Silestone Vs. Granite Countertops
Basics About Silestone Countertops
Silestone is commonly found in today's modern kitchens, bathrooms and bar areas. It is made of non-porous materials and sometimes a layer of 'Microban' protection, a trademarked material that prevents germs and bacteria from collecting on the surface. Silestone countertops are made with quartz, a textured and sturdy natural material that can be found in a range of colors. They are usually homogenous in pattern and coloring, and speckled with both large and small grains of quartz.
Silestone countertops are naturally stronger than granite versions, and are very simple to install. They are less likely to chip or crack over time, and the quartz construction offers a naturally scratch-resistant surface. These countertops also do not need to be sealed, and will rarely need to be replaced. Since they have a smooth and protective surface, all it takes is a simple household cleaner to remove stains and dirt.
Basics About Granite Countertops
Granite countertops offer a more traditional option for kitchen and home design. Granite has been used throughout history in buildings and monuments, and countertops made with granite are resistant to heat, stains, and scratching. Granite is made of natural stone in a variety of colors and stone styles. Scratches can be easily removed, and the all-natural look can complement any earth tones and elements in the room.
Granite countertops are highly durable and stain resistant. It's easy to match the variety of color options with décor and furnishings already installed within the room. While they may not be as easy to clean as silestone, they are still easy to maintain.
Silestone vs. Granite: How to Choose
If you're looking for a very natural kitchen or bathroom countertop, granite will be your best choice. Granite countertops will last a relatively long time without absorbing scratches and dents, and the natural stone colors and textures can stay in line with modern home trends. Professional installation is the best option to avoid breaking and cracking, and most builders will be able to complete installation within a few hours.
A quartz silestone countertop is ideal for the modern kitchen, offering a contemporary look and structure with attractive marble-like details. You will need a contractor to install silestone countertops due to the risk of damage during self-installation. Most contractors also offer limited warranties on silestone countertops, so it may be helpful to research a variety of brands.
Choosing the right look for your kitchen or bathroom can be challenging, but starting with the focal point can help you create the room of your dreams. Countertops need to be scratch-resistant and sturdy to maintain a fresh look year after year. Both silestone and granite countertops offer several advantages over classic materials, and you can make the right choice by reviewing colors, texture, stain-resistant abilities and installation options.
Published by Sabah Karimi - Featured Contributor in Beauty and Travel
Sabah Karimi is a Featured Contributor in Beauty, Travel, and Lifestyle. She writes beauty, style, luxury travel, fitness, wellness, food and wine, and personal finance content for several Y! channels. She i... View profile
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7 Comments
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Well quartz is okay, but granite still better and beatifull material to your brand new countertops. Granite countertops may be cheaper also! at this http://www.innovatestones.com you can find nice prices and also http://www.tsstone.com
I hope this helps!
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I work at a granite shop, and I will tell you this, only certain granites need a sealer. Most have an epoxy resin surface that is entirely resistant to stains. just to prove it i poured oil on a scrap of Uba Tuba( through our supplier) and let it set for 24 hours. After a good cleaning it showed no change. You have to be clear, and say that your stone is messed up, not all granite.
Wow, I was at home Depot yesterday and looked behind the $59.00 a square foot sign on the Silestone slab (located just outside the front door). I noticed that the area located behind the sign had a big change in the color from the area that was exposed to direct sunlight. So, I went in and asked for a copy of the warranty ,they didn't have one, so I researched the net for a copy. I recommend this site http://www.supremesurface.com/engineered/engineeredstone.html I read the warranty and wow was I surprised. That color change should be expected, UV rays will fade quartz countertops and someone actually wrote on the face of the stone and they can't remove the STAIN!!!!!!!
I had a Silestone countertop installed in Florida and loved it. It is virtually maintenance free. We moved and bought a one-year old house with granite countertops. We immediately noticed that the granite appeared darker near the kitchen sink where, apparently, the previous owner drained their dishes. We also noticed hard water stains elsehwere, that are set in and impossible (so far despite great effort) to remove.
Granite needs to be sealed! Silestone does not. Silestone contains Microban, an antimicrobial, which prevents bacterial growth. Granite does not. Granite needs special cleaners, while Silestone can be cleaned with regular household cleaners. Silestone is now available in over 50 colors/patterns. Why would there be any debate.
Trust me. I've had both granite and silestone, and I wish I had my silestone back!
Concerns about germs, mold, bacteria and other toxins absorbing into granite? Granite Shield can protect surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms, making them ultra hygienic and free of bacteria, mold, viruses, and other toxins. With the Granite Shield sealing process your granite will be smoother, shinier and maintenance free. The revolutionary sealing process makes your kitchens and bathrooms look better than new and vibrant for the life of the countertop. Granite Shield's sealing process is easy to apply to an existing countertop and safe for humans and pets. The average kitchen countertop takes 1 to 2 hours and is ready to use immediately. Your granite countertop will be super hydrophobic, stain proof and preventing liquids, germs, bacteria and other toxins from getting into your granite. With granite sealed by a Granite Shield authorized applicator or granite by Granite Shield Countertops your granite will be safe and not harbor bacteria. Granite Shield has less then a 1% failure rate w