In a showroom, quartz and sintered stone can look almost identical. Both are smooth, and many products have a marble-like pattern. The main difference is their composition, which affects how each material is used, fabricated and cared for. This guide compares the two for kitchen countertops, islands, bathrooms, walls and outdoor areas.
Composition
Quartz is a mix of stone chips, resin and pigment. It is also known as engineered stone. (independent testing)
Sintered stone is made from mineral powders that are pressed and fired, with no resin. (contractor guide; manufacturer technical manual)
Each product's performance depends on its composition, manufacturing process, thickness and specification. Check the specification of the product you choose, not just the material category.
What they have in common: low water absorption
- Quartz: according to independent testing, quartz does not need sealing.
- Quartz: water absorption of ≤0.05% for some products. (manufacturer claim)
- Sintered stone: water absorption of 0.1% for some products. (manufacturer claim)
At a glance
| Topic | Quartz | Sintered stone |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Stone chips, resin and pigment | Mineral powders, pressed and fired, no resin |
| Heat | Use a trivet (manufacturer guidance) | Use a trivet (manufacturer guidance) |
| Outdoor / UV | Not suitable for outdoor use or UV-exposed areas (manufacturer guidance) | Some products are marketed as UV resistant (manufacturer claim) |
| Edges | Both can chip at the edges. Rounded edges help. | |
| Pattern | Depends on the product: printed or full-body | |
| Fabrication | More fabricators can work with it | Needs specialised tooling |
Heat
Quartz: manufacturer guidance advises against placing hot pots directly on the surface, because sudden temperature changes can cause discolouration or cracking. Use a trivet. (manufacturer guidance)
Sintered stone: manufacturer guidance also recommends a trivet, to avoid sudden temperature changes. (manufacturer guidance)
Outdoor use and sunlight
Quartz: manufacturer guidance states that quartz is not suitable for outdoor use or areas exposed to UV. (manufacturer guidance)
Sintered stone: some sintered stone products are marketed as UV resistant. (manufacturer claim)
Edges, radii and patterns
Both materials can chip at the edges, and rounded edges help. Edge radii and the corner radii of cut-outs (sink and hob openings) should follow the manufacturer's specification. Each manufacturer sets its own values. (manufacturer guidance for quartz and sintered stone)
Both materials come in printed versions (pattern on the top layer) and full-body versions (pattern through the thickness). On a printed slab, a bevel or cut edge can expose the base colour. For a waterfall or mitred edge, ask to see a cut edge sample.
Fabrication
Quartz: more fabricators can work with it.
Sintered stone: needs specialised tooling.
For either material, make sure the fabricator has the tooling and experience for the product you choose. (contractor guide)
Choosing by use
These are considerations, not fixed answers.
- Wet and dry kitchens: both can be used. Use a trivet and choose rounded edges.
- Islands: for a waterfall or mitred edge, check whether the slab is full-body.
- Bathroom vanities: both can be used. For quartz, avoid toilet bowl cleaners and drain cleaners. (manufacturer guidance)
- Outdoor or UV-exposed areas: quartz is not suitable (manufacturer guidance). Some sintered stone products are marketed as UV resistant (manufacturer claim).
- Walls and cladding: quartz is for interior walls only (manufacturer guidance). Sintered stone is available as large panels (supplier guide).
Price
Prices vary by product and scope of work. In general, sintered stone usually starts at a higher price than quartz, but the price ranges overlap. The price depends on the product and its thickness. (independent testing and cost guides)
A clear quotation should state:
- Brand and model
- Thickness
- Printed or full-body
- Price unit: per linear foot (ft run) or per square foot (sq ft)
- Cut-outs, upstands and hoisting
- Supply and installation
Ask your supplier to confirm the slab size that will be used, and the surface finish.
Get a written quotation before you pay a deposit.
Safety: silica dust and fabrication workers
Silica dust from cutting and grinding is a risk to fabrication workers. Fine dust can cause silicosis, a serious lung disease. The fabricator should cut wet, together with dust extraction. (Australian work health and safety regulator)
According to Australia's work health and safety regulator, evidence so far indicates that installed engineered stone (quartz) does not pose a risk unless it is cut or polished.
Some sintered stone products can also contain silica. (manufacturer claim)
Australia banned certain engineered stone products from 1 July 2024, with exemptions. The ban applies in Australia.
Check before the slab is cut
- Joint layout drawing
- Cut edge sample
- Warranty scope
Sources
- Manufacturer technical manuals and care guides for quartz and sintered stone
- Independent testing
- Independent cost guides
- Australian work health and safety guidance
- Contractor, supplier and fabricator guides