The kitchen countertop is arguably one of the most important things in your home, as you will be using it every day to prep food, cook, and place items. Because countertops are something that you will generally have to look at every day, it is important to find some that are not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. This is where the new and fashionable trend of using sintered stone as your countertop comes into play.

Sintered stone is the latest countertop material to take off in home trends. These durable countertops are environmentally friendly as well as pleasing to the eye. They have the appearance of quartz or granite, but eliminate the negatives of other countertops like excessive water absorption and heat sensitivity.

So, is this new trend the one to jump on if you are remodeling your kitchen and in need of a new countertop? What are the benefits of using this material compared to others? If you plan on doing a kitchen makeover, here are some things about sintered stone countertops that you will want to keep in mind.

What is Sintered Stone?

Sintered stone countertops are compact countertops made from minerals. These popular countertops can be made with matte or high-gloss finish and can be up to 30mm thick. Not only are these countertops extremely durable, but they are also manufactured from recycled materials like quartz, porcelain and glass.  This is great news for people looking for environmentally safe and reusable materials for a sustainable lifestyle.

Produced in major countries like Italy, China, and Spain, the materials from sintered stone are ground into powder and fired at high temperatures to form the countertops. Other features of sintered stone countertops include having a thorough body material, they are synthetic and all-natural, compact and dense, and feel like real stone.

Sintered Stone vs. Quartz

Although sintered stone and quartz have similarities, there are still a few major differences. Sintered stone is heatproof and UV resistant, unlike quartz which can darken at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Sintered stone countertops also contain no resins, while quartz countertops do. Because of this, quartz countertops are more likely to be protected from cracks and chips while sintered stone is more brittle.

In comparison to quartz, sintered stone countertops also contain less silica, which is a harmful chemical compound. There are fewer health risks involved with manufacturing and installing sintered stone because of this. The cost of quartz is also lower, considering sintered stone is newer and trendier in the home decor space. Quartz countertops can cost as little as $30 per square foot, in comparison to the price of sintered stone below.

Sintered stone also has a low water absorption rate, making the material ideal for both kitchens as well as bathroom countertops. Quartz, also known for its low absorption rate, nevertheless relies upon resins. So, though the absorption rate is low, it poses an environmental risk in its construction. For those interested in having a lovely home that is equally friendly to guests as well as the surrounding ecosystem, sintered stone is the way to go.

Cost and Installation

Sintered stone countertops can cost anywhere from $65 to $150 per square foot depending on design, quality, and difficulty installing. Installation can be very difficult for sintered stone countertops, so professionals must be contacted for this. Additionally, sintered stone countertops do not have to be sealed, making them easy to clean with only a damp cloth treated with soap and water.

If a kitchen renovation is in the near future for the homestead, considering sintered stone for the countertops may be both aesthetically pleasing as well as more environmentally safe. The nice aspect of using sintered stone in the home is that homeowners do not have to sacrifice one for the other.