Sintered stone countertops come with many advantages and disadvantages especially when intended to be used in households. Here are 4 important details that home owners should take note of when considering to install sintered stone countertops
Advantages
Sintered Stone #1: Durability
Sintered stone countertops are highly durable and ideal for large and busy kitchens. The material is specially designed to be wear-resistant; hence, the use of knives and other kitchen tools does not damage its surface. It has excellent heat resistance – home owners can place pots and pans directly on the tabletop without fear of damage. This is a significant advantage over other countertop materials that tend to stain or damage at extreme temperatures. In addition, sintered stone does not crack — it does not incur damage from other substances such as common kitchen products and liquids, preventing contamination and facilitating the cleaning process.
This material is impact resistant and does not go through chipping and cracking when dealing with heavy objects. This allows the countertop to look great while maintaining its original design and attractive value for many years. Another important aspect of its durability is related to its cleaning properties. There is no growth and spread of bacteria or mould which makes this type of material an excellent choice for food preparation areas. This feature is useful in home and commercial kitchens where cleanliness is important.
One of the main advantages associated with the durability of sintered stone is long-term use. Sintered stone does not break down easily or quickly — which helps home owners save money on repairs and replacements in the long run. In addition, due to its abrasion resistance, it can withstand abrasive cleaning agents. All in all, the durability of these stone tiles offers many advantages that show strength and low maintenance to create a high quality surface for any kitchen area.
Sintered Stone #2: Ease In Maintenance
The most popular feature of sintered stone countertops is that they require very little maintenance, making them perfect for busy families or commercial kitchens. The main advantage of sintered stone is that it is non-porous, which means that water, oil and other contaminants do not penetrate the stone. This long-lasting stone can handle kitchen messes including spills from wine, coffee and acids which can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Unlike natural stone surfaces that require sealing throughout the process to maintain the appearance of the stone, sintered stone retains its original appearance with minimal maintenance. It resists scratches and heat and ensures that the surface is free from stains. These features mean that no additional equipment, special cleaning processes or protective equipment is required. Second, sintered stone is non-porous — preventing the growth of bacteria and mould; therefore, creating a germ-free kitchen environment. This makes it perfect for food preparation and surfaces where cleanliness is important.
It also eliminates the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools needed with other countertop equipment. The combination of ease of cleaning, resistance to common kitchen accidents and durability make sintered stone an excellent choice and solution that saves home owners time and effort. Its ability to combine beauty and function is the main reason for its popularity.
Disadvantages
Sintered Stone #1: Difficulty In Repairs
One of the obvious drawbacks of sintered stone is that they are difficult to repair. Although it is known for its superior strength and durability, that same strength and durability makes repairing any damage a particular challenge. Compared to materials such as laminate or hardwood floors which can be easily patched or polished, sintered stone is much more difficult to repair if there are chips or cracks. In such cases, it requires a professional to get the task sorted. This not only makes repair work a little complicated, but also increases the costs associated with the process.
In addition, more intense damages or unrepairable issues may require replacing the entire table. The difficulty and expense of stone restoration deters many homeowners from installing sintered stone. Also, it is not always easy to find an experienced and well-trained personnel to prepare this countertop to its best when compared to materials of a more simplistic nature. On the downside, sintered stone can be expensive when it comes to repairs and replacement work as it is a more difficult stone to deal with — which may also be a reason some home owners tend to stay away from using this material.
Sintered Stone #2: Costing And Price Point
One of the biggest disadvantages of sintered stone countertops is the high cost. It is very expensive compared to other popular materials, for example, wood, laminate as well as other types of natural stone. The high cost comes from different parts that go into the development and creation of the product. This process not only guarantees the durability and integrity of the material but also requires special equipment and technology, which increases the cost of production. In addition, finished countertops may come with a difficult installation process – requiring professional designers trained to handle weight and strength.
The heavy nature of these countertops requires proper care and handling in installation to prevent damage and increase costs. Also, special equipment and procedures in the installation process can increase the cost. While the long-term benefits of energy efficiency and low maintenance appeal to many, the initial cost can be daunting. For budget-conscious home owners, the high cost of sintered stone countertops may be a main reason that they turn to other types of material that are cheaper and more affordable.
So, while there are many benefits that can come with carved stone, home owners investing in high budgets must have many benefits.
