What Are Silestone Quartz Countertops?
The first question you may have about Silestone countertops is: Why quartz?
Quartz is a 7 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale, which is a geological measurement of the hardness of certain minerals. In fact, there are only three minerals in the world that are harder than quartz – topaz, corundum and diamonds. This makes quartz countertops some of the most durable surfaces you can buy.
In addition to its durability, Silestone quartz is non-porous and won’t absorb liquids or foods that are spilled on its surface. Unlike granite, another popular countertop, quartz doesn’t need to be resealed periodically because it can’t absorb anything.
Silestone’s non-porous quality comes from the way it is constructed. These countertops are made from a combination of natural quartz and other binding materials. Pieces of natural quartz are ground up and mixed with a resin to create a solid surface – which doesn’t have pores to absorb liquids that spill on top of it. This property keeps quartz countertops in great shape for years.
Silestone countertops offer a unique balance of aesthetics and practicality. Silestone quartz is manufactured but, because quartz is a naturally occurring mineral, these countertops have the elegance and beauty of natural stone. Depending on the design you select, the pieces of quartz are a prominent part of the pattern, bringing a natural look to your home.
One advantage Silestone has over natural surfaces like granite is its man-made nature. Because it’s manufactured, the patterns and coloring in each slab are more uniform. This makes Silestone more consistent between each slab and easier to match to other colors in the room where they’re being installed. And with a wide variety of color options, you can find a Silestone countertop that blends seamlessly into your kitchen’s or bathroom’s decor.
Besides its elegant appearance, Silestone is the only quartz countertop that offers bacteriostatic protection with hygienic properties not found elsewhere on the market. It’s also durable, which means Silestone works well for bathrooms, countertops, wall cladding and flooring and uses a minimal number of joints.
This high-end countertop material is useful for more than residential purposes. Many businesses choose Silestone quartz for its striking beauty and easy maintenance. Use Silestone for your bathroom sinks, front desk or any other area you use to impress your guests.
What Colors Does Silestone Quartz Countertops Offer?
With all the options available for your home’s countertops, finding the right match can be a challenge. You might be looking for elegance that adds to your home’s value, or you may need a durable material that can resist stains from the drinks your kids always seem to spill. You’ll find these features and more with Silestone quartz. There are a lot of great Silestone colors, styles and designs to choose from.
There are three main design elements to consider for your Silestone:
1. Color
Because quartz is man-made, it can be produced in a wide variety of colors. When you select Silestone quartz, you can choose from a range of hues, including gray, brown, black, yellow, pink, red, cream and white. This is helpful when you’re trying to match countertops with existing cabinets or room decor because you can select a Silestone hue that complements what you already have.
2. Style
Silestone quartz is available in four different styles – fine-veined, coarse-grained, veined and plain. These styles describe the way the quartz looks in the slab. For example, a countertop that is coarse-grained will have larger quartz chunks visible in the surface. A countertop that is veined will have the marbleized look of fine lines running through the surface. A plain surface wouldn’t have the appearance of stone within its slab, giving it a crisp, clean look.
The style you choose will depend on the other features in the room where you’ll use it. For example, a veined look might lend an elegant finish to a high-end kitchen. A coarse-grained slab might provide a more relaxed, natural vibe to a more casual space.
3. Finish
Silestone quartz offers three different finishes – polished texture, suede texture and volcano texture. These finishes allow you to choose whether you want your countertop to be shiny and smooth or have a softer, more natural appearance to it.
Just like the style, the finish you choose can mirror the design of the room where the quartz will be installed. Polished surfaces are a great addition to an elegant reception area or kitchen upgrade. A suede texture might be better suited for a casual eat-in kitchen that doubles as the hub for your family home.
Four Ways to Use Silestone Countertops
Silestone quartz has many practical uses for residential and commercial applications. Among the most common uses are:
1. Kitchen Countertops
Silestone quartz countertops take any kitchen to the next level. These countertops are a great option for homeowners who want a high-end look without the cost and maintenance of granite. Because it’s easy to clean and resistant to bacteria build-up, Silestone quartz is also a great option for your kitchen’s backsplash.
2. Bathroom Countertops
Silestone quartz is also a great option for bathrooms. Because these surfaces are non-porous, they hold up to whatever you throw at them – or on them. Have kids who leave water all over the counter around the sink? Silestone quartz can handle that. Have someone who is constantly using – and spilling – hair products and makeup in the bathroom? Silestone quartz can handle that. Whatever you’ve got, Silestone quartz can hold up to it all. And it’s easy to clean, which means less work for you!
Silestone quartz can also be used as an alternative to tile behind showers or tubs. Using quartz slabs in these areas of the bathroom makes a beautiful visual statement that won’t require a lot of maintenance to keep it looking nice over time. In other words, you won’t have all those grout lines to clean!
3. Corporate Spaces
Silestone quartz also makes a classy addition to corporate spaces, including reception areas, hotel lobbies and board rooms. Including Silestone quartz in your office gives it an air of elegance but also provides a durable surface that will hold up over time. It’s also a great option because it doesn’t scratch or stain easily. You don’t have to worry about your clients being too hard on it or designating someone to maintain it. Silestone quartz stays clean with just a sponge and multi-purpose cleaner, making it simple to include in any office cleaning routine.
4. Restaurants
Silestone quartz is an excellent choice for a restaurant bar. It’s durable, so it holds up to constant use, and it’s easy to clean, which means your bar staff won’t need to do more than wipe it down with a multi-purpose cleaner. Since it’s non-porous, you don’t have to worry about it absorbing spills and developing stains over time. It’s also scratch-resistant, which means it will hold up to liquids, broken dishes and anything the toughest restaurant patron can do to it.
Pros of Silestone Countertops
Numerous home and business owners prefer Silestone for their countertops, bathroom sinks and more. This hardy, resilient material offers several advantages over other types of surfaces, including:
1. Stain Resistance
Your countertops likely encounter many spills throughout the day. They come into contact with coffee, lemon juice, wine, makeup and countless other materials that can leave other counters looking stained and discolored. But with a Silestone kitchen countertop or bathroom sink, you won’t have to worry about messes and spills. Quartz is both stain- and acid-resistant due to its low porosity.
2. Strength
Quartz is one of the hardest natural materials found on earth, which ensures its durability throughout your countertop’s lifetime. Silestone has better resistance to impact from pots, pans and other small objects when compared to granite and other solid surfaces. This means you don’t have to worry when you drop a jar on the counter or when your teenager sits on it to eat a slice of pizza before soccer practice.
3. Scratch Resistance
Most other kitchen and bathroom surfaces are easily scratched by pet’s nails or household objects. With these surfaces, homeowners live in fear of damaging their beautiful countertops. But when your kitchen also serves as the center of your home, you need something that’s going to hold up. Silestone quartz kitchen countertops resist scratches from normal use, which makes them ideal for high-traffic areas.
4. Bacteria Protection
An added benefit of Silestone’s non-porous surface is its resistance to mold and bacteria. Since the material does not have any pores, these organisms have nowhere to adhere to and grow. Although it’s still important to keep your countertops clean, you don’t need to worry about unwanted organisms making their homes inside of your countertop and making your family sick.
5. Color Options
Silestone’s color chart is virtually unmatched. Silestone quartz is available in more than 90 colors, with various hues, styles and finishes to choose from. These options are sure to match any home or business’s current style. These options make it easy to select just the right surface without a lot of stress or fuss.
6. Beauty
Silestone quartz countertops are stunning yet subtle. They mimic the natural beauty of granite or marble but are slightly more informal for a softer overall feel. However, don’t let the word “informal” fool you. Quartz countertops can also be selected in colors and designs to complement your elegant bathroom or kitchen.
7. Easy Cleaning
Your Silestone countertops will not require any regular sealing, polishing or other maintenance. A soft cloth and soap are all you’ll need to clean these surfaces.
Cons of Silestone Countertops
It’s easy to sing the praises of Silestone quartz – there are so many reasons to love this countertop material. But, it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering quartz and wonder how it measures up with its competition, there are a few things to remember:
1. It’s Man-Made
Although quartz is a mineral found in nature, Silestone quartz countertops are manufactured. Natural quartz pieces are combined with other stone, binders and resins to create this surface. They are manufactured to mimic designs found in nature, however, they aren’t natural products. If you’re looking for a completely natural product, Silestone may not fulfill these requirements.
2. It’s Still Considered High End
Although Silestone quartz is man-made, it’s still considered a high-end material. When you compare costs, you’ll find a wide range of prices depending on the quality of the quartz in question. This can make it difficult to do a true cost comparison with granite or other materials since these also come in different ranges.
Some of the variations in cost are also due to the fact that quartz countertops are heavier than their granite counterparts. Because they’re so heavy, installation can be a more involved process. This means installation costs for quartz could be higher depending on the specific product.
When you’re comparing the cost of Silestone quartz against the cost of other materials, always remember to inquire about the cost of installation so you have a complete picture of the costs you’re trying to compare.
3. Susceptible to Heat Damage
Silestone quartz is incredibly durable, but it can be damaged if it’s exposed to excessive heat. Never place hot pans directly onto a quartz surface. And, while you’re at it, always use a cutting board when chopping, dicing or slicing. Quartz can stand up to a lot, but it’s still important to protect your investment and keep your surfaces looking great for years to come.
Trust H.H. Ross for Your Silestone Installation
If you’re a home or business owner who wants to install durable, gorgeous countertops, trust the professionals at Henry H. Ross and Son, Inc. for your professional Silestone installation. We’ve gained more than 60 years of experience as a family-owned countertop fabricator and installer. We use this expertise to install long-lasting Silestone countertops for both small- and large-scale applications in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Discover the Silestone difference with a team that treats you like family. Contact us today to learn more or to request your free quote.
