SileStone Countertops vs Granite Countertops

Through superior strength, incredible beauty and an unparalleled distribution network, Silestone is rapidly becoming the choice for discerning consumers.

Natural Beauty
Silestone offers a sophisticated elegance and timeless beauty. The natural quartz in Silestone delivers distinctive depth, brilliant clarity, glimmering radiance and a cool, solid feel unique to natural stone.

Versatility
Silestone can be used in virtually any indoor surfacing application in kitchens, bathrooms and floors, including: countertops, island tops, vanities, tub and shower surrounds, backsplashes, walls, wet bars, tabletops, desktops, fireplace surrounds and more.

Widespread Availability
In North America, Silestone is available through approximately 3,500 retailers including The Home Depot®, e-counters.com, as well as a variety of kitchen and bath retailers, cabinet shops, tile/flooring outlets, designers' showrooms, architectural firms, builders, and more.

Scratch-Resistance
The quartz in Silestone makes it naturally scratch-resistant. Only three other natural minerals - diamond, sapphire and topaz - are harder than quartz. Quartz is a seven on Mohs Hardness Scale (diamond is a 10).


So, while a careless slip of the knife will scratch most other countertops such as laminates and solid surfaces, it won't leave a mark on Silestone. Although Silestone is durable, it is not scratch-proof; it could be damaged with excessive force or pressure.

Stain-Resistance
Silestone is non-porous and therefore it is highly resistant to stains from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, makeup, and many other common household products. Unlike granite, Silestone does not need to be sealed to keep its lustrous shine.



Scorch-Resistance
Unlike solid surfaces and laminates, Silestone is scorch-resistant. It will withstand limited exposure to heat without burning or scorching. The fire of a lit match will not mar Silestone. However, as advised by crock pot and electric skillet manufacturers, do not place these items directly on any countertop. Always use trivets when placing hot items on any natural stone or quartz surface to avoid thermal shock.

Strength
Silestone has four times the flexural strength of granite, making it less susceptible to chipping and cracking during transportation and installation.

Maintenance-Free
Because it is non-porous, Silestone does not need to be sealed. Granite, marble and limestone, on the other hand, must be sealed on installation and resealed regularly to prevent staining. Silestone is a maintenance-free star compared to solid surfaces that may require rigorous maintenance to clean up tough stains, scratches and scorch marks.

Colors and Edges
Silestone is available in a wide array of dazzling colors, from conservative neutral hues, to daring bright colors, ensuring that there is a Silestone color to suit most any style or taste. Silestone delivers a uniformity and consistency that allows for virtually unlimited edge designs.

Experience and Professionalism
Silestone is available through a mature network of dedicated distributors and fabricators backed by the experience of Cosentino with more than 70 years in the natural stone industry. Plus, Certified Silestone Installers are trained through a unique curriculum that includes expert, hands-on training.

Innovation
Silestone leads its category in innovative ideas for a product that already is known for its ingenious physical properties and customer benefits. Silestone offers the most colors in natural quartz; the most innovative sink installation methods, such as integrated, flush- and bevel-mounted; and the latest, newest products such as the exclusive Silestone® Leather™ with Microban®.

Remodeling Market Increases!!!!!

Due to the ever crashing market, declining home sales, and foreclosures the homeowners that are able to keep their mortgages are choosing to stay put with their investments and upgrade their homes. Remodeling helps with all types of the property market by increasing the value and the appeal of the home. The home owner can ask for higher values in the sales market, and gain more exposure in that price bracket for the newer upgrades. Simple kitchen cabinets, counter top and flooring upgrades are the main selling points for all homes. The bathrooms are the second most important factor in the homes appeal. Most clients are now asking for Travertine flooring, matching shower tiles, and a closet design for the master bathroom area, with special emphasis on the jacuzzi tubs and his/her toilet commodes. For normal 3 bedroom homes the cost of entire remodeling can start off around $3,000 and can rise up to the value of the home itself depending on what the clients wish for.

A good way to start your project, is to find out what you are willing to spend in each area, conform to a budget for the entire project and be realistic. A lot of clients want to start off with a small budget in mind, yet once they walk a contractor through the project they have already upgraded what they want. Another good point is to think a little more long term, and how a little more money into the project will increase the quality and the overall image of the remodel. For example, If you are looking to remodel the kitchen, but do no want to spend the extra money on the counter tops for stone, you will not create the same effect and will probably wish that you had spent the extra 2-3 thousand and really make the kitchen special a year or two later.


Another great tip into remodeling is to re-paint the outside of the home so that it feels newer with the interior upgrades. Landscaping is something anybody can do with a little time and sweat, but nobody can hide a bad paint job.