The Popular Countertop Material You Can Use For A Beautiful Low-Maintenance Patio

If you're looking to redo your existing patio or perhaps put in an entirely new one, your first port of call is probably not the kitchen section of your local home renovation store. However, there is actually a clever material hiding among the marble and quartz countertops that can make for an amazing patio material. Have you ever heard of sintered stone? It is a clever substance typically used in kitchens and made by pressing various natural minerals together under extreme heat and pressure. The result is an incredibly durable, visually appealing surface that resembles marble and is great for both indoor and outdoor use.

There are multiple reasons sintered stone could be a wonderful, trendy idea for designing your perfect patio. One key advantage of this material is its lack of porosity. This means that liquid and other materials are less able to seep into the stone, resulting in a whole range of benefits including easy cleaning, stain resistance, and a waterproof surface. In fact, it has been used in flooring and even swimming pools because of its ability to keep liquid from soaking into it. In addition, because of how it is made, sintered stone is durable and does not scratch as easily as some other common materials. This means that it can work as a wonderful patio surface because of its ability to stand up against everything from rain and snow to drink spills, scraping furniture, and everyday use. So, might sintered stone be the perfect patio idea that can revamp your space and make it even more practical?

If you've been convinced by the benefits of this unique material, there are some practical considerations and a few drawbacks you may want to consider before diving into installation. The primary — and potentially the most compelling — concerns regarding sintered stone are its cost and availability. It is less well-known and therefore harder to find, and it also tends to be more expensive than other options. Sintered stone can often cost between $60 and $200 per square foot, and while this price may be easier to manage when installing a small countertop, that number can add up quickly when installing an entire patio.

However, if you are willing to face the upfront cost, sintered stone is known for having a long lifespan, as well as being stain resistant and impressively durable. This can, as a result, save you money in the long run on various repairs and cleaning supplies. While the material can be prone to some cracking around the edges, this should be less of an issue when it is used for a patio as the corners generally get less wear and tear than on a countertop. However, if you are thinking about opting for a tiled version — such as these square sintered stone tiles from Lakiq — the possibility of chipped edges is important to consider. But if you are careful to follow the tips for keeping sintered stone looking good, you can take advantage of this eye-catching, faux-marble look to create your own lasting backyard oasis.