Debunking Sintered Stone Hype

If you’re aiming for a truly luxurious look and feel, here’s why other materials might serve you better.

Modern black kitchen featuring a grey sintered stone backsplash, illustrating the material’s flat, consistent pattern compared to natural stone

Sintered Stone is not a “NEW” material

Sintered stone has actually been around for more than a decade — long before it became the latest buzz in home design. Known for being durable, heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant, it’s also UV- and weatherproof, which makes it great for both indoor and outdoor use. You’ll often see it in kitchens, bathroom walls, floor cladding, and even exterior façades.

It’s affordable, beautiful, and incredibly versatile. So why does it suddenly feel like everyone in Singapore is talking about it now?

Mostly because of social media — homeowners sharing their own renovation journeys — and the rise of more budget-friendly versions from different origins now available through suppliers and contractors.

It’s nice to see more people appreciating good materials, but as always, the key is knowing what you’re really getting — not just what’s trending.

Tough, but not Indestructible.

Close-up images of chipped sintered stone surfaces, showing how the material can be prone to edge damage even from light impact such as a ceramic mug.

While sintered stone is indeed a great material, as professional interior designers, we always assess whether it truly suits each client’s needs and lifestyle.

Despite its durability, sintered stone can be quite prone to chipping — especially around edges or heavy-use areas. That’s why we usually propose it only for low-use spaces or as a decorative feature, such as an island or pantry countertop, where it can shine without taking daily wear and tear.

Sintered Stone is not the Expensive Choice

Contemporary kitchen featuring a sintered stone backsplash and countertop, offering a clean marble-like finish behind a SMEG stove

What you read online might not always paint the full picture. It’s fun and inspiring to see homeowners share their renovation journeys, but remember — most of these stories come from a personal, not professional, point of view.

As designers, our proposals come from experience and a deeper understanding of how different materials perform in real homes. While homeowners often make choices based on personal satisfaction, we look deeper — considering practicality, longevity, and the origin of each material. After all, where a material comes from often determines its core composition, quality, and how well it will hold up over time.

For instance, sintered stone might seem like the most expensive choice in a modest $30K renovation — but with a larger budget, there are higher-quality materials that can offer even better long-term durability and finish.

So What Are my Options?

images showing sintered stone, quartz, & granite couple abode offers for table top quality material

Assuming you’re looking for a durable material with a luxurious look — can you tell the difference?

$$$ Premium Quartz = Sintered Stone

Contemporary kitchen with dark wood cabinetry and warm lighting, highlighting how natural textures offer richer depth compared to sintered stone.

Premium Quartz

A no‑maintenance choice — a simple, luxurious countertop that complements most design styles. It’s always part of our first-choice proposals

-Stain Resistant

-Scratch Resistant

-Heat Resistant

-Extremely Durable

-15mm & 20mm thick

Modern kitchen with a marble-look sintered stone countertop and backsplash, paired with wood cabinetry and black-framed glass display shelves.

Sintered Stone

An affordable and beautiful material that requires gentle care. We usually propose it to clients who want something eye-catching while staying within budget.

-Stain Resistant

-Scratch Resistant

-Heat Resistant

-UV Resistant

-Durable

-15mm & 20mm thick

$$$$

An Upgrade

Living and study area separated by a stone-look partition, illustrating the contrast between natural stone variation and the uniform appearance of sintered stone.

Natural Stone: Granite/ Quartzite

A quality upgrade in both look and material — extremely luxurious and beautiful. We usually propose it to clients with sophisticated taste who are willing to invest more for exceptional quality.

-Stain Resistant

-Scratch Resistant

-Heat Resistant

-Highly Durable

-15mm & 20mm thick

$$

A Practical Choice

Minimalist kitchen using light wood cabinetry and cream countertops, demonstrating a softer alternative to sintered stone surfaces.

Standard Quartz

A maintenance-free option on par with premium quartz — fuss-free and simple. We usually propose it to clients who want a clean, minimalist look.

-Stain Resistant

-Scratch Resistant

-Heat Resistant

-Extremely Durable

-15mm & 20mm thick

Which one is the best?

Aside from the materials we’ve mentioned above, there are also options like compact surface, terrazzo, stainless steel, wooden countertops, and solid surface. These are materials we usually propose for special cases — when a client is going for a particular look or has specific functional needs.

Modern dining area featuring a terrazzo-look tabletop commonly mistaken for sintered stone, showing how alternative materials can create a warmer, more natural aesthetic

There’s really no single “best” material that suits everyone. The wide variety of choices exists to meet different lifestyles and design demands. With professional guidance, we can help you find the one that best fits your home and the way you live.

Looking for professional interior designer for your home renovation?

Hit Contact Us to arrange for an appointment

Next
Next

RED FLAGS When Choosing An Interior Designer– From a Designer’s Perspective