Elegance and durability – these are the main reasons why quartz has always been a top choice for well-off households over the years. However, nowadays, it is not only the wealthy who opt for quartz in their homes, but more households have also decided to invest in them. Additionally, in the world of countertops, aside from quartz, another buzz term we often hear is “Silestone”. Silestone has also been a preferred countertop in homes due to the uniqueness of its designs as well as the quality of its material.
So, Silestone vs quartz – what is the difference between the two? The answer to this is simple. The difference between Silestone and quartz countertops is… nothing! In fact, Silestone is only one of the leading brands of countertops and uses quartz as its natural stone material. On the other hand, quartz is generally the natural stone that is used in many different brands.
If you are someone who has quite a knack for vibrant colors and a bold artistic taste, Silestone quartz may be the one for you. A flagship quartz brand of the Italian natural stone company, Cosentino, Silestone’s main differentiator among its competitors is the bright, solid colors that it exhibits. This material is created from natural quartz crystals and is usually used for countertops, sinks, walls, and countless other applications for your home and kitchen. Bold colors, such as bright oranges, blues, greens, and reds, can only be found in this brand; other companies are more focused on classical tastes.
Normally, Silestone and quartz cost may differ from each other to an extent because of the mentioned Silestone characteristic that is unique to this brand. Aside from the colors that it prides itself in, the Silestone quartz looks similar to granite and marble, but has a more bright glimmer to quartz crystals. It also has protection from bacteria growth, color agents, and polyester resin. The latter is exactly what binds the quartz crystals together in one solid structure.
Silestone is definitely not just any regular quartz countertop, it is so much more than that. So we take back what we previously said. The difference between Silestone and quartz is that Silestone gives your countertop surface, and most importantly, your home, some extra life and energy. The Silestone is also known for its low need for maintenance, despite the luxurious vibe that it creates.
Silestone quartz has been chosen by many homeowners for a number of reasons. Indeed, with the various beneficial qualities that it possesses, you can’t blame them for doing so. It can add a unique touch to the style of many kitchen designs, no matter how big or small the space is. Countertop surface, sink, flooring, and walls can be improved visually by adding the Silestone quartz.
Aside from adding aesthetic value to homes, it is also the kind of material that you can rely on for years. So, it’s time to get to know this quartz better.
Its high level of hardness is the reason why quartz is used to fabricate countertops. In the process that it is made, only the most solid minerals are retained, and the soft ones and other impurities are disposed of. In fact, the Moh’s scale (used to measure hardness) places quartz in the seventh rank, just following granite at sixth. This means that quartz is harder than granite.
Silestone quartz is virtually non-porous, meaning it has a very low rate of absorption. With only a 0.5% absorption rate, Silestone quartz is easy to maintain and will not easily be damaged by liquids. They also do not have to be routinely sealed unlike other countertops made of different materials.
Silestone quartz has many different options in styles, finishes, and designs. The wide array of shades varies from cream to white and from light gray to blue. It can even be yellow, pink, or brown; the variety of this durable material is truly remarkable. As popular trends and styles change, the popular Silestone colors are always changing as well, independently of what color of the stone is quarried the most.
Silestone quartz also has a huge variety of patterns and styles like no other natural stone can offer. Among them are plain, veined, fine grain, and coarse grain. The additional color option can also be chosen for gray and white color families, resulting in a unique, one-of-a-kind product. It’s a true go-to option for kitchens and bathrooms, as it can accentuate almost any style. This is why Silestone quartz is one of the most rapidly growing trends for homeowners all over the country.
As for finishes, the most commonly used ones are volcanic texture, polished texture, and suede texture. Volcanic texture creates a stunning, smooth, and rustic design. The polished texture is the classic finish that gives a unique shine in addition to its vibrant color. Suede texture has a consistent color throughout the whole surface while adding a matte elegance to the design.
This impressive variety also exists in the edges: basic, bullnose, ogee, mitered, demi bullnose, and straight beveled options are available in all ranges of colors. The Silestone is truly a jack of all trades!
Among many other reasons, the ease of cleaning and little maintenance, compared to other natural stones, is what makes Silestone quartz such a popular countertop material. For example, granite is known to require sealing and re-sealing if used for a countertop surface, while Corian has to be re-sanded, as it scratches too easily. Silestone quartz doesn’t need to be polished whatsoever, as it naturally has a smooth and shiny texture to it.
As we mentioned earlier, Silestone doesn’t need to be polished, as it is extremely scratch resistant compared to almost any other natural stone. Quartz is known to be one of the most durable natural materials. In addition, while it is incredibly heat resistant, scorch marks can still be left on Silestone, so you should always be careful with hot pans and pots. Consider using trivets and potholders to save yourself the trouble.
Due to its wide variety in colors, finishes, and styles, Silestone can be found all over modern houses as a material for numerous applications. It is frequently used by homeowners in quartz countertops, bathroom sinks, flooring, walls, and, due to its high heat resistance, even in fireplaces. Many surfaces and areas of the house can benefit from Silestone quartz!
As the material is so durable, Silestone offers the strongest warranty among its counterparts at 25 years (limited) possessing transferability and the absence of pro-rata limitations. In order for the warranty to be valid, the damage shouldn’t be done by the client. For example, a crack from dropping a heavy object on it, knife scratches, scorch marks, or use of abrasive cleaning solutions will result in the refusal from the warranty repairs.
Granite and many other surfaces can emit radon gas. According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, large quantities of this gas can drastically decrease the quality of air indoors. Luckily, the Silestone quartz is known not to emit radon. In case you are concerned about it, you should always consult with your manufacturer on this topic.
The price always varies depending on the thickness, quality level, and season (the price usually goes lower in fall and winter). Still, the overall expected price of a Silestone countertop lies in the $50-$100 range. And, given all of its pros, it is pretty obvious why Silestone is so expensive. Note that the installation is usually not included in the initial price.
Take a look at our latest collection of quartz countertops.
We have over 300 patterns to choose from!
There is no doubt that Silestone quartz can be quite the superstar in homes everywhere. Each brand that offers this material provides different values and is completely dependent on your preference.
For your quartz countertop needs in the Chicagoland area, we, at Granite Selection, can definitely help you. Located in Elk Grove Village, IL, and serving a 70-mile radius, we manufacture and install quartz, granite, and other stone countertops of the highest quality. Give us a call at (888) 906 3317 and we will be happy to assist you!
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