FAQ's

Sintered stone is a synthetic surfacing material made from 100% natural minerals. Unlike engineered stones like quartz, which use resins as binders, sintered stone is created through a process called sintering. This involves fusing minerals together under extreme heat and pressure, resulting in a dense, durable, and non-porous material.

Sintered stone is versatile and can be used for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and outdoor applications. It mimics the look of natural stone but offers enhanced durability and performance.

The manufacturing process of sintered stone involves several steps:

1. Material Selection: High-quality minerals and stone particles are carefully chosen for their texture, color, and quality.
2. Grinding: The selected materials are ground into a fine powder.
3. Compaction: The powder is compacted under immense pressure (up to 27,000 tonnes) using a hydraulic press.
4. Sintering: The compacted material is baked at temperatures between 1,200ºC and 1,400ºC, fusing the particles together permanently.

This process mimics the natural formation of stone but occurs in a fraction of the time, resulting in a material that is both strong and sustainable.

Sintered stone offers a wide range of advantages, making it a top choice for designers and homeowners:

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Durability and Strength

• Resistant to scratches, chips, and impacts.
• Can withstand extreme temperatures, making it heat-resistant.
• UV-resistant, ensuring it won’t fade or degrade in sunlight.

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Low Maintenance

• Non-porous surface prevents staining and bacterial growth.
• Easy to clean with just soap and water.
• Does not require sealing or special maintenance.

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Aesthetic Versatility

• Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes.
• Can mimic the look of natural stone like marble or granite.
• Through-body design ensures consistent patterns even when cut.

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Eco-Friendly

• Made from 100% natural materials, often including recycled minerals.
• Fully recyclable and sustainable.
• No resins or synthetic binders are used in production.

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Multi-Purpose Use

• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
• Ideal for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, fireplaces, and more.
• Resistant to weather, chemicals, and wear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.

While both sintered stone and quartz are popular choices for countertops, there are some notable differences:

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Similarities

• Both are durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain.
• Available in a wide range of colors and designs.
• Resistant to scratches and stains.

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Differences

• Composition: Sintered stone is made entirely of natural minerals, while quartz contains around 90% quartz and 10% resins.
• Heat Resistance: Sintered stone is heat-resistant, whereas quartz can scorch or discolor under high temperatures.
• Outdoor Use: Sintered stone is UV-resistant and suitable for outdoor applications, while quartz is not recommended for outdoor use.
• Environmental Impact: Sintered stone is more eco-friendly due to its lack of resins and use of recycled materials.

Absolutely! Sintered stone is UV-resistant and weatherproof, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens, patios, and pool areas.

Standard thicknesses include 12mm, 20mm, and 30mm for countertops, while thinner options (3mmm, 4mm, 6mm, or 8mm) are available for flooring and cladding - depending on the brand you select.

Yes, sintered stone is made from natural and often recycled materials. It is fully recyclable and contains no harmful resins or chemicals.

Granite is a natural igneous rock formed deep within the Earth’s crust from the slow cooling and solidification of magma. Composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica, granite is renowned for its strength, heat resistance, and unique aesthetic. Each slab of granite is one-of-a-kind, with variations in colour and pattern due to its mineral composition.

Granite is often referred to as a “full-bodied” material, meaning its patterns run throughout the slab and are visible at the edges. This distinguishes it from materials like porcelain or ceramic, which have surface-only designs.

Granite worktops are a popular choice for several reasons:

1. Durability: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. With proper care, it can last a lifetime.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: Its natural beauty and unique patterns add a touch of elegance to any space.
3. Eco-Friendly: Granite is a sustainable material, requiring no additional resources to create. It’s also free from harmful chemicals and toxins.
4. Value Addition: Granite worktops can enhance the value of your home, with kitchen renovations potentially increasing property value by up to 5.5%.

Compac stands out for its superior quality, durability.

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Granite vs. Marble

• Durability: Granite is harder and more resistant to scratches and stains than marble.
• Maintenance: Marble is more porous and prone to staining, especially from acidic substances like wine or lemon juice. Granite, when sealed, is more resilient.
• Appearance: Marble features soft veining, while granite has a speckled or freckled appearance.
• Applications: Granite is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, while marble is better suited for low-traffic spaces like bathrooms.

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Granite vs. Quartz

• Composition: Granite is a natural stone, while quartz is engineered from natural quartz minerals and resins.
• Maintenance: Quartz is non-porous and requires no sealing, whereas granite needs periodic sealing.
• Heat Resistance: Granite is more heat-resistant, making it better suited for placing hot pans directly on the surface.
• Aesthetics: Granite offers unique natural patterns, while quartz provides a more uniform appearance.

Granite’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of kitchen styles:

• Modern: Pair cool grey granite with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances for a sleek, contemporary look.
• Classic: Combine black granite with white shaker cabinets and wooden floors for a timeless design.
• Warm and Inviting: Use warm white granite with off-white cabinets for a cosy, relaxed feel.
• Country Style: Opt for neutral tones, shaker cabinets, and white granite with gold accents for a modern farmhouse aesthetic.

Granite is one of the easiest worktop materials to maintain:

• Cleaning: Use warm soapy water or a granite-specific cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals like vinegar or bleach, which can damage the sealant.
• Sealing: Granite should be sealed every 1-3 years to maintain its stain resistance.
• Stain Removal: For stubborn stains, create a poultice using baking soda and water (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains).

Please visit our maintenance page for more information.

Granite worktops require professional installation due to their weight and the precision needed for cutting and fitting. The cost varies depending on the type of granite, the complexity of the installation, and the size of your project.

Yes, granite can withstand high temperatures, making it safe to place hot pans directly on the surface. However, using trivets is recommended to protect the sealant.

While granite is highly durable, extreme impacts or improper installation can cause cracks. Proper support and care are essential.

With proper care, granite worktops can last for decades, often outliving the kitchen units they are installed on.

Granite is a natural material, and its environmental impact depends on quarrying practices. Choosing a supplier that follows sustainable methods can minimise its footprint.

Yes, granite is suitable for outdoor use due to its resistance to weathering and UV.

Marble worktops are versatile and can serve multiple purposes. They provide a durable and elegant surface for food preparation, an easy-to-clean area for serving drinks, a stylish edge for seating areas, or a decorative focal point in kitchens and bathrooms.

With an average lifespan of around 10 years, marble worktops are highly durable, and with proper care, they can maintain their beauty for many years. Their natural resistance to scratches makes them one of the most resilient options available.

While marble looks stunning in kitchens, it is prone to staining if not sealed properly. However, in bathrooms, it performs exceptionally well due to its durability and luxurious appearance.

Selecting the right worktop involves considering the features that matter most to you. Once you’ve identified your needs, choosing the right type of marble is key.

For kitchens, wenge or buff-coloured marble complements various styles, from traditional to contemporary. These shades blend well with most designs, adding a touch of sophistication.

In bathrooms, lighter, more neutral-toned marble works best, creating a seamless and elegant aesthetic. However, if you prefer bolder colours, marble is still a great option, as it is available in a wide range of shades to suit any interior.

Marble, like all natural stones, requires proper care to retain its beauty. Fortunately, maintaining it is relatively simple. Here’s how to keep your marble worktops in top condition:

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1. Remove Tough Stains

If stains appear, avoid harsh scrubbing. Instead, use a nylon-blend scrubbing pad with an S-shaped blade, applying gentle pressure to prevent scratches. After treating the stain, clean the surface with mild detergent and water, then dry it with a soft cloth.

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2. Keep It Clean

Marble is naturally porous and can absorb bacteria, particularly in kitchen settings. Clean it regularly with a mild detergent and water solution to prevent contamination and maintain hygiene.

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3. Seal the Surface

Sealing marble worktops helps protect against stains, scratches, and moisture. Choose a transparent, low- or no-odour sealant for the best results. This barrier keeps contaminants out while preserving the stone’s natural beauty.

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4. Check for Damage

Regularly inspect your worktops for any signs of damage, especially in high-use areas like kitchens. Promptly addressing any issues ensures the longevity of your marble surfaces.

By following these simple maintenance steps, your marble worktops will stay in excellent condition for years to come.