Upgrading your counters is one of the best ways to remodel your kitchen, but not all countertops are created equal. Some countertops are better for your kitchen needs than others.
What about Silestone countertops?
Silestone countertops may be the answer to your kitchen needs. Stick with us, because this will be one of the only Silestone reviews you'll need to read.
What Is Silestone?
Silestone is a man-made material created by combining natural quartz and resilient raw materials. This combination creates an incredibly durable material that's ideal for countertops in the kitchen and bathroom.
In recent years, Silestone has seen a rise in popularity due to its many benefits over quartz and granite.
The Benefits of Silestone Countertops
Silestone is made primarily of quartz, which in itself is a highly durable material. In combination with the raw materials added, Silestone becomes scratch resistant and highly resistant to dents and stains.
Silestone is so stain-resistant because it's dense and non-porous. Unlike natural stone surfaces, Silestone does not require any sealing to protect it. There's no risk of permanent staining from common kitchen liquids like coffee, wine, and oil.
These countertops are becoming so popular because of how easy they are to maintain. In addition to not having to be sealed, Silestone also doesn't need to be re-sanded to eliminate cuts or nicks. The quartz gives a naturally glossy finish and won't require polishing.
The cleanup is easy, requiring you to wipe away whatever was spilled. A soft, natural cloth and a non-abrasive cleaning agent is all you need. Cleaning the surface often is necessary to keep the surface shiny.
Silestone also boasts proprietary bacteriostatic protection in every slab. This extra layer is unique to Silestone and means there's no worry about mold, mildew, or bacteria making a home in the countertop.
Because it's man-made, Silestone is available in a wide variety of color options. There are over 100 colors to choose from. They are separated into hue families.
Silestone comes in grey, black, white, brown, cream, and yellow-gold hues. There are also three texture options: polished, suede, and volcano. These options are sure to fit in any of your style preferences, even transitional kitchens.
For a luxury material, Silestone is widely available to the public. You can purchase slabs from big-box retailers. Slabs can also be purchased through boutique locations like kitchen and bath studios.
Issues With Silestone Countertops
Though there are many positives, there are, of course, some issues. There are some features that Silestone does not have that may be found in other countertop styles.
One big issue is that Silestone is not heat resistant. This can be an issue in the kitchen where many hot pans, pots, and baking sheets are frequent. Placing a hot pot or pan directly on the Silestone may cause a ring to form from the heat.
Heat can permanently change the color of the countertop. To combat this, it's recommended to always use a pot-holder, coaster, or other heat-resistant materials between the hot item and the Silestone counter.
UV light and direct sunlight exposure can cause color fading over time. This is something to take caution with if you have a brightly lit kitchen.
Harsh chemicals that are commonly found in the kitchen can break down the resin bond on the surface. These common chemicals include Drano, Liquid Plumber, oven cleaner, and floor strippers. Silestone lists all of these as harmful to the integrity of the countertop.
Hard water can create deposits left on the surface. This can be caused by setting down wet dishes. These deposits care cleaned with gentle commercial cleaners. If that doesn't work, full-strength vinegar and a soft cloth will break down the deposits.
It's important, however, to thoroughly clean away all of the cleaner left afterward. Rinsing away the product preserves the life of the countertop.
If cost is a factor, Silestone is on the higher end of the price range. It's in line with other high-end materials like granite and marble. The price is most similar to granite in a price per square foot.
Where to Use Silestone
Silestone is great in the kitchen. While it's most often found as a kitchen countertop, it also has various applications throughout the home.
Elsewhere in the kitchen, it's used as wall siding. The mix of durability and style make it a smart statement for high-traffic areas. The Silestone Integrity sink has all the characteristics of Silestone in your kitchen sink.
Scratch resistance and high-performance quality will keep this sink looking like new no matter how much use it gets. The Integrity sink comes in multiple styles to fit any kitchen design.
Outside the kitchen, Silestone is also ideal in the bathroom. It makes for great bathroom countertops, bathroom siding, shower trays, and washbasins.
Silestone Reviews: What's the Verdict?
If you're looking for a material with great durability and a lifetime warranty, then Silestone is for your next home improvement project. It's a low-maintenance material with many benefits. Scratch-resistance, bacteria-resistance, and stain-resistance make this an excellent candidate for a kitchen.
A variety of colors and styles are sure to please even the pickiest of home remodelers. It also has the benefit of not needing any sealants.
Silestone is not without its cons, though.
This material lacks heat resistance. Placing a hot item can lead to permanent color changes. Hard water and sunlight can also change the color of the surface.
Overall, Silestone is an excellent alternative to traditional stone countertops.
Choosing Silestone Countertops
A kitchen upgrade starts with great countertops. Countertops are the featured accent piece in your kitchen, so they have to be stunning. A material like Silestone fits well in every kitchen because of its versatility.
Our Silestone review says: if you're looking for a countertop option that marries style and durability, these countertops are for you. Silestone is great for families, low maintenance, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
Want to upgrade your space? For your next home project, would you consider Silestone countertops? Let us help you find your new countertops.
