Each type of stone has its own unique composition, structure, and characteristics. You can refer to the comparison table below to choose the type of stone that best suits your needs.
Criteria | Solid Surface | Quartz (Engineered Quartz) | Sintered Stone |
---|---|---|---|
Main composition | Mineral powder (Aluminium Trihydrate – ATH) + acrylic or polyester resin + pigments | 90–95% quartz powder + 5–10% resin + additives | Natural minerals (quartz, feldspar, silica, metal oxides) – no resin |
Structure | Homogeneous, solid, non-porous material; color & pattern run throughout; thermoformable | Bound with resin; color & pattern either on the surface or throughout in engineered form | Pressed and fired at high temperatures, simulating natural stone structure; extremely dense |
Hardness | Medium (good impact resistance but prone to scratches) | High, good scratch resistance | Very high, almost scratch-proof |
Heat resistance | Medium (withstands ~100–120°C; needs a pad for hot pots) | Fairly high (~150–200°C) but resin may still be damaged | Very high (>500°C); unaffected by cooking heat |
UV resistance | Poor (fades easily outdoors) | Not recommended for outdoor use | Excellent UV resistance, colorfast outdoors |
Water resistance & hygiene | Non-porous, easy to clean, good antibacterial properties | Non-porous, good antibacterial properties | Non-porous, antibacterial, stain-resistant |
Fabrication | Easy to thermoform and shape; seamless joints | Can be cut and polished but not thermoformed | Cut like natural stone; not thermoformable; requires specialized machinery |
Color & pattern | Very diverse, can create special effects | Diverse, beautiful natural stone veining | Diverse, simulating marble, cement, metal, basalt, etc. |
Common applications | Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, reception desks, interior décor | Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall cladding, staircases | Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, flooring, walls, exterior façades |
Price range | Low – medium | Medium – high | High (but gradually decreasing in Asia) |
Strengths | Easy to shape and fabricate, seamless joints, cost-effective | Hard, durable, attractive, low maintenance | Extremely durable, heat-resistant, scratch & UV-resistant, safe for health |
Weaknesses | Prone to scratches, low heat resistance, unsuitable for outdoor use | High free-silica content – risk of silicosis during fabrication | Difficult to fabricate, high initial cost, requires skilled labor |