Silestone Countertops
What are Silestone countertops?
Silestone is becoming an increasingly-popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen countertops. Silestone is an engineered surface material made out of natural, durable quartz. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns to match and complement any existing kitchen color scheme.
Silestone countertops are a resilient, low-maintenance option for kitchen renovations. These days, many people are choosing Silestone as a cheaper alternative to granite since it is widely-available and easy to work with. Silestone slabs can be quite heavy and difficult to cut and maneuver, so an experienced contractor should be hired for the installation of Silestone countertops.
Once you have selected a color or pattern for your Silestone countertops, your contractor should work up a template for their installation. A good contractor will remove your old countertops prior to creating the temple for maximum accuracy. Ask your contractor for a timeframe as far as the entire installation process goes, as you might find yourself without countertops while the project is ongoing. While Silestone countertops can be easily installed in a single afternoon, it might take a number of days for the materials to arrive; a good contractor will help you plan accordingly for the interim.
Who needs Silestone countertops?
In today’s market, buyers are placing more and more value on the layout and overall appearance of a home’s kitchen. Anyone looking to sell a home should consider having Silestone countertops installed. This will significantly help make the kitchen more appealing to buyers which, in turn, will result in a better price for the home and a quicker turnover on the market. Even if selling is not part of your agenda, Silestone countertops offer plenty of benefits for homeowners who enjoy spending time in the kitchen.
Benefits of Silestone countertops
One major benefit of Silestone countertops is the increased value they can bring to any home. Silestone is available in a number of patterns and colors, and the proper pick can really work to bring an older kitchen back to life. In fact, many homeowners find that by simply upgrading their countertops to a classy, brilliant material such as Silestone, they are able to skip some of the more intricate aspects of kitchen renovation such as cabinet and appliance replacement. Unlike granite, which can have noticeable variances in its appearance, Silestone colors and patterns are far more uniform and consistent, which makes Silestone a lot easier to work with on an aesthetic and design level.
While Silestone countertops are popular due to their attractive appearance, they are just as well-known for their strength and durability. Unlike laminate countertops, Silestone countertops are scratch and heat resistant. Since they are non-porous, they are highly unlikely to stain or get discolored over time. Silestone countertops also contain anti-microbial protection as part of their manufacturing process. This makes them quite easy to clean and maintain, which means that they will save any homeowner time and money in the long run. For added reassurance, Silestone generally comes with an industry-leading extended warranty. Your contractor should be able to provide more information on this added benefit.
Downside of Silestone countertops
The major downside of Silestone countertops is the cost involved in having them installed. Though less expensive than granite, Silestone countertops are considerably more expensive than regular laminate countertops. However, since the quality of Silestone countertops far surpasses that of laminate, there’s almost no sense in comparing costs.
Also, since Silestone is man-made, it does not offer the same natural look as granite. Some people prefer that their countertops look more unique and less engineered, and Silestone might be a disappointment to those whose goal is to create a truly one-of-a-kind kitchen.
The bottom line
Silestone countertops are a solid investment in any kitchen. Whether your intention is to sell your home in the near future or simply be able to enjoy having nice, durable countertops for your own personal use, Silestone countertops are a sure way to add style and elegance to any abode.