Silestone – key features, characteristics and differences to granite
Silestone, is a composite material with more than 90% natural quartz. To say it with simple words – it is a very hard stone. Quartz is one of the hardest elements and since the material contains more than 90% quartz, this would mean that it is stronger than most natural stones. The process of crafting this material features quartz and silica which are bonded together with resins. Color pigments can be added which means that the colors vary from pure white to dark, almost black and all colors in between. The colors are even as they are man-made and the natural irregularities of stone are missing.
Silestone is widely used in kitchen countertops and is a perfect choice if you’re planning a kitchen renovation. Such countertops are non-porous, stain resistant, heat and stain resistant. The surface is also very durable and resists to scratches and liquids. The material is dense and absolutely nonporous, so it never needs sealing or polishing. The manufacturing process adds a built-in antimicrobial protection to the stone and this is another big advantage. The maintenance is very easy and all you need is a little soap and water to clean spills. Even an abrasive cleanser will not leave scratches on the surface of your beautiful countertop. Remember that this type of stone is non-porous, so stains and germs will not be absorbed below the surface.
When remodeling your kitchen, it usually comes to a silestone vs granite competition, as they are the top competitors for modern and durable countertops. Both look amazing in all types of kitchens. Whether you have a traditional, contemporary or a rustic decor in your kitchen, you’ll enjoy both granite and Sile stone countertops as they both have an enormous decorative value. Granite is a natural stone while the other is a synthetic material made from quartz. The biggest pro of granite is that it is natural and absolutely beautiful. A disadvantage is the fact that it requires sealing on a regular basis. Sile stone is indestructible, it cannot be scratched, and it is not porous. Most importantly – it does not require sealing.
