Why scratch-resistant benchtops matter

In kitchen renovations, choosing a benchtop material is not just a matter of aesthetics. Renovators need to make sure the kitchen benchtop is also able to withstand the abrasive chaos of daily life without sacrificing the visual appeal of stone-inspired beauty.

Preparing meals, cooking, entertaining, and even working from home are activities that take place mostly in the kitchen, subjecting kitchen benchtops to a lot of physical challenges, from the accidental slip of a serrated knife to the sliding of heavy pots and pans.

This is one of the many reasons why sintered stone has gained momentum across residential, commercial and architectural spaces in recent years.

Offering an exceptional alternative to quartz benchtops, Smartstone launched the Sintered Collection, a range of scratch-resistant sintered stone surfaces that perfectly replicate the natural beauty of stone and, at the same time, deliver the durability required in high-traffic home environments.

The secret to Smartstone surface resilience lies in an advanced technology called ‘sintering,’ which essentially mimics the Earth’s metamorphic rock formation in a matter of hours. In this extreme process, raw minerals are bound through intense heat and immense pressure, eliminating all internal pores or air pockets and bonding the minerals tightly into an ultra-dense, rock-hard surface without resin or other binding agents.

Scoring between 6-8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (10 being the hardest, i.e. diamond), Smartstone sintered stone is harder than typical metals, glass, and even natural granites. While granite benchtops compare in hardness, sintered stone benchtops are easier to maintain and do not require regular resealing.

Due to its hardness, a sintered stone countertop is virtually impossible to scratch with keys, kitchen utensils, and common household tools. Not bound by resin or plastic, a sintered stone benchtop does not contain soft synthetic fillers that can be easily scratched by sharp edges. Theoretically, vegetables can be chopped directly on the benchtop without leaving a mark, but knife blades might dull from the impact against such a rigid sintered surface.

While dropping a heavy object could still cause a chip (law of physics still applies), everyday friction that typically scratches a benchtop over time is not a concern.

Smartstone sintered stone benchtop’s high resistance to scratches, stains and heat offer longevity, which means homeowners can avoid the costly and disruptive process of sanding, resealing, or replacing benchtops every few years.

Opting for a scratch-resistant surface for the kitchen also means effortless living because of its durability and low-maintenance. Smartstone sintered stone benchtops don't require special cleaners or frequent professional maintenance, eliminate the need for harsh chemical repairs, and reduce the environmental impact associated with short-lived building materials.