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As modern construction continues to prioritize durability, low maintenance, and refined aesthetics, engineered surfaces like sintered stone and quartz are finally having their moment in the sun. Driven by rising demand across residential and commercial projects, the decorative surfacing market – which includes quartz and sintered stone – is projected to see steady growth in the years ahead. This guide sheds light on sintered stones vs quartz and their key differences in construction and design use.
Sintered Stone – Definition
Sintered stone is a 100% mineral surface manufactured by compacting natural minerals at high temperatures and extreme pressures so the particles fuse into a dense, non-resin slab. The process mimics igneous rock formation and produces large-format slabs that are highly resistant to heat, UV, stains, and scratches while remaining non-porous.
Quartz – Definition
Engineered quartz (often shortened to quartz) is an agglomerated surfacing material made predominantly from crushed quartz sand (around 85-95%) mixed with polymer resins and pigments. The cured slabs are dense and non-porous relative to many natural stones, offering excellent stain resistance and a uniform appearance.
Sintered Stones vs Quartz – Key differences
| Feature | Sintered Stone | Quartz |
| Composition | 100% mineral (fused mineral powders) | 85-95% quartz + polymer resin binders |
| Manufacturing | Sintering/fusion under extreme heat and pressure (no resins) | Agglomeration with resin; factory-pressed and cured |
| Porosity | Essentially non-porous; high stain resistance | Non-porous due to resin; very stain-resistant indoors |
| Heat resistance | Excellent, high tolerance to heat and thermal shock | Good but limited; resins degrade under high heat and UV. Avoid direct hot pans |
| UV / Outdoor use | UV stable; suitable for exterior cladding and façades | Not recommended for long-term outdoor usage; resins can discolor with UV |
| Scratch resistance | Very high, often comparable to natural igneous stone | High (quartz is hard) but surface can be harder to re-polish |
| Aesthetic range | Wide, including stone, marble, and engineered looks in large formats | Extremely consistent slabs with many color/pattern options |
| Typical uses | Countertops, façades, flooring, pool surrounds, cladding | Countertops, backsplashes, interior walls, wet areas (indoors) |
| Sustainability notes | Often marketed as lower-emission (no polymers); use of energy for production is high but product longevity is strong | Contains resins; some manufacturers use recycled content; environmental impact varies by manufacturer |
Market Outlook and Cost of Sintered Stone vs. Quartz
From a market perspective, demand for both materials continues to soar as architects and developers prioritize durable, low-maintenance, and design-flexible surfaces. Residential and commercial interiors, hospitality spaces, and large construction projects are major factors driving demand. Increasing preference for engineered surfaces is shaping purchasing decisions across the global construction market.
The cost of sintered stone and quartz depends on several factors, including slab thickness, finish, design complexity, brand positioning, fabrication requirements, and installation conditions. Installation cost is a key factor in this regard. Larger or heavier slabs may need special handling and equipment, which can increase the budget. Edge work, cutouts, finishes, and transport also add to the total cost.
As building standards change and sustainability in construction becomes de rigueur, materials that are durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance will continue to stay in demand in the surfacing industry.
Arvicon: A Trusted Manufacturer & Supplier of Sintered stone and Quartz
Sintered stone and quartz each offer distinct advantages in construction. The right choice invariably depends on project requirements, performance expectations, and design intent.
Set apart by aesthetic splendour and technical strength, Arvicon’s sintered stone collection features thoughtfully curated slab designs such as Borghini Oro, Lourent Gold, Oro Bianco, Pietra Grey and more, offered in glossy and matte finishes. These slabs are suited for kitchen countertops, dining tables, staircases, living rooms, office tables, tabletops, door and window frames, and architectural cladding in residential and commercial spaces. Sizes available include 800×3000×15 mm and 1600×3200×12 mm.
The Arvicon quartz portfolio is just as impressive. Varieties include Himachal Quartzites available in black, white, golden, and green shades. Likewise, the Deoli Quartzites are offered in golden, copper, Ocean Green, and several other tones. These are available in thicknesses ranging from 18 mm to 30 mm. Sizes available include 6″ x 6″, 12″ x 12″, 16″ x 16″, 12″ x 24″, and 24″ x 24″. As a reliable quartz manufacturer-supplier, Arvicon provides calibrated slabs suitable for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and facade installations. Known for their natural density, strength, and resistance to wear, these quartzites are well suited for commercial hospitality spaces and residential kitchens and bathrooms.
To learn more about the complete collection, download the sintered stone and quartz catalogue.
FAQs
1. Sintered stone vs quartz – which is better?
Neither is universally better; the choice depends on application, performance needs, and exposure conditions.
2.Which is cheaper, quartz or sintered stone?
Quartz is usually more affordable, though pricing varies by brand, thickness, finish, and installation requirements.
3. Will sintered stone turn yellow?
Arvicon sintered stone is UV-resistant and stable, so it does not yellow under normal indoor or outdoor exposure.
4. Is quartz good for building?
Quartz is prized for its durability, low maintenance and consistent appearance. It offers a balance between natural aesthetics and engineered performance, making it ideal for interior surfacing applications.
5. Why should we choose Arvicon sintered stones?
Arvicon sintered stone is distinguished by its excellent quality, strong performance, full recyclability, aesthetic beauty, and compliance with LEED and BREEAM sustainability standards.