Pros and Cons of Dining Table Materials: Singapore Edition

Singapore's steamy climate and non-stop lifestyle call for a dining table that can withstand it all. From bustling family dinners to late-night gatherings, your tabletop needs to be both beautiful and built to last. Natural stones like marble offer timeless elegance, but can they handle the humidity? Engineered alternatives promise durability, but do they compromise on style? To help you understand the pros and cons of dining table materials, it is important to do a bit of homework before you buy. 

To narrow it down to the right choice for your home and unique style, you will want to understand the full spectrum of advantages and disadvantages of popular tabletop materials. From timeless marble to new stone alternative table tables, this is your full expert rundown.

Here is your complete guide to choosing the right dining table for you.   

How To Choose the Perfect Dining Table

Just getting started shopping for the perfect dining table? To help you be strategic in your shopping, let’s begin the exploration by taking a look at some of the key questions that you may want to ask yourself when choosing the right dining table set for your home.

Dining Table Materials: What to Ask Before You Buy

It is all too easy to get caught up in the allure of a beautiful table and make a decision before you really consider all of the factors. To prevent buyer’s remorse before it happens, you will want to take a look at these key questions that will guide your decision process.

• What look and feel do you want? Do you want a warm and classic luxury dining table set? Modern and sleek Italian stone dining table? Light and airy white stone dining set? Marble luxury dining table?

• How important is durability? Do you need a table that can handle spills and heavy use or do you want a more delicate aesthetic? Can you avoid staining a marble dining table or are you better off with a durable sintered stone top dining table?

• Are you able to maintain your table? Are you ready to commit to the regular maintenance required for a natural marble dining table or are you better off with a low-maintenance alternative?

• What is your budget? Buying a luxury dining table in Singapore can leave you with sticker shock if you aren’t prepared and shopping smart.

• Do you have kids or pets at home? A natural stone dining table is more delicate than a sintered stone dining table set so it’s important to consider the likelihood of breaks and spills.

• Do you like to host parties? A sintered stone extendable dining table offers an optimal blend of form and function, while a round marble dining table is a smart pick if you’re looking for a table for a small space.

• Do you need a multi-tasking dining room? While a marble dining table is a gorgeous pick, an extendable sintered stone dining table offers a versatile and durable option.

• Is your space feeling a little cramped? A round dining table is a great way to maximise every bit of space.

While you might not have the answer to every question, it is a good idea to note the questions that stand out to you so you can pinpoint the key aspects that are important to you. These questions of style and durability will go a long way in guiding your search.

Exploring Options for Your Dining Table: Luxury Edition

When it comes to stone dining tables, you will find that there is a wide array of options out there. If you’ve been shopping for a stone-finished dining table, you’ve probably already seen the dizzying selection of quartz stone dining tables, marble sets, granite tables, and sintered stone dining tables. With all of those options, how do you choose what is best for you?

To help you choose a luxury dining table that’s perfect for your life, let’s run through some of the most frequently asked questions about dining table stone options.

Can marble be used for a dining table?

Absolutely! Marble's durability makes it a good dining table material, as long as you take proper care of it. Using coasters, and placemats, and cleaning up spills promptly are key to maintaining its beauty.

Is marble a good surface for a dining table?

With a luxurious feel and timeless beauty, marble can be a stunning and elegant choice for a dining table table material. It is naturally heat-resistant and durable so it won’t be damaged by hot dishes or steaming cups. On top of that, every piece of marble has a unique pattern that will add a one-of-a-kind touch to your dining space.

What are the disadvantages of a marble table?

While marble is gorgeous, there are some downsides to consider:

• Porosity: Marble is a porous stone. That means that it can absorb liquids and stain if not sealed. If you are going to eat or drink around marble, regular sealing is a must.

• Scratching and Etching: Marble will scratch and etch more easily than other dining table stone options. Using coasters and placemats is a must every single day.

• Maintenance: Regular cleaning with gentle products and resealing are necessary to keep your marble table looking its best.

How often do you need to reseal a marble table?

Generally speaking, you need to seal your marble table every three to six weeks. If your table is used frequently for meals or often sees spills, you should consider resealing it every two to three months for optimal protection. If it’s a formal dining room table that doesn’t get a lot of use, resealing every four to six months might be enough. 

Is marble a good stone dining table in Singapore?

While marble can be a lovely choice for a dining table, Singapore’s hot and humid climate presents some challenges. It’s important to be aware that frequent temperature changes (like turning the aircon on and off) can cause the marble to expand and contract slightly. This is likely to lead to cracks over time. On top of that, a marble table is porous which means it can absorb moisture from the air, which increases the risk of staining if spills aren't cleaned promptly. 

What is a sintered table?

A sintered stone table is a dining table crafted from a manufactured material called sintered stone. This material is created by taking natural minerals and pigments, crushing them, and then putting them under intense pressure and high temperatures. Just like we find when diamonds are made through pressure and high temps, this process fuses the minerals together into a dense and incredibly strong solid material.

So, why do people love sintered stone tables so much? Here’s a look at their advantages: 

• Durability: Sintered stone is ultra-hard and resistant to scratches, chips, and heat. This makes it a perfect choice for busy households in Singapore, where we love hot meals on even the hottest days.
  
  
• Non-Porous: Unlike marble, which is porous and can absorb liquids, sintered stone is non-porous. This means spills won't stain the surface so it’s much easier to maintain and ideal for Singapore's humid climate where spills and splashes might dry slower.
  
  
• Heat Resistant: The high temperatures used in the manufacturing process make sintered stone highly resistant to heat. You won't have to worry about placing hot dishes directly on the surface, unlike some other materials that might crack or scorch.
  
  
• Aesthetic Appeal: Sintered stone comes in a wide variety of styles and colours which means that you can find a table that perfectly complements your dining room decor. It can mimic the look of natural stone like marble or granite but with the added benefits of enhanced durability and easier maintenance.
  

Overall, sintered stone tables offer a dream combination of beauty, strength, and practicality, making them a great choice for Singaporean families who are looking for a stylish and low-maintenance dining solution.

Is sintered stone better than marble?

Sintered stone can be a better choice for dining tables in Singapore compared to marble, especially considering the climate. Here's why:

• Singapore's Heat: The hot and humid climate can cause thermal stress on marble. This means rapid temperature changes (like setting down a hot dish) can cause the marble to expand and contract slightly. Over time, this can lead to cracks in the stone. Sintered stone, however, is engineered to withstand high temperatures and is less prone to thermal stress, which makes it a more durable stone dining table for Singapore's climate.
  
  
• Moisture Absorption: Marble is porous and can absorb moisture from the air. Singapore's high humidity can exacerbate this process and increase the risk of staining if spills aren't cleaned up immediately. Sintered stone, on the other hand, is non-porous, meaning it won't absorb moisture or stain easily, making it much more forgiving for occasional spills.
  
  

Overall, sintered stone offers a higher level of resilience to the specific challenges of Singapore's climate while still offering a beautiful and luxurious aesthetic for your dining room.

Does sintered stone break easily?

Sintered stone is known for its exceptional durability, so breaking easily is not a typical concern. There are a few things to keep in mind, however, including the following: 

• Highly resistant: The manufacturing process, which uses intense pressure and high temperatures, creates a very dense and strong material. This makes sintered stone resistant to scratches, chips, and even major bumps and thuds in the shipping process.

• Thinner slabs might be more susceptible: While it’s generally very strong, thinner sintered stone tabletops might be more vulnerable to breakage under extreme force. While typical everyday use shouldn't be a concern, letting kids stand on the table or putting ultra-heavy boxes on the edges can create too much pressure. 

• Proper handling is key: As with any material, proper handling during transport and installation is crucial to avoid any potential damage.

Overall, sintered stone is an excellent choice for a dining table thanks to its impressive resistance to breaking. If you're concerned about heavy use or have a very thin tabletop, consider adding a table protector for added peace of mind. 

Is sintered stone good for a dining table?

Forget chipping plates or worrying about stains! Sintered stone dining tables are champions of durability and ideal for Singapore's climate. This manufactured material is exceptionally strong and built to last, unlike marble which can crack under Singapore's sometimes intense weather. 

Shopping for Sintered Stone Dining Tables

Cearra Round Dining Table

Looking for a touch of sophistication in a small dining area? The Cearra Round Dining Table crafted from sintered stone offers a winning combination of style and functionality. Unlike traditional round tables that can feel bulky, the smooth sintered stone surface gives you a clean and contemporary aesthetic. 

Best of all, round tables create that sense of connection and conversation that makes it ideal for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your dining room. Sintered stone also comes in a range of colours and patterns so you can personalise your table and create a look that reflects your unique style. 

You can also gain some styling tips for your dining table by viewing this article.

Candida Extendable Dining Table

Looking for an adaptable table that can handle it all? The Candida Extendable Sintered Stone Dining Table offers both stunning design and practical functionality. Unlike traditional, bulky extending tables, the Candida has a sleek and contemporary design, thanks to the state-of-the-art sintered stone technology. This innovative material gives you a slimmer profile while maintaining exceptional strength. 

The smooth, non-porous surface of this expendable sintered stone is available in a variety of colours and patterns so you can find the perfect match to complement your existing decor and create a striking centrepiece in your dining room. Plus, the extendable functionality adds adaptability, so you can comfortably host both intimate gatherings and larger dinner parties.

Ambrossio Dining Table

Craving a dining table that seamlessly blends elegance with practicality? Look no further than the Ambrossio Sintered Stone Dining Table. Sintered stone offers the captivating aesthetics of natural stone, which mimics the luxury look of marble or granite. Best of all, unlike its natural counterparts, sintered stone comes in a much wider variety of styles and colours. This gives you the chance to find a table that perfectly complements your existing décor, whether it’s a sleek and modern look or a more classic and timeless feel. 

Pros and Cons of Dining Table Materials: Final Thoughts 

For all of the demands of life in Singapore, it is essential to choose a dining table that can keep up! While marble offers timeless beauty, sintered stone reigns supreme. Sintered stone's durability conquers scratches, stains, and heat. Best of all, it shrugs off humidity, making it ideal for Singapore's climate. 

Want to enjoy the look of natural stone with lower maintenance? Casa Concetto is a furniture store in Singapore. For the perfect blend of style and practicality for busy families, explore our full collection of dining tables in Singapore.