The Architect's Guide to Specifying Sintered Stone

Specifying sintered stone for the first time can feel like navigating an unfamiliar material library. The range of formats, thicknesses, and finishes is broad — and the performance implications of each choice are significant.

Thickness is the first decision. For wall cladding and decorative applications, 9mm offers a weight-to-rigidity ratio that simplifies installation. For countertops and high-traffic horizontal surfaces, 12mm or 15mm provides structural depth to resist point loads and thermal shock.

Finish affects both aesthetics and slip resistance. Polished finishes maximise veining reflectivity and suit wall applications. Honed and silk finishes increase tactile warmth — better suited to floors, outdoor terraces, and bathroom wetrooms.

Format drives visual continuity. Large-format slabs (1600×3200mm) minimise grout lines and allow bookmatching across adjacent panels.