Porcelain - Sintered Stone

Porcelain – Sintered Stone

Category:

Description

Porcelain (also known as sintered stone or ultra-compact surfaces) is a man-made, high-performance surface created by compressing natural minerals (like clays, feldspar, silica, and oxides) under extreme pressure and firing them at very high temperatures (~1200–1500°C). This sintering process fuses the particles into a non-porous, dense, durable slab.

Qualities (Pros):

  • Extremely Durable: Very high resistance to scratching, abrasion, and impact — among the toughest surface materials available.
    Heat Resistant: Can withstand direct contact with hot pans or flames without scorching or cracking.
    UV Stable: Won’t fade or yellow in sunlight — ideal for outdoor kitchens or facades.
    Non-Porous Surface: Impermeable to water, stains, and bacteria — doesn’t require sealing.
    Chemical Resistant: Resists acids, alkalis, solvents, and cleaning chemicals.
    Wide Range of Designs: Available in marble, stone, concrete, or metal looks — thanks to advanced digital printing.
    Thin and Lightweight Options: Available in slabs as thin as 3mm to 20mm, making it suitable for walls, furniture, and cladding.
    Sustainable: Made from natural raw materials and can be recycled at the end of its life.

Limitations (Cons):

  • Brittle Edges: While surface hardness is excellent, edges and corners can chip if not properly supported or if impacted.
    Difficult to Fabricate: Requires special cutting tools and skilled fabricators — not all countertop installers work with it.
    Expensive Installation: Labour and handling costs can be higher than for quartz or granite due to the precision and tooling required.
    Limited Thickness Options for Some Uses: Thinner slabs (e.g., 6mm, 12mm) may not be suitable for unsupported spans or heavy use without reinforcement.
    Cold, Hard Surface: Similar to stone, it’s unforgiving underfoot and not ideal where a softer, warmer feel is desired.
    Colour/Pattern Only on Surface (in some products): Most porcelain has printed surfaces, not through-body patterns — this means visible edges may not match the surface unless specially treated.

Best Uses for Porcelain / Sintered Stone:

  • Kitchen countertops and backsplashes
    Bathroom vanities and wall panels
    Shower walls
    Outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas
    Fireplace surrounds
    Flooring and wall cladding (interior/exterior)
    Furniture (e.g. tabletops, cabinet fronts)

Related products