Sintered Stone vs Quartz: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing the perfect surface for kitchens, bathrooms, or commercial projects, two of the most popular options in South Africa are Quartz and Sintered Stone.

Both are beautiful, durable, and versatile — but they’re not the same.

Knowing the differences can help architects, designers, and homeowners make the best decision for their projects.

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made from 93% natural quartz crystals, combined with resins and pigments. The result is a strong, non-porous slab that mimics the beauty of natural stone while offering enhanced durability.

• Key Benefits of Quartz:

  • Non-porous: Resistant to stains and bacteria

  • Wide colour range: From marble-inspired veining to modern solids

  • Low maintenance: Easy to clean, no sealing required

  • Suitable for: Countertops, vanities, and splashbacks

GRigio Venato Quartz

What is Sintered Stone?

Sintered stone is a next-generation surface created by replicating the natural process of stone formation. Raw materials like minerals, and clays are exposed to extreme heat and pressure, creating an ultra-compact surface with no resins or polymers.

• Key Benefits of Sintered Stone:

  • Heat resistant: Withstands hot pots and pans

  • UV resistant: Perfect for outdoor and indoor use

  • Scratch and water resistant: Highly durable in high-traffic areas

  • Large-format: Ideal for wall cladding, flooring, and furniture

  • Eco-friendly: 100% natural and recyclable

The Key Differences

Feature	Quartz	Sintered Stone
Composition	93% natural quartz + resins & pigments	100% natural minerals (no resins)
Heat Resistance	High, but not extreme	Ultra-high, handles direct heat
UV Resistance	Limited (can fade outdoors)	Excellent, suitable for outdoor use
Thickness Options	Standard slab sizes	Available in ultra-thin large formats
Applications	Countertops, vanities, splashbacks (Indoor)	Countertops, floors, walls, furniture, external façades (Indoor & outdoor)

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Quartz if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, luxurious surface for countertops or vanities that won’t stain or scratch easily.

• Choose Sintered Stone if your project needs heat, UV, and scratch resistance — especially for outdoor kitchens, wall cladding, flooring, or high-traffic commercial spaces.

  
  

The ProQuartz Advantage

At ProQuartz | House of Brands, you can find the best of both worlds:

• ProQuartz Premier Quartz Surfaces and SIGMAquartz for timeless, durable quartz slabs.

• EstrellaSA Sintered Stone for cutting-edge designs that bring versatility indoors and outdoors.

Visit your nearest ProQuartz showroom in Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, or George to explore our collections and see the difference for yourself.