Countertop Showdown
Quartz vs. Sintered Stone
Choosing a surface is about more than just looks. Both are tough, non-porous, and modern, but they behave very differently under stress. Use this interactive guide to understand the key differences in Composition, Heat, Durability, and Application.
Performance Overview
A high-level comparison of physical properties. Notice the trade-off between Heat Resistance and Impact Durability.
Scale: 1 (Poor) to 10 (Excellent)
1 Composition & Resin
Contains resin binders (yellow) which provide flexibility but lower heat tolerance.
Fused under extreme heat/pressure (Sintering). No resins used.
2 Where can I install it?
The Heat Test
Quartz contains resin, which scorches around 150°F—300°F (65°C—150°C). Sintered stone is fired at over 2000°F (1100°C) during manufacturing.
Drag the slider to increase the temperature of a hot pot placed on the surface.
Requires Trivet
Heat Proof
Durability & Impact
Sintered Stone is harder (Mohs 7+), but Quartz has higher "flexural strength" due to resins, making it less likely to chip at the edges on heavy impact.
Quartz
High impact resistance. Better for high-traffic edge safety.
Sintered Stone
Extreme scratch resistance, but harder materials can be more brittle.
Cost & Installation
Sintered Stone requires specialized diamond tools and expert handling, increasing total project costs.