Porcelain and Sintered Stone slabs look almost the same at first glance and hence invite a lot of confusion. In this article, we will clarify the distinction between these materials in detail.
You may have come across these two materials while perusing the local home improvement store or design showroom. If so, you may have been curious about the distinctions between Porcelain Vs Sintered Stone since both of them seem remarkably similar.
Porcelain tiles and sintered stone are both durable and versatile materials frequently employed for countertops, wall cladding, flooring, and other applications.
Nevertheless, there are several significant distinctions between the two materials.
Porcelain Slab
Porcelain slabs are a synthetic substance composed of feldspar, clay, and silica. Porcelain is regarded as a highly durable and resilient material due to its composition, which surpasses that of numerous comparable countertop materials. Porcelain is exceedingly durable and strong.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is a synthetic surfacing material that is wholly composed of minerals and is produced through the application of heat.
In contrast to engineered stone countertops or quartz countertops, which employ polymers as binders, sintered stone does not require binders.
The minerals fuse, forming their binder, as the materials are heated to a high temperature and pressed. The kitchen and lavatory countertops are constructed from sintered stone. Sintered stone is comparable to quartz, granite, and porcelain countertop materials in appearance and texture.
How is Sintered Stone not Porcelain Stone?
Clay and minerals in porcelain along with mixers and polymers produce a dense, nonporous surface under compression, yes – but on the other hand, sintered stone is generated by compressing and sintering a blend of natural minerals and pigments at elevated temperatures and pressures. This process produces a material that is more resistant to heat, discolouration, and scratches than porcelain and is even more challenging.
Why are Porcelain and Sintered stones often mistaken to be the same?
Both materials are experiencing an increase in popularity within the kitchen countertop market. Additionally, a visual examination of these materials may lead one to the conclusion that they are identical.
However, upon detailed examination of the specifics of each, it is evident that there are several distinctions between them.
Some other points of similarities between Porcelain and Sintered stone includes:
- Both have a durability range between 6 to 8 as per the Mohr’s Hardness Scale
- Both have an almost similar level of porosity
- Since the porosity levels of Porcelain and Sintered Stone are almost similar, they require an equivalent amount of upkeep.
- Both have almost similar visual aesthetics, and can mimic various surfaces like natural stone, wood.
Nevertheless, compact sintered materials are a newer next generation of engineered materials that are expected to experience significant growth in the future due to their distinctive properties.
Differences Between Porcelain Vs Sintered Stone
| Aspect | Porcelain Stone | Sintered Stone |
| Raw Materials | Made from clay, silica, feldspar, and flint. | Made from stone dust, talc, minerals, and pigments. |
| Manufacturing Process | Uses high-temperature firing (over 1,200°C) with conventional presses or molds. | Produced with innovative technology, with not only high temperatures but also high pressures. |
| Cost | More affordable, suitable for budget-conscious projects. | Higher cost due to intricate manufacturing and enhanced properties. |
| Durability | Durable, resistant to abrasion and water; less resilient to temperature fluctuations. | Extremely durable, resistant to heat, scratches, stains, UV rays, and discolouration. |
| Lifespan | Can last for many years with proper maintenance but has a slightly shorter lifespan. | Can last up to 25 years or more with minimal maintenance. |
| Upkeep | Does not require occasional sealing to prevent moisture; easy to clean with mild cleaners. | Requires no sealing; soap and water are sufficient for cleaning. |
| Hardness | Hard but not as much as sintered stone | Hard, Lightweight and consistently reliable in durability. |
| Weight | Heavier, especially in denser versions, which can affect transport and installation. | Lighter, making installation and handling easier. |
| Porousness | Nonporous, does not absorb liquids. | More Nonporous, |
| Application | Commonly used for flooring, kitchen, and bathroom surfaces. arely for countertops | Used for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, facades, and furniture. |
| Appearance | Offers diverse colours, patterns, and designs; can replicate natural materials. | Offers a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes; replicates wood, concrete, and more. |
Raw Materials
One of the distinctions between porcelain and sintered stone is that they originate from distinct base materials. Clay, silica, feldspar, and flint are the basic materials utilised in porcelain production.
Conversely, sintered stone employs materials like stone dust, talc, minerals and pigments. While sintered stone may share some similarities with porcelain, it also possesses much better properties.
Manufacturing Process
Both sintered stones and porcelain tiles undergo a high-temperature firing procedure exceeding 1,200°C to achieve complete vitrification, resulting in a compact product that is exceptionally dense and high-strength.
However, in reality, sintered stones are produced without the use of a conventional press or mould. Innovative technology is employed to manufacture these stones, which can be produced in various sizes and thicknesses. The process also incorporates the powder-forming phase and subsequent digital printing.
Cost
Sintered stone is typically more costly than porcelain as a result of the intricate process it undergoes and the improved properties it possesses. Ultimately, the initial higher investment is more than justified by this product’s durability, heat and abrasion resistance, stain resistance, and low maintenance requirements.
Porcelain is priced more reasonably, making it more appealing for budget-conscious projects. Porcelains’ robustness and diversity for many residential and commercial applications balance affordability and performance.
Durability
Sintered stone is exceedingly durable. It is appropriate for interior and exterior applications due to its ability to withstand heat, scratches, stains, and UV rays. It is nonporous, meaning it does not absorb liquids, enhancing its resistance to discolouration and hygienic properties.
Porcelain slabs are also highly durable and can withstand abrasion and water. However, they are less resilient than sintered stone.
Lifespan
Compared to other materials, sintered stone countertops typically have a longer lifecycle, often lasting for several decades with proper maintenance. Your sintered stone countertop is a long-term investment for your home, which is anticipated to last approximately 25 years.
Although they are also durable, porcelain countertops may have a slightly reduced lifespan. Nevertheless, porcelain tiles can continue to offer dependable service for an extended period with the implementation of appropriate maintenance.
Hardness
Sintered Stone is a lightweight option for various applications, as it is typically available in larger and thinner slabs. Porcelain is also available in various thicknesses, including denser options for heavy-duty applications and a wide range of other applications. In terms of durability, sintered stone is consistently the most reliable.
Comparison of Weight
Handling a sintered stone is typically a more straightforward installation because it is lighter than porcelain. The transportation and installation of porcelain can be influenced by its weight, mainly in denser versions.
Porousness
Porcelain and sintered stone are both nonporous. The materials in both sintered stone and porcelain are produced without defects through sintering. Thus, these substances are incapable of absorbing liquid. The liquid remains on the surface and does not penetrate the stone.
Application
Due to its durability and adaptability, sintered stone is frequently employed for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, exterior facades, and furniture.
Porcelain tiles are commonly used for flooring in residential and commercial spaces and bathroom and kitchen surfaces due to their durability and water resistance.
Appearance
Various colours, patterns, and finishes are available in sintered stones. It can replicate the appearance of wood, concrete, metal, and other materials in addition to natural stone. Porcelain tiles are available in diverse colours, patterns, and designs. They can replicate various natural materials and provide multiple design options.
Pros and Cons: Porcelain Vs Sintered Stone
Porcelain
Pros:
- They have outstanding resistance to physical impact and chemical components
- They are non-porous (no requirement for sealing)
- They are available in wide range of designs
- They have several alternatives for thickness
- They are simple to maintain
Cons
- They might be expensive
- They are available in limited colour options
- They cannot accommodate bevelled, rounded, or intricate edgework
Read more about porcelain stones!
Sintered Stone
Pros
- They necessitate minimal upkeep.
- They are exceedingly resilient.
- They are available in unique designs
- They are environmentally friendly.
Cons
- They are difficult to repair
- They have limited availability
- They might be costly
Porcelain Vs Sintered Stone: Which to Choose?
Sintered stone is the superior option for applications that prioritise durability, stain resistance, and strength. Porcelain tile is an excellent option for applications in which cost is a significant factor, as it strikes a balance between affordability and efficacy.
Sintered stone should be the preferred options for applications such as countertops, high traffic floorings whereas porcelain is good for everything else, like flooring tiles, wall cladding and so on.
Finally, the appropriate material depends on your project’s specific requirements and priorities.
Feel free to get in touch for a free consultation, quote, and get a detailed understanding from our experts here at Petros®. Visit https://petrosstone.com/ or call +91-8446360361 and WhatsApp
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