Move Over Granite and Marble
– Sintered Stone’s Popularity Soars
Next Generation Surface Technology Continues To Disrupt The Architectural Surface Material Marketplace
—By Diana Mosher &
Charlé-John Cafiero
a
Granite has had a long run as the go-to countertop for architectural surface material in new construction and remodels. It’s hard to imagine that before the late 1980s this extremely durable natural stone was only available in very limited quantity. Subsequently, granite and marble were a niche market due to higher price points and was actually considered impractical by installers. But all that changed when new technology came on the scene enabling computer cutting making granite easier to work with. Computer-controlled saws simplified fabrication because they make precise cuts, like openings for a sink more easily. And, now today’s technology goes a step further with the latest options in Sintered Stone.
Technology allowed the granite craze and popularity of this natural stone for more than 30 years. Certainly stimulated by an endless supply of architectural surface material from Brazil, Italy, Portugal, China, and India.
But even with so many choices, not everyone has fallen in love with granite as their architectural surface material of choice. Some homeowners, designers, architects, and builders have stuck with marble to achieve their vision of an ultra-luxe interior. Like granite, marble is also very strong, however, it stains easier.
Latest Technology in the World of Architectural Surfacing
Italy’s famed Carrara marble, for example–a stunning natural stone, but it must be sealed and maintained with a quality sealer regularly. Also, it requires special cleaning products. Even with these precautions, the porosity of Carrara marble makes it prone to etching, staining and chipping. In fact, homeowners can expect to see changes to the marble as soon as the first spill happens. On the other hand, some people are ok with that–the charm is in the patina.
For instance, some marble lovers–especially those with a house full of kids or other high wear situations have already switched over. For example, to high-performance quartz surfaces like Porcelanosa’s Kala-White polished porcelain. (pictured below) In the same vein Corian, Caesarstone and other man-made engineered stone also showing popularity. However, it’s formed by combining natural and synthetic materials. Ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) is mixed with resins, polymers, and pigments. In short, the result, a very hard granite-like surface.
a
a
“Sintered stone selections have a similar appearance to natural stone but unaffected by UV rays, nonporous and maintenance-free.” Kelmendi states.
Certainly the most exciting new technological breakthrough in architectural surface material is Sintered Stone. Cosentino, Neolith and Lapitec lead the top known producers of Sintered Stone–a non-porous, stain-resistant slab or tile. In short, it’s achieved by using a manufacturing process that creates a natural stone from mineral, metal, and ceramic powders. Stone and other natural materials are ground to a powder and subjected to extreme heat and pressure. This enables a range of appearances, colors, and textures that look just like natural stone or wood-grain. Most importantly, uniformly finished panel attributes create a UV ray resistant and maintenance-free material. LAPITEC available exclusively from ABC Stone and NEOLITH available exclusively from HG Stones in NYC Tri-state Metropolitan area.
a
a
Recapturing the Beauty & Look of Natural Stone
Sintered stone does an excellent job reproducing the look of marble but with superior hardness, durability, and easy cleanability. Sintered Stone panels, typically available in large-format sizes and various thicknesses require less labor and shorter installation times. In addition, more easily installed using known site cutting and handling techniques for large-format tile. Further, coupled with common thinset application processes from reputable manufactures like Laticrete you’re able to create a modern design look.a
“Manufacturers like Porcelanosa, Neolith, Cosentino & Lapitec lead the industry in developing the next generation of architectural surface material.” states Gurri President Sami Kelmendi
Moreover, the new thin, large slabs dramatically create unlimited design solutions for kitchens, bathrooms and room decor. Now, architects and designers no longer restricted to small-format tiles. For example, large panels/slabs produce fewer joints, create a more unified, spacious design while also creating a dramatic focal point. Sintered Stone is a completely green product, because of the lack of any petroleum-based substances. And, unlike much natural stone material including granite, sintered stone does not release radon gas.
Technology & Stone – Creating More Architectural Surface Material Choices
Tile and stone trends continually evolve. New technology and improved manufacturing methods ensure unlimited options–buy overwhelming to find the perfect material. And, with technology influencing the manufacturing of these new surface materials, it’s important to use experienced fabricators and installers.
a
“….it’s important to use experienced fabricators and installers with knowledge of the installation for these new architectural Surface materials.” Kelmendi states
Gurri Stone Installers & Contractors, a one-stop-shop for architectural surface material, interior décor selection, fabrication, edging, and final installation. Whether natural stone–marble, granite, engineered or sintered stone.
The Gurri team walks you through the unlimited options for that WOW countertop, backsplash, floor, wall décor, fireplace, or tile installation. Whether the design vision requires a sleek, cutting-edge kitchen or a traditional bathroom. Certainly you will enjoy a seamless workflow using the natural, engineered or sintered stone best suited for that space.a
“….A One-Stop-Shop From Material Selection, To Fabrication, To Installation”
Visit the Gurri Stone Installers & Contractors website here:
GurriInstallation.com
For a FREE consultation contact Gurri here: