stone is extremely hard and cutting it takes diamond blades designed for the task. For example Dekton bridge saw blades are engineered to cut Utracompact surfaces very well and at an amazing speed with clean cuts. Likewise, porcelain blades are the best for ceramic sintered materials and quartz blades are made to cut quartz properly.
The hardness of sintered stone makes it difficult to scratch and its non-porous surface means it is stain resistant. These characteristics make it much different from marble. So how do the two materials compare? Let's see.
One comparison that could be made between marble and sintered stone is that the stain resistance of sintered stone is higher than that of marble. As mentioned earlier, marble is composed of calcite. This mineral is dissolved easily by acidic substances. In fact, even normal household liquids like lemon juice and vinegar will dissolve calcite. The result is a dull spot where the calcium carbonate was dissolved.
Another difference between sintered stone and marble is that marble is much softer and id easily scratched. For this reason some designers prefer to use a harder material; especially if the surface is to be used in the kitchen.
For all the seeming advantages of sintered stone over natural marble, one might wonder why marble is preferred by some. Well, we alluded to the reason earlier. The natural beauty of marble is so distinct and elegant, it is truly a unique material. In fact, manufactured products are designed to mimic this wondrous stone. Sintered stone producers also try to capture the majestic appearance of marble in their products.
In the end, whether you prefer natural marble or sintered stone for your kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity, or other hard surface is really dependent on what is important to you (or your customer if you are a fabricator or installer). The characteristics of these materials vary but the designs they are used in usually call for the attributes they have to offer.
Sintered stone has become a highly sought-after kitchen countertop material due to its durability, uncomplicated maintenance, and health-conscious composition. It's a popular alternative to quartz because it's manufactured using less silica, a toxic chemical compound known to result in harmful side effects for those exposed to it during manufacturing.
Beyond the kitchen, sintered stone is also great for countertops in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Additionally, the material works in areas prone to extreme heat fluctuations, such as fireplace surrounds or outdoor kitchens. From cost and installation to maintenance and more, there are several factors to consider when determining whether sintered stone is the right material for your needs.
"Sintered stone is a popular building material used for countertops, flooring, walls, and more," says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. "This engineered stone is made by using extreme pressure and heat on a mix of minerals and other materials to create solid stone."
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The material is designed to address the limitations and concerns of quartz, providing a resilient, silica-free alternative without chemical binders. The trick is the utilization of both heat and pressure. "Sintered stone is formed using a unique process which fuses minerals together into a uniform, compact matrix, using vibration, compression, and heat to create a full-bodied slab with unmatched performance characteristics," Micetich explains.
As with most materials, the average cost of sintered stone will vary based on the vendor, thickness, square footage, and other factors. Jessica McNaughton, president of CaraGreen, estimates $20 to $50 per square foot for material or $75 to $120 per square foot installed—but she says the price will ultimately depend on how complex the project is. Micetich gives a slightly lower estimate of $60 to $100 per square foot installed but agrees the final price comes down to design, quality, and installation difficulty.
If you’re thinking about a do-it-yourself sintered stone installation, experts suggest you reconsider. "Sintered stone has a tendency to crack or break during installation, so it should always be left to a pro," says Micetich. "Don’t attempt to install sintered stone yourself unless you have extensive experience working with engineered stone."
McNaughton provides further insight, explaining that sintered stone requires special blades for cutting, could require relief cuts, and will need special handling instructions per the manufacturer. Finding the right professional for your sintered stone project is crucial to avoid costly mistakes.
As with any countertop material, sintered stone has pros and cons. To determine whether sintered stone is the right material for your space, consider your aesthetic desires, lifestyle needs, price parameters, and other concerns.
Sintered stone has many benefits, including uncomplicated cleaning and maintenance. Unlike other stone materials, sintered stone doesn’t have to be sealed. It's easy to clean, requiring no special formulas or treatments. Simply wiping it down regularly with a soft cloth and soapy water will do the trick.
Unlike many natural materials, sintered stone is highly durable, withstanding heat, scratches, staining, thermal shock, and UV rays. Therefore, spills and other mishaps common in hardworking areas like kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms won’t be an issue. This makes sintered stone especially attractive for families with young kids.
Because it's manufactured using little to no silica, sintered stone poses less health risk to those handling it. This includes exposure both during fabrication and installation.
"Sintered stone is also lightweight and recyclable, making it easy to dispose of later," McNaughton says.
The cost of sintered stone can be higher than alternative options due to the fact that it’s a relatively new material. There are also relatively fewer manufacturers, fabricators, sellers, and installers for this new material compared to natural stone and solid surfacing.
"The biggest disadvantage is that the installation process isn’t DIY-friendly and should always be done by a professional," says Micetich. McNaughton agrees, saying chipping and cracking can result if the proper care isn’t taken during installation.
Sintered stone can chip or crack at the edges, not only during installation but also if something very heavy is dropped on or run into it. Further, if damage happens, it can be difficult to repair.
Because the design of the sintered stone does not run all the way through it, like natural stone does, it is possible that the sides of the slab won't match the top, which could throw off the design of the space.
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