A Simple Guide to Stone, Porcelain and Solid Surface
There are so many surface materials available now that it can be hard to know what the difference actually is between natural stone, porcelain, sintered stone and solid surface.
They can often look quite similar, but they are made differently and suit different applications.
Here is a simple breakdown of the main options we commonly use in interiors.
Natural Stone
Natural stone includes materials such as marble, granite, quartzite, limestone and travertine.
Because it is quarried, every slab is different. This is usually the main reason people choose it.
Natural stone is commonly used for:
Kitchen benchtops
Bathroom vanities
Reception counters
Feature walls
Fireplace surrounds
Retail counters
Furniture
Marble is generally softer and more prone to staining and etching, while granite and quartzite are usually more durable.
Natural stone slabs vary in size, but are commonly around 2400 to 3200 mm long.
Typical thicknesses are 20 mm and 30 mm.
Large Format Porcelain
Large format porcelain is basically an oversized porcelain tile or slab.
It is a great option when you want the look of stone with fewer joints and less maintenance.
Common uses include:
Bathroom walls
Shower walls
Floors
Splashbacks
Vanity tops
Reception counters
Joinery cladding
Fireplace surrounds
Typical slab sizes can range from around 1200 x 2400 mm up to 1600 x 3200 mm.
Thicknesses usually range from around 6 mm to 20 mm depending on the product and application.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is a manufactured mineral surface made using high pressure and heat.
It is dense, low maintenance and generally performs well in areas exposed to heat, stains and heavy use.
It is commonly used for:
Kitchen benchtops
Reception desks
Retail counters
Bathroom vanities
Splashbacks
Wall cladding
Outdoor kitchens
Typical slab sizes are often around 3000 to 3300 mm long, with thicknesses commonly ranging from 6 mm to 20 mm.
There is quite a bit of crossover between porcelain and sintered stone, so I normally look more closely at the actual product specifications rather than the name alone.
Solid Surface
Solid surface is different again.
It is a manufactured material that can be joined and sanded so the joins are almost invisible.
It can also be formed into curves, which makes it useful for more custom joinery.
Common uses include:
Reception counters
Medical and healthcare fitouts
Bathroom vanities
Retail counters
Integrated sinks
Curved joinery
Solid surface sheets are generally much thinner than stone and are built up during fabrication to create the required thickness.
Common Edge Profiles
The edge profile can completely change how a benchtop or counter looks.
Square Edge
Simple and modern.
Most common for a laminate benchtop as square edge for stone can chip easily.
Arris Edge
An arris edge is a square edge with the sharp corners lightly eased or chamfered.
It keeps the clean look of a square edge while reducing the risk of chipping and making the edge less sharp to touch.
Commonly used on:
Stone benchtops
Porcelain slabs
Sintered stone
Vanities
Reception counters
Pencil Round
A slightly rounded edge that softens the front without making it look overly curved.
Bullnose
A much more rounded edge.
Usually more traditional in appearance. A radius dimension is usually required for the stonemason.
Mitred Edge
One of the most common details we use.
Two pieces are mitred together so a 12 mm or 20 mm slab can look much thicker.
This is often used on:
Kitchen islands
Reception counters
Waterfall ends
Bathroom vanities
Statement areas
Shark Nose
The underside tapers back so the front edge looks much thinner.
This works well where you want a very clean and minimal look.
Fluted or Detailed Edge
Stone can also be machined into ribbed, fluted or curved profiles.
This is becoming more common on feature counters, vanities and kitchen islands. The most expensive edge profile for stone because the individual pieces need to be faceted and it is time consuming. Not suitable for porcelain that is not full bodied.
Typical Thicknesses
As a general guide:
12 mm
Often used for thinner porcelain or sintered stone benchtops.
20 mm
Very common for natural stone and manufactured slabs.
30 mm
Creates a thicker and heavier appearance. A mitred apron to achieve this thickness is usually required
40 mm and above
Usually created using a mitred or built up edge rather than using one solid slab.
Which One Should You Choose?
There is no single best material.
Natural stone is great when you want genuine variation and character. (Usually for a home or a high-end fitout reception/lobby area)
Porcelain is ideal for large areas with fewer joints and easy maintenance. (Most popular/common)
Sintered stone works well for durable benchtops and commercial counters.
Solid surface is a good option when you want seamless joins, curves or integrated sinks. (Also ideal for medical fitouts as it is nonporous and very durable over time. Can be easily repaired).
The main thing is to look at the material as part of the whole design, including the slab size, joins, thickness, edge detail and how it will actually be used.
At Edit Interiors, we consider all of these details as part of the design and documentation process so the material not only looks good, but also works properly once it is fabricated and installed.
Need help choosing the right surface for your project? Get in touch with Edit Interiors to discuss material options, finishes and detailing for your space.
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