Sintered Stone Frequently Asked
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General
Cleaning
What is sintered stone?
Sintered stone is a man made surface created by compressing natural minerals under extreme heat and pressure.
This process replicates how natural stone forms in the earth but does it in hours instead of thousands of years.
The result is a dense, durable, non porous surface designed for modern kitchens and architectural use.
How is sintered stone different from natural stone or porcelain?
Natural stone is quarried in slabs and varies in colour and pattern.
Sintered stone is engineered for consistency and strength, combining the look of natural stone with modern performance.
Porcelain is similar but usually more brittle and created using a different production process not as advanced as sintering.
Sintered stone is stronger and more resistant to impact, stains, and heat. It gives the beauty of marble or granite without the maintenance or unpredictable veining of natural materials.
Is sintered stone the same as engineered stone or quartz?
No. Sintered stone is made using heat and pressure only, while engineered
(mineral) stone uses resins and glass.
Sintered stone is excluded from Australia's engineered stone ban because it contains no resin binder, not because it is silica-free. Like natural
stone, it does contain crystalline silica, so licensed fabricators wet-cut with
dust extraction in line with Safe Work Australia guidance.
It performs well outdoors,
resists UV damage, and doesn't yellow over time, offering excellent durability
with the beauty of natural stone
Why is sintered stone becoming so popular in Australian kitchens?
Australian homeowners and architects are choosing sintered stone for its mix of beauty and performance. It handles heat, sunlight, and spills without damage.
Perfect for any kitchens or outdoor living space, even in direct sunlight.
Designers love it because it looks like marble but needs no sealing or ongoing maintenance.
Builders like it for its consistency and safety.
Its sustainable composition also fits Australia’s growing focus on eco friendly materials and healthier homes.
Does sintered stone need sealing like natural stone?
No. Sintered stone never needs sealing. Its non-porous surface naturally resists liquids, stains, and bacteria.
Unlike marble or granite, it won’t absorb spills or change colour over time.
This means no ongoing maintenance costs and less worry about water or oil marks in high-use areas. Just install it once and enjoy years of easy care.
Is sintered stone heat, stain, and scratch resistant?
Yes. Sintered stone withstands high temperatures, knife scratches, and common household stains.
Hot pans, coffee spills, or oil won’t leave marks when used correctly.
Its dense, non-porous surface stops liquids from soaking in, so stains wipe away easily.
This durability makes it ideal for kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, and bathroom vanities where strength and low maintenance matter most.
Is Sintered Stone banned in Australia?
No. Sintered stone is not affected by Australia's 2024 engineered stone ban.
The ban applies to resin-bound engineered stone. Sintered stone contains no
resin binders, so it is excluded.
It is not silica-free — like natural stone it contains crystalline silica
— so the standard silica-dust controls still apply when it is cut or polished
during fabrication.
Does sintered stone fade in sunlight or high UV exposure?
No. Sintered stone is UV resistant, so colour and pattern stay true over time even in full sun.
It’s ideal for bright kitchens, alfresco areas, and facades. Where other materials may discolour or warp, sintered stone stays consistent.
Its advanced production process locks in pigments and pattern so the surface looks new for years without fading or yellowing.
Where can I use Sintered Stone?
Sintered stone is truly one of the most versatile surfaces on the planet. There are very few places that you can not use it.
Indoors or out, our sintered stone range is perfect for any space or design you can imagine.
- Kitchen benchtops
- Outdoor BBQ surrounds
- Sun exposed areas
- Splashbacks
- Flooring
- Wall lining
- Commercial & retail
- Fireplaces
- External building cladding
- Bathrooms
- Laundry
- + a WHOLE lot more
Thanks to advanced production technology, sintered stone is a surface that no other materials will go.
What is sintered stone made from?
Sintered stone is made from natural mineral raw materials fused under
extreme heat and pressure, with no resin binders.
The raw materials include:
- Ball clay
- Kaolin
- Talc
- Feldspar and other fluxes
- Natural mineral pigments
There are no resins or
chemical binders of the kind used in new mineral (Glass based) surfaces
Can I put hot pots on sintered stone
Yes. Sintered stone is fired at very high temperatures during manufacture
and is highly heat resistant, so hot pots and pans can be placed directly on
the surface.
Note: for added protection against thermal shock and to protect the finish we still recommend using a trivet or board for very hot cookware.
Is sintered stone resistant to mould, bacteria, and spills?
Yes. Sintered stone is resistant to mould, bacteria and spills.
Because it is non porous, mould and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface. Spills stay on top and are easy to wipe away, making it a hygienic choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Does sintered stone stain?
No. This is due to its non-porous surface, which means stains and liquids will not penetrate the surface to cause stains.
Can I use sintered stone outdoors?
Yes. Sintered stone can be used outdoor in direct sunlight.
Sintered stone is ideal for outdoor use. It is UV stable, heat resistant, moisture resistant, and built to handle temperature changes, making it perfect for outdoor kitchens and alfresco areas.
How do you clean and maintain sintered stone surfaces?
Cleaning sintered stone is simple. Use warm water and a mild detergent with a soft cloth.
For tougher stains, a gentle surface cleaner works well. Avoid abrasive pads or strong chemicals, they’re unnecessary.
Because the surface is non-porous, bacteria and dirt can’t penetrate, keeping your benchtop safe and hygienic with minimal effort.