Silestone is a materials that is used for kitchen and bathroom countertops. If you are beginning a kitchen or bathroom remodel project for your home, then consider using silestone for your counters.

Advantages of Silestone Counters

Silestone is an engineered quartz countertop material that has the look and feel of natural stone, similar to granite or marble. It can be produced in a wide range of colors and matched to fit your room décor without any problem.

Silestone counters are very hard and heat resistant. They are resistant to staining and do not require sealing, unlike natural stone counter materials. They are water resistant and even if chipped, they can be easily repaired to match the existing surface color.

Comparison to Other Countertop Materials

Kitchen and bathroom counters can be made of a wide variety of different types of materials, ranging from natural stone to tile to concrete. While manmade engineered materials have become very popular as an option for homeowners, they can carry some distinct disadvantages.

Corian -- This is a manmade material that has been promoted for use in kitchen and bathroom countertops. While Corian offers the wonderful ability to be molded into almost any shape, including integrated sinks, it has a tendency to burn and melt when exposed to high temperatures, such as hot cookware or serving dishes. Corian is very easy to care for, however, and has a wonderful appearance.

Formica -- Formica was first introduced as a manmade material for countertops in the 1950s. This inexpensive countertop material is popular, but has the tendency to easily scratch or be marked when used as a cutting surface.

Tile -- Tile has been used for countertops for a very long time. Easy to install and versatile, tile offers the ability to be installed by any relatively skilled homeowner and can be used to create interesting design elements. Tile is available in a wide variety of colors and even artistic handmade artisan tiles. It is hard and long lasting and easy to maintain and clean. However, grout needs regular maintenance and sealing.

Natural Stone -- There many natural stone materials that are used for countertop applications. Popular choices include granite, marble, slate and sandstone. While these materials are usually hard and easy to maintain, they require regular sealing and may have a tendency to stain and chip without this regular maintenance.

Choosing a Contractor

Since silestone is an engineered product, it may be possible that your manufacturer will have a contractor or installer that they work with regularly on remodeling projects. Even if this is the case, you should consider talking directly with that installer and also with a few other contractors to get a good idea of your estimated installation costs and length of time it will take for the installation of your countertop.

If you are talking to independent contractors, ask about costs, including labor and materials. Although you will likely be purchasing your silestone counter directly from the manufacturer, you should still ask about any costs related to materials and if they have any objections to you purchasing those items directly. Purchasing materials will save you money, since most contractors add a percentage to materials costs for their own profit.

Ask about potential problems they have encountered on other installation projects and how those problems were resolved. Finally ask them if they have references from past customers that you could talk to.

Once you have several estimates, contact your local Better Business Bureau and state contractors licensing board to make sure there are no complaints against your potential contractor and that they are licensed to perform the work.

Interested in silestone countertops for your home? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for countertop price quotes.