Sintered Stone FAQ

Expert answers to common questions about ultra-thin sintered stone — for builders, architects, designers, and distributors.

What thicknesses do you offer?

Wharton produces ultra-thin sintered stone in three thicknesses: 3mm, 6mm, and 12mm. The 3mm panels are ideal for furniture, door cladding, and lightweight facades. The 6mm is the most popular for residential wall cladding and countertops. The 12mm is used for commercial flooring and heavy-duty kitchen countertops.

Are your products certified?

Yes. All Wharton sintered stone panels are CE certified to EN 14411:2016 standards. We also carry ANSI testing reports for the US market. Our factory is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Test reports and certificates are available upon request.

What is the fire rating?

Wharton sintered stone is A1 fire rated according to EN 13501-1, the highest possible classification. The material is non-combustible, produces zero smoke, and contributes no flame spread. This makes it ideal for high-rise facades and commercial interior applications.

What is the weight per square meter?

At 3mm thickness, our panels weigh approximately 7 kg/m². At 6mm, they weigh about 14 kg/m². At 12mm, they weigh about 28 kg/m². Compare this to natural granite at 28 kg/m² and quartz at 23 kg/m² — our 3mm panels are 75% lighter than natural stone.

What panel sizes are available?

Standard panel format is 1,000×3,000mm. We also offer 1,200×2,700mm, 1,600×3,200mm, and custom sizes for projects exceeding 500 m². Bookmatch (AB) panels are available in 1,000×3,000mm format with mirrored patterns.

What is the minimum order quantity?

For standard colors and finishes in stock, MOQ is one 20-foot container (approximately 800-1,000 m² depending on thickness). For custom colors or finishes, MOQ is 500 m². Sample orders have no minimum.

What is the lead time?

For standard products, lead time is 15-20 days from order confirmation to FOB loading. For custom orders, lead time is 25-35 days. We maintain inventory of popular colors for faster delivery.

Do you offer free samples?

Yes. We provide complimentary sample boxes (typically 100×100mm or 200×200mm pieces) for qualified projects. Samples are shipped via DHL or FedEx within 48 hours of request. To request samples, email apple@whartonceramics.com with your project details.

Where is your factory located?

Our 60,000 m² production facility is located in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China — the heart of the country's ceramic manufacturing industry. We are approximately 2 hours by high-speed train from Guangzhou and 1 hour from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Do you handle shipping worldwide?

Yes. We ship to over 60 countries across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. We offer FOB, CIF, and CFR terms. Major export ports include Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.

What is the price range?

Wholesale pricing ranges from USD 22-38 per square meter depending on thickness, finish, and order volume. For exact pricing, please email apple@whartonceramics.com with your project specifications. We provide detailed quotations within 24 hours.

Can panels be used for exterior facades?

Yes. Our 3mm and 6mm panels are engineered for exterior facade applications, including ventilated rain-screen systems. They meet EN 14617 (impact resistance), EN 13501-1 (fire), and ASTM E330 (wind load) standards. Facade systems must be installed by certified contractors using approved subframe systems.

Are your products UV resistant?

Yes. Wharton sintered stone contains zero resin and uses mineral-based pigments that do not fade under UV exposure. We offer a 5-year warranty against color fading for exterior applications.

What is the water absorption rate?

Our sintered stone has a water absorption rate of less than 0.1%, making it virtually waterproof. This eliminates concerns about efflorescence, biological growth, or freeze-thaw damage. The material is suitable for swimming pool surrounds, bathrooms, and exterior facades in any climate.

Do you offer custom colors?

Yes. For orders exceeding 500 m², we can develop custom colors and finishes. The development process takes 4-6 weeks and includes sample approval. Common custom requests include brand-specific colors for hotel chains, developer projects, and corporate interiors.

Have a question we missed?

Email us at apple@whartonceramics.com or call +86 139 2313 0743. We typically respond within 12 hours.

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