Whether you are looking to completely remodel an existing kitchen or are just replacing your countertops, Silestone can be an excellent choice. While Silestone has been on the market for over 20 years, it's within the last six years that it has increased in popularity as an alternative for kitchen countertop surfaces.
In this article, we're going to review seven points to consider when looking at Silestone as a countertop material.
1. Silestone is Primarily Quartz
Silestone is actually made of 94% quartz and bonded with resins and other adhesives which makes it an incredibly hard and durable surface. Silestone is scratch resistant, and has a very high resistance to stains and dents.
2. It's Stain Resistant
Because Silestone is non-porous and dense, it doesn't absorb liquids and does not require sealing like natural stone surfaces such as granite. With Silestone, there's no need to worry about permanent staining from liquids like coffee, wine, oils or other liquids frequently used in the kitchen. If you're a cook, this could be a big plus!
3. Silestone is Available in a Wide Variety of Colors
Color matching with your new or existing cabinetry or flooring is no problem as Silestone is available in an array of styles, colors and patterns that are uniform throughout unlike natural stone. Silestone is a kitchen decorator's dream material because it can compliment almost any style of kitchen. This is one of the reasons why using Silestone quartz countertops in the kitchen has become one of the fastest growing trends in kitchen décor.
4. Easy to Maintain
Ease of maintenance is another reason Silestone is starting to surpass other countertop materials. Unlike other popular countertop materials like granite, Silestone doesn't need to be sealed or resealed, and unlike Corian, will never need to be re-sanded because of cuts or nicks.
Also, because Silestone is primarily Quartz and naturally provides a glossy sheen, it won't need frequent polishing.
5. Extremely Durable
Silestone is quartz so its ability to resist scratches is superb. There are only a few natural materials that are harder and tougher than quartz, so if durability is a top priority, Silestone is an excellent choice.
Silestone is what the industry refers to as "almost" scorch resistant, so caution should be used when putting hot pots and pans on them. It is always prudent to use either a potholder or trivet to protect them from burns.
6. Silestone is a Versatile Material
Silestone is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces including tabletops, floors, vanities, walls or even fireplace surrounds.
7. How Much Does It Cost?
Having your kitchen countertops done in Silestone can run you anywhere from $50 to $100 per square foot. Price may vary depending on the season (prices may drop during the fall and winter), thickness and quality grade. It's important to note that this price does not include installation.
Wrapping It Up
Silestone really does offer a simple beauty and elegance to any kitchen. As you've just read, there are many benefits to using this material which includes a 10 year warranty guarantee. They may cost a little more up front, but in the long run Silestone counter tops are well worth the investment.
To learn more about the pros and cons of Silestone Countertops click here.
This article was written by Bryan Sebring of Sebring Services, located in Naperville, Illinois. He is passionate about educating homeowners, from design ideas to hiring contractors, his goal is to help in the process of remodeling homes.
New Life Bath & Kitchen is a kitchen and bathroom remodeling company that serves California's Central Coast.